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This gem of an old-growth trail parallels the "other" Eagle Creek - the one without all the crowds!


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Map Key

7.2

Miles

11.6

KM

Point to Point

2,379' 725 m

High

1,602' 488 m

Low

1,410' 430 m

Up

1,168' 356 m

Down

7%

Avg Grade (4°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Spring · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Family Friendly This trail has a gentle grade with old growth trees that are impressive. The side creek crossings are best done in summer. The Eagle Creek ford at the end of the trail is a good turnaround point.

This trail is open most of the year. The many tributary creeks crossing the trail can be substantial in winter and spring. Trailhead parking is limited. There has been considerable logging on the way to the trailhead and directional signs to the trailhead have been shot up. So take a map or use the Hiking Project mobile app.

Description

This trail east of the community of George, enters the far west end of the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness Area unlike the "other" Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia Gorge than can be so crowded. Take SE George Road to Harvey Road and turn right. Harvey soon makes a hard left heading north and then northeast. The trailhead is along the right side of the road near a large pile of root wads before the end of the road. The first part of the trail is an old road bed, and it gradually narrows to a trail and you'll pass a wilderness sign for the Salmon Huckleberry Wilderness.

This Eagle Creek Trail #501 follows alongside Eagle Creek passing through old-growth Douglas fir, western hemlock and western red cedar forest. The first few miles skirt the creek higher on the hill but the creek can always be heard. There are several creek crossings along the trail that can be more challenging in winter and spring. There are also several campsites. The latter part of the trail on the east end is along Eagle Creek. The trail ends at a ford of Eagle Creek. Across the ford is the Eagle Creek Cutoff Trail #504.

Flora & Fauna

Low elevation old-growth Douglas fir, huge western redcedar, western hemlock and big leaf, alder and vine maple make this a stunning hike. The understory is thick with sword ferns, maidenhair ferns, thimbleberry, salmon berry, oxalis, Oregon grape, and salal.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kathleen Walker

Trail Ratings

  4.1 from 8 votes

#9967

Overall
  4.1 from 8 votes
5 Star
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4 Star
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3 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#293

in Oregon

#9,967

Overall
18 Views Last Month
2,721 Since Sep 19, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

The beginning of the trail with views of Eagle Creek.
Sep 19, 2016 near Mount H…, OR
The large trees, moss carpet and ferns depict an old growth forest. Photo by Gene Blick.
Sep 19, 2016 near Mount H…, OR
The end of the Eagle Creek Trail ends in a ford of the creek over to Eagle Creek Cutoff Trail. Photo by Gene Blick.
Sep 19, 2016 near Mount H…, OR
Eagle Creek at the end of the trail, is able to be forded most of the time with caution. Photo by John Sparks.
Oct 6, 2016 near Mount H…, OR
This is near the Eagle Creek trailhead along Harvey Road. Walk behind these down an old road until it turns to a trail.
Sep 19, 2016 near Estacada, OR
The trail has several smaller creek crossings that cross the trail. Photo by Gene Blick
Sep 19, 2016 near Mount H…, OR

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