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Hiking

Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of the Scenic Area. We hope you enjoy our spectacular scenery, as it is one of the unique resources that we work hard to protect! Visit our Hood River office or our maps page to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest. Please help us protect natural resources by staying on the trail. Cutting shortcuts (or switchbacks) can damage plants and lead to erosion. 

Trail Updates

Some trails in Eagle Creek Area are still closed due to hazard trees and rockslides caused by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Check alerts and weather & road conditions before heading out. Please be prepared to encounter unexpected obstacles (logs, trail washouts, overgrown sections) on your hike.

To report downed trees on the trail, call (541) 308-1700 with the trail name, approximate location on the trail, and if possible the number of trees and approximate tree diameter. (Tip: can you wrap your arms around it or is it bigger?)

Backpacking

Many trails in the Gorge offer opportunities for backpacking, and some of these trails connect to the Mount Hood or Gifford Pinchot National Forests, such as the Pacific Crest Trail. Plan your route carefully and cross-check your plans against any current closures or alerts. We do not recommend camping overnight in severely burned areas, due to the risks of dead trees falling with little to no warning signs. 

Day Hikes

From short waterfront forays to steep ascents, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area offers breathtaking views, many of which are perfect for short day hikes. 

Search for Hiking Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 85 results

Angel's Rest Trail (#415)

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
This classic hike is best known for being a good workout that rewards with a spectacular view of Portland. The first (approximate) mile of trail is on Oregon State Parks land.The trail climbs uphill…

Augspurger Trail (#4407)

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Augspurger Trail shares a trailhead with Dog Mountain Trail, climbing the west slope of Dog Mountain before continuing on to Augspurger Mountain, the summit looming to the north. It features rock…

Balfour-Klickitat Area & Trail (#4414)

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Picnicking
This day use area offers an easy paved trail with Gorge views, wildflowers, and birdwatching opportunities just west of the Klickitat River's convergence with the Columbia River. Once a ranch, the…

Bell Creek Trail (#459)

Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
This little-used trail promises solitude as it passes through old-growth stands of Douglas-fir, western redcedar and hemlock. The trail begins at Oneonta Trail #424 and ends at Horsetail Creek Trail…

Bonneville Trailhead

Site Open
Picnicking Horse Riding and Camping Hiking
Provides access to Tamanous Trail #27, which connects hikers to the Pacific Crest Trail. The parking area has plenty of room for horse trailers.This is also a Northern Pikeminnow collections…

Bridge Of The Gods Trailhead

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking
Provides access to: Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000 which accesses Mark O Hatfield Wilderness to the south, and the state of Washington to the north across the Columbia River. The…

Buck Point Trail (#439)

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
This short but steep trail begins at Eagle Creek Campground between Site #5 and #6. It ends under the BPA powerlines with a view of the Columbia River. Perfect for campground visitors, it could also…

BZ Launch Site & Trail (#4413)

Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities
This day-use site allows kayakers and rafters to put into the Lower White Salmon River. It also includes an easy day hike with scenic views of the river.The trail to the White Salmon River launch…

Cape Horn Overlook

Site Open
Hiking
Cape Horn Overlook is accessed via Cape Horn Trail #4418. Follow Cape Horn Trail for a scenic 2 mile hike to Cape Horn Overlook. The site was developed in dedication to Nancy Russell, who saved this…

Cape Horn Trail (#4418)

Hiking
This strenuous trail is noted for its many scenic overlooks with classic views looking east up the Columbia River Gorge. Enjoy the six mile loop seasonally from July 16 to January 31 or take the…

Last updated April 1st, 2025