Name: Nick Eaton Trail #447
Rating: 4.0

“This steep trail connects the Herman Creek Trail #406 and Gorton Creek Trail #408 with plenty of views along the way.”

— Bruce Hope

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fall Colors · Views

This trail is within the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, so the usual federal wilderness area regulations and restrictions apply here. Practice Leave No Trace (LNT) backcountry skills and ethics. Camp 100 feet from fragile areas; bury human waste at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites. This trail is usually snowed in between November and May.

Description

The Nick Eaton Trail #447 starts from the Herman Creek Trail #406 just past Herman Camp.

Immediately after it leaves the #406, the #447 begins a relentless climb up a long series of steep switchbacks for 1.6 miles to a junction with the Ridge Cutoff Trail #437. There are some views of the Columbia River along this stretch of the #447. Past this junction, the grade of the #447 eases for a bit as it passes a poorly signed junction with the old Deadwood Trail #422 leading down to the Gorton Creek Trail #408 at Deadwood Camp. The #422 is poorly maintained and may be hard to follow.

The #447 continues along the ridge, now climbing more steeply again, for about another 1.2 miles to a junction with the Casey Creek Trail #476. There are some rocky sections before this trail junction where the #447 might be hard to follow. However, once past this junction, the gradient of the #447 becomes level as it continues across some rocky areas for 0.9 miles to end at its junction with the Gorton Creek Trail #408.