HCRH State Trail - Cascade Locks to John Yeon


Area Status: Open

This car-free, paved segment of the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail runs from Bridge of the Gods Trailhead in Cascade Locks on its eastern end to John Yeon State Scenic Corridor on the west end. 

The trail departs the town of Cascade Locks just west of the Bridge of the Gods mural, parelleling the interstate for a few hundred feet before dipping into a wooded area. It passes under the interstate and after about two miles it crosses Ruckel Creek, which has a small but charming waterfall. Note that bikes are prohibited on nearby Ruckel Creek Trail #405.

The next major attraction along the trail, three miles west of Cascade Locks, is Eagle Creek Day Use Area and the Cascade Salmon Hatchery. Eagle Creek has an interesting history as the Forest Service's first developed campground, and today includes a forested picnic area, pavilion, and restroom which would make it a charming rest stop. It also provides access to the cliffside Eagle Creek Trail #440 (bikes prohibited). The state-run hatchery, important for local salmon, has self-guided tours available. 

West of Eagle Creek, the trail climbs up a forty foot staircase. Though equiped with a bikewheel groove, the stairs may pose accessibility challenges for some. The trail then passes offers an intimate view of the historic engineering marvel, Bonneville Dam, as it passes over Tooth Rock Tunnel (which houses the eastbound lanes of I-84). Many burned and fire-weakened trees were removed from the upslope side of this trail after the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, to prevent them from falling onto the interstate, but the slopes are already experiencing a rapid regeneration of wildflowers.

After a small substation, the trail passes Tooth Rock Trailhead and an underpass that leads to the Bonneville Dam Oregon Visitor's Center (Exit 40) to the south, with the trailhead for Wahclella Falls Trail #436 to the north. It crosses once more to the north side of the interstate and continues along the Columbia River until Moffett Creek, then crosses back south of the interstate through an area of forest where the impacts of Eagle Creek Fire are still apparent.

Here, the trail enters the John Yeon State Scenic Corridor, which ends at John B. Yeon State Trailhead. After this, cyclists will need to share the road with cars along frontage road to reach the Waterfall Corridor section of the Historic Columbia River Highway that starts at Ainsworth (Exit 35).

The full length of the segment runs 11 miles out-and-back. Note bikes are prohibited on several hiking trails in the area, and many still remain closed due to post-fire hazards caused by a 2017 fire. 

At a Glance

Fees: Parking is free at Tooth Rock Trailhead and at John B. Yeon State Park. A $5 day-use fee per vehicle applies at Bridge of the Gods Trailhead (in Cascade Locks), Eagle Creek Recreation Area, and Wahclella Trailhead.
Usage: Medium
Restrictions: See Oregon State Park website.
Closest Towns: Cascade Locks, OR
Operated By: Oregon State Park

General Information

Accessibility:

Generally this is a paved trail that is accessible, however, there is an staircase near Eagle Creek that poses an obstacle. 


Directions:

Depending on your access point, see: Bridge of the Gods Trailhead, Tooth Rock Trailhead, Eagle Creek Recreation Area*, Wahclella Falls Trailhead*, and John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor*. *These parking areas fill quickly due to nearby hiking trails.  


Parking:

Parking options for accessing the trail include Bridge of the Gods Trailhead in Cascade Locks, at Tooth Rock Trailhead, Eagle Creek Recreation Area*, Wahclella Trailhead*, and John B. Yeon State Park*. *These parking areas fill quickly due to nearby hiking trails. We do not recommend leaving valuables in your car, as break-ins are not uncommon at trailheads in the Gorge.


Activities

Road Cycling

This 11-mile section of the paved Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail runs past popular attractions such as Eagle Creek, Bonneville Dam, and Wahclella, and offers spectacular views of the Gorge. See the directions for access points that can be used to create shorter rides.

General Info:

Seasonal Information

During spring and summer weekends, parking fills quickly -- arrive early or come mid-week. 

Winter in the Columbia River Gorge often means ice, snow, or freezing temperatures even when the weather is mild in nearby Portland, so check the weather forecast before heading out, bring tire chains, and take other winter weather precautions. 

In autumn, please keep out of area creeks, to protect spawning salmon. 


Day Hiking

Day hikers can access this paved trail at John Yeon State Park, Wahclella, Toothrock State Park, Eagle Creek, walk in a bit from Bonneville Hatchery, or Cascade Locks. There are opportunities to connect with Gorge Trail #400 segments John Yeon to Wahclella, Wahclella to Eagle Creek, and Eagle Creek to Cascade Locks. From Gorge 400, hikers can further explore Wauna Viewpoint Trail #402 or Ruckel Creek Trail #405.