I'm headed out on a 6 week trip soon, and I'd like a little info on the Gorge. I (we) will be living out of the truck and camping, so that will also have to be taken in to consideration.
So, on to the questions. We'll be coming up from the 1 (Coast).. Any camping in or near the Gorge? We'd like to spend several days there. Can we just wander around off trails, or are the trail systems developed to the point that it isn't necessary?
Basically I'm looking for a primer. First time visitor with all the time I care to take. What areas? What trails? What would YOU do? Not looking to ride on someone elses coattails here, just want to be a little more prepared than 'showing up' and wandering around (which will be done quite a bit, anyway).
I'd love to see some of the iconic areas, but less visited, harder to get to areas are ideal ;)
A little extra info. We both have full shells and are as waterproof as can be.. weather isn't a big problem. Most of the trip will be spent multi-day backpacking, so no time considerations when in and around the Gorge..
There are at least four campgrounds in the Gorge - Ainsworth State Park and Forest Service campgrounds at Eagle Creek, Wyeth and Herman Creek. Wyeth is the most quiet of the bunch, with Herman Creek next in line on that front. All are within earshot of rail an truck traffic through the Gorge (since the vertical walls act like a giant echo chamber). Ainsworth has the most noise, and train in the middle of the night can sound like they're coming right through your tent!
There are so good guidebooks worth picking up:
1. Bill Sullivan's hiking guide to NW Oregon has trips on both sides of the Gorge, including all of the main waterfall hikes.
2. Curious Gorge is a book that can only be bought in the local area, and has some off-beat trip ideas.
3. Moon Books has a general travel book for the Columbia Gorge that covers the broader scene - places to eat, museums, scenic drives, hotels. An excellent guide.
There are two online sources to check out:
1. PortlandHikers.org has this searchable hiking guide that is maintained by volunteers (of which I am one).
A few of the creeks that are 100% off trail that will wear you out would be Moffet Creek, McCord Creek (both entrances to these creeks are ON interstate 84 - you pull over, park and walk down to the creeks and start hiking and shooting. The creeks will be very full of Devils Club and other tough to get thru foilage in probably 3 weeks (or less the way things are growing).
Remember to bring lots of micro fiber cloths for keeping lenses clean and dry.
Posted by Darren White on May 22, 2008 at 11:36 PM
Where is this Columbia River Gorge everyone keeps talking about......
The downside of the gorge at this time of year is car break-ins. Please take care of your gear, especially at the Eagle Creek trailhead. For this trailhead I'd park closer to the highway, since there are fewer break-ins here. The gorge is a fantastic place, but just be aware of the possibility.
I'd also suggest the Herman Creek trail. About 7 miles back there are some amazing old growth trees which are possibly the biggest remaining in the gorge. They are a mix of Doug Fir and Cedar, but are tall and majestic.
Thanks so much for the info everyone Can't wait to check it out.
I used to live 1/4 mile from tracks, so I'm a bit better equipped to deal with that, but, eh..
I definitely don't like hearing about car break ins..
Posted by Ned Fenimore on May 23, 2008 at 11:56 AM
Eagle Creek Trail will not disappoint! It is perfect right now.. If you park at the first lot by the fish hatchery, there is a camp host on station there right now - definitely the safest...
After digging around at a few of the links provided, I think I'll be in great shape. More info than I could ask for, thanks. I noticed there's quite a bit of information provided for backpacking, which is perfect for us - don't care so much for packed campgrounds.
It does worry me that at most of them the issue of car prowling is brought up... would it be wise to 'base camp' out of one of the campgrounds in the Gorge? Will this ensure a safe place for the truck, or..? Is it really *that* big of a problem?
Thanks for the info about the two creeks off-trail, John. And the old growth, David. Being from the Southwest, water that falls from the sky seems mystical to me, so moss covered rocks, cascades and waterfalls are another planet.
Discussion
7 repliesI'm headed out on a 6 week trip soon, and I'd like a little info on the Gorge. I (we) will be living out of the truck and camping, so that will also have to be taken in to consideration.
So, on to the questions. We'll be coming up from the 1 (Coast).. Any camping in or near the Gorge? We'd like to spend several days there. Can we just wander around off trails, or are the trail systems developed to the point that it isn't necessary?
Basically I'm looking for a primer. First time visitor with all the time I care to take. What areas? What trails? What would YOU do? Not looking to ride on someone elses coattails here, just want to be a little more prepared than 'showing up' and wandering around (which will be done quite a bit, anyway).
I'd love to see some of the iconic areas, but less visited, harder to get to areas are ideal ;)
A little extra info. We both have full shells and are as waterproof as can be.. weather isn't a big problem. Most of the trip will be spent multi-day backpacking, so no time considerations when in and around the Gorge..
Thanks for any info!
There are so good guidebooks worth picking up:
1. Bill Sullivan's hiking guide to NW Oregon has trips on both sides of the Gorge, including all of the main waterfall hikes.
2. Curious Gorge is a book that can only be bought in the local area, and has some off-beat trip ideas.
3. Moon Books has a general travel book for the Columbia Gorge that covers the broader scene - places to eat, museums, scenic drives, hotels. An excellent guide.
There are two online sources to check out:
1. PortlandHikers.org has this searchable hiking guide that is maintained by volunteers (of which I am one).
2. Bryan Swan's excellent Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest site is an indispensable guide to the waterfalls - both the popular spot and the offbeat and off-trail.
There are a couple of maps worth buying:
1. Trails of the Columbia River Gorge (produced by Geo-Graphics)
2. The official Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area map
All of the above printed materials are usually available at a local REI -- there are four in the Portland area.
Enjoy your visit, and plan for a bit of rain!
A few of the creeks that are 100% off trail that will wear you out would be Moffet Creek, McCord Creek (both entrances to these creeks are ON interstate 84 - you pull over, park and walk down to the creeks and start hiking and shooting. The creeks will be very full of Devils Club and other tough to get thru foilage in probably 3 weeks (or less the way things are growing).
Remember to bring lots of micro fiber cloths for keeping lenses clean and dry.
I'd also suggest the Herman Creek trail. About 7 miles back there are some amazing old growth trees which are possibly the biggest remaining in the gorge. They are a mix of Doug Fir and Cedar, but are tall and majestic.
David M. Cobb
I used to live 1/4 mile from tracks, so I'm a bit better equipped to deal with that, but, eh..
I definitely don't like hearing about car break ins..
It does worry me that at most of them the issue of car prowling is brought up... would it be wise to 'base camp' out of one of the campgrounds in the Gorge? Will this ensure a safe place for the truck, or..? Is it really *that* big of a problem?
Thanks for the info about the two creeks off-trail, John. And the old growth, David. Being from the Southwest, water that falls from the sky seems mystical to me, so moss covered rocks, cascades and waterfalls are another planet.