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Take the Herman Creek Trail to the PCT and climb, climb, climb out of the gorge to the ridgeline.


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Map Key

18.1

Miles

29.1

KM

Out and Back

4,145' 1,263 m

High

224' 68 m

Low

4,399' 1,341 m

Up

4,399' 1,341 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

33%

Max Grade (18°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Birding · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

  • NW Forest Pass is required for parking at the Herman Creek Trailhead.
  • The lower elevations of the hike stay open year-round, but snow will cover the upper sections during the winter months.

Overview

This is a tough workout, but lots of fun too. The grades are steady and challenging, but doable. Almost all of this hike is shaded so it's a great option for the summer months.

Need to Know

It's possible to modify this hike by extending all the way to Indian Mountain. Either leave a vehicle in advance (the extension adds nine miles of trail) or make the return from Indian Mountain all the way back to the Herman Creek Trailhead (adds an additional 16 miles).

Description

This trail starts in the dense tree cover of the Herman Creek Trail #406. After a brief descent to cross the Herman Creek footbridge, the trail climbs to join the PCT. Go left on the PCT to soon enter the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The trail travels through multiple scree fields with good views of the river and the Washington side of the Gorge.

The trail switches back and steepens as it climbs the ridge, and all the hard work is rewarded with sweeping views from an alpine surrounding. The trail continues to climb before leveling off just before the junction of the Eagle Benson Trail #434. This out-and-back is much faster on the return.

Contacts

Shared By:

Chris Chiacchierini

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 4 votes

#2824

Overall
  4.5 from 4 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#80

in Oregon

#2,824

Overall
5 Views Last Month
1,829 Since Jun 20, 2016
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Photos

Mount Hood from near Camp Smokey
Feb 22, 2018 near Cascade…, OR
Looking north across the gorge into WA.
Oct 12, 2016 near Cascade…, OR
Doug Fir.
Oct 12, 2016 near Cascade…, OR
PCT Trail Marker
Sep 18, 2023 near Cascade…, OR
Camp Smokey
Feb 22, 2018 near Cascade…, OR

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