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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 29 results

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…

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…

Catherine Creek Loop

Site Open
Hiking
This 1.9 mile loop, northeast of the Catherine Creek Trailhead, offers spectacular wildflower viewing during the spring and passes within sight of a natural arch. The vicinity surrounding the arch is…

Catherine Creek Recreation Area

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking
One of the premier areas for early spring wildflower viewing in the eastern Columbia River Gorge, Catherine Creek Recreation Area is popular each spring before it dries up by mid summer. The…

Coyote Wall Recreation Area

Site Open
Biking Hiking Horse Riding and Camping
A massive formation of columnar basalt, Coyote Wall is one of the Columbia River Gorge's most recognizable features from all directions. Known around the Gorge as "The Syncline", local amateur…

Dog Mountain

Site Closed
Hiking Picnicking Outdoor Science and Learning
Dog Mountain Day Use Area and Trailhead is the access point for two of the most scenic trails in the Gorge, Dog Mountain Trail #147 and Augspurger Trail #4407. These two trails form a popular loop…

Eagle Creek Campground

Site Open
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Spend a night outdoors in the Forest Service's first developed campground, which originally opened in 1916 at the dawn of America's love affair with car camping! Located in the central Columbia…

Eagle Creek Day Use Area

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking Water Activities
This historic site is a great accessible spot for a picnic alongside the mouth of the stunning Eagle Creek canyon. Today's picnic area was once the site of the first developed campground in the U.S.…

Eagle Creek Overlook Group Campground

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning Water Activities
This historic site was developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam. Great for family gatherings and other group events.Set on a…

Last updated April 1st, 2025