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Skamania
County and Columbia River Gorge
hiking |
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The Washington side of the Columbia
River Gorge
offers more varied, unique hiking opportunities
than its
southern neighbor, Oregon.
It geographic placement on the sunny side
of the Gorge
assures recreation enthusiasts of an extended outdoor season,
many venues for sports, and and a great variety of flora
and fauna.
In addition, its trails and climbing sites are varied in difficulty
from easy to
strenuous, which means there is a hike
for every level of fitness and
capability.
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GUIDE TO TRAIL
DIFFICULTY
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Easy: |
More
Difficult: |
Most Difficult: |
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Requires
limited skill and has little physical challenge. Tread is
smooth, level, and wide, with generous clearing of trees, limbs
and other vegetation above and to each side of the trail to
permit easy passage. Elevation gain or loss is minimal. Streams
are most often crossed by bridges. |
Requires
a moderate skill level and provides a moderate physical
challenge. Tread surface contains roots and embedded rocks.
Clearing of trees, limbs and other vegetation above and to each
side of the trail results in occasional contact by the users.
Elevation gain or loss is moderate. Streams are most often
crossed by fording. |
Requires
a high degree of skill and provides a lot of physical challenge.
Tread is seldom graded, except on steep side slopes for safety
and erosion prevention. Minimal clearing of trees, limbs and
other vegetation, which results in hampering the progress of the
user. Elevation gain or loss is usually severe. Streams are
crossed by fording and are sometimes difficult.
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DETERMINING LEVEL OF
TRAIL USE
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Indicator |
Encounters
Per Day |
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Non-Wilderness |
Wilderness |
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Light |
0–5 |
0–3 |
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Moderate |
6–15 |
4–9 |
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Heavy |
16–50 |
10–18 |
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Extra
Heavy |
50+ |
18+ |
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COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE HIKES |
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WESTERN SKAMANIA COUNTY HIKING |
Sam's Walker Trail, Skamania WA - 6 miles (9.65 K) from
Quinn Mountain
Level: Easy
Amount of Use: Moderate
This is a two-mile trail with two loops through oak and conifer
forests and meadows with nice views of the Columbia River. Turn left on the
west end of Skamania Landing Road- this road is a loop - don't take the east
end.) Cross the railroad tracks and continue for 1/4 mile (.4K) . To the
right you will see a parking area at the trail head.
Elevation: 60 feet.
St. Cloud Trail - 4 miles (6.43
K) from Quinn Mountain
Level: Easy Universal Access
Amount of Use: Moderate
The footpath is about a mile long, meandering through a 50-year-old
apple orchard. A pleasant spot for picnics (5 areas) with access to the
Columbia River and a view of Multnomah Falls. To reach the trail, travel
west of Stevenson on Highway 14 for about 14 miles (22.53K). Travel 3 miles
(4.83K) west of Skamania Landing and the Skamania General Store, then turn
south 0.1 miles (.16K) past Milepost 30 off Highway 14.
Beacon Rock - 10 miles (16
K) from
Quinn Mountain
Level: More Difficult
Amount of Use: Heavy
Beacon Rock is a well known landmark that is recommended for first
time visitors to the Gorge. Beacon Rock is the core of an extinct volcano
about 10 miles (16.09K) west of Stevenson and 35 miles (56.33K) east of
Vancouver on the south side of Highway 14. Henry J. Biddle, an early owner
of the rock, finished the original trail in 1918. The plug is 848 feet
(.25K) high with handrails lining most of the ascent. The trail is 4,500
feet (1.37K) long with a 15 percent grade and takes 45 minutes to an hour to
make the round trip. The trail is open year round and is maintained by the
State Park.
Hamilton Mountain- 10 miles (16
K) from
Quinn Mountain
Level: More Difficult
Amount of Use: Moderate
The trail to Hamilton Mountain starts from Beacon Rock State Park
(just across Highway 14 from the rock itself) and is four miles one way.
Hikers will enjoy lush forest scenery and views of Hardy Creek and Rodney
Falls about one mile up and the "Pool of the Winds," an impressive cavern
enclosing Rodney Falls. Allow two hours to hike each way. The trail is a
gradual climb has a total elevation gain of 2,100 feet (.64K) and is
open and maintained year round by Beacon Rock State Park.
Fort Cascades Trail - 13 miles
(20.92 K) from
Quinn Mountain
Level: Easy
Amount of use: Moderate
This interpretive trail is near Bonneville Dam off the Dam Access
Road. It is a short one-and-a-half mile loop along flat ground. The trail
includes several sights of important events that happened during early
settlement of this area. The guide brochure numbers and explains each sight
in the order the hiker comes to them, offering a "hands-on" historical
experience. The Fort Cascades Trail Guide is available at the Dam visitor
center and the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce in Stevenson.
Pacific Crest National Scenic
Trail - 14 miles (25.74 K) from
Quinn Mountain
Level: More Difficult
Amount of Use: Moderate
The trail is widely known and begins in Canada following the Cascade
Mountain Range south to the deserts of Mexico. The section that lies in
Skamania County begins at the trail head on the north side of Highway 14
across from the Bridge of the Gods . Hikers also have the option of
beginning from the trail head across from the entrance to Bonneville Dam. A
third place to access the trail is near the Wind River Ranger District.
Drive past the Ranger District and take the first right beside Hemlock Lake.
Drive up the road about 1/2 mile (.8K) and the trail is on the left with a
wooden foot bridge spanning Trout Creek. After about the first mile, there
is an exceptional look-out point with views overlooking the Wind River
Nursery and the Wind River canyon area. National Forest Maps are available
showing water, camping, supplies and horse areas.
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EASTERN SKAMANIA COUNTY HIKING |
Wind Mountain - 22 miles (35.4 K) from
Quinn Mountain
Level: Most Difficult
Amount of Use: Moderate
This is about a three mile hike (1,000 foot elevation gain) that
offers remarkable views of the Gorge and authentic Indian vision quest
sites. Travel 6 miles east of Stevenson on Highway 14 and turn left on Wind
Mountain Road (1/2 mile (.8K) past Home Valley Store). Follow the road about
a mile to a gravel parking lot. A wide gravel path at the east end of the
lot leads downhill to the Bob Kuse Memorial Trail. Hikers should be careful
of rattlesnakes during the hot summer months.
Dog Mountain - 24 miles (38.62 K)
from
Quinn Mountain
Level: Most Difficult
Amount of Use: Heavy
A very popular trail, particularly from mid-April through early June,
when the hills are filled with blooming wildflowers. Hikers will also see
impressive views of Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams and Mt. Hood. The trail is
somewhat challenging as it gains 2,400 feet (.73K) in elevation and is 3.5
miles (5.63K) to the top. It is open March through December, although hikers
should watch for rattlesnakes during the hot summer months. To reach the
trail, travel 10 miles east of Stevenson. After Milepost 53 on Highway 14 ,
there is a large dirt parking lot on the north side of the highway and a
sign marks the trail head.
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GIFFORD PINCHOT NATIONAL FOREST HIKING -
North of Carson, WA |
Grassy Knoll Trail #146 - 38 miles (61.15 K) from
Quinn Mountain
Level: Most Difficult
Amount of Use: Moderate
Spectacular views of the Cascade Mountain range are offered.
Wildflower season is early June through the end of July. Travel 4 miles
(6.44K) north of Carson on Wind River Highway and turn right on Bear Creek
Road (Forest Road #6808). Follow #6808 about 13 miles (20.92K) to the
junction of forest roads #6808 and #68. Turn left and follow #68 west for
about 2.5 miles (4.02K) to the junction of Forest Road #68 and #6800-511
(Spur Road 511). The trail head and a parking area are located at the
junction. Elevation: Trail head elevation is 2,840 feet: trail end elevation
is 4,000 feet. Length of trail: 5.5miles (8.85K).
Dry Creek Trail #194 - 22 miles
(35.41 K) from
Quinn
Mountain
Level: More Difficult
Amount of Use: Moderate
Trail runs parallel to Dry Creek, a wide stream bottom. Old growth
forest and the rushing Bourbon Creek enhance this trail. About four miles
down the trail, an 8 ft. water crossing is required at Bourbon Creek. The
trail intersects trail #158 after the water crossing and ends. Access the
trail by road #5401 just south of the Trapper Creek Wilderness. To start at
the north end, drive past the Carson National Fish Hatchery. Instead of
turning right onto the Wind River Highway, go straight or slightly left onto
road #64. The trail head is about 4 miles (6.44K) up the #64 road on the
left side. Elevation: Trail head is 1,200 feet elevation; trail end is 1,400
feet elevation.
Trapper Creek Wilderness
is a special recreation area located in the Gifford Pinchot National
forest that offers many hiking opportunities. No cars or motor
vehicles are allowed to travel inside the Wilderness Area, so hiking
and camping in the areas are peaceful getaways. The area is free of
snow by mid-July, but is best explored in September after the
mosquitoes are gone. Maps of the area are available showing trails,
lakes, streams and campsites. The following trails are within the
Trapper Creek Wilderness:
Observation Peak (#132A)
Level: More Difficult Amount of
Use: Moderate Observation Peak is the site of a former fire
look-out with the potential to view no less than five mountain peaks
on a clear day! Look for Mt. Adams, Mount St. Helens, Mt. Rainier,
Mt. Baker and Mt. Jefferson. Trail head is 3,800 feet (1.15K)
elevation.
Soda Peaks Lake (#133)
Level: Most Difficult Amount of
Use: Moderate This windy steep trail ascends 2,200 feet through a
dense conifer forest for four miles to Soda Peaks Lake and circles
up the ridge. The bowl-shaped Soda Peaks Lake is surrounded by
conifers in a mountainous setting. Elevation: Trail head is 1,400
feet (.42K) elevation; trail end is 4,200 feet (1.28K) elevation.
Length of trail: 5.5 miles (8.85K)
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FALLS CREEK FALLS TRAILS
(More info at FALLS CREEK FALLS)
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Upper Falls Creek
Trail #152 - 24 miles (38.62K) from
Quinn Mountain
Level:
More Difficult
Amount of Use: Light
Travel north of Carson on the Wind River Highway to mile post 15. Turn
right onto Forest road #3602 and follow this road for 2.5 miles
(4.02K) to the
trail head. The grade of the trail slowly climbs away from Falls Creek
and crosses two creeks before reaching the waterfall in about 2.5
miles (4.02K). The trail flattens out for about .75 mile (1.21K) where it meets
road #6503 and ends. Falls Creek surges over rocks and timber
cascading from a height of about 100 feet. Elevation at trail head is 1,300
feet and at end of trail is 2,400 feet. Length of trail: 4 miles
(6.44K)
Lower Falls Creek
Trail #152A - 24 miles (38.62K) from
Quinn Mountain
Level:
More Difficult, but less difficult than the Upper Falls described
above
Amount of Use: Light
Follow the same directions for Upper Falls Creek Trail #152 EXCEPT
after driving 1.5 miles (2.41K) on road #3062, turn right on road #057 and
continue .25 mile (.40K) to the trail head. An easy 1 mile (1.61K) hike to the
lower level of the spectacular Falls Creek waterfall has lots of
trillium in the spring. A bridge crosses the creek. Continuing uphill
along the north bank of Falls Creek where the trail ends at the waterfall.
Trail head is 1,520 feet elevation; trail end is 2,038 elevation.
Length of trail: 1.7 miles (2.74K).
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WHISTLE PUNK TRAIL at
the Wind River Canopy Crane - 23 miles (37.01K) from
Quinn Mountain |
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One
of the only three scientific forest cranes in the world, the Wind River Canopy Crane is a research
facility that studies the old growth forest eco-system, with special
emphasis on the forest canopy. Walk the Whistle Punk Trail which
features interpretive signs about the history of the logging in the
Northwest and the story of the treetops (survival, adaption, and plant
communities).
This
information was provided courtesy of the Skamania County Chamber of
Commerce and the Wind River Ranger District. If you are looking for
more detailed maps, contact the Ranger District at 509-427-3200 or the
Chamber at 800-989-9178. Enjoy the lush scenery, waterfalls,
wildflowers and spectacular views encountered on the trails within the
Gorge and the Gifford Pinchot National Forest featured here..
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LINKS TO HIKING TRAIL
INFORMATION
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New book lists places to view NW oldest
forests:
Twelve trails in SW Washington make the list of the 100 top
routes to see ancient trees in "Best Old-Growth Forest Hikes," on the market
from Mountaineers Books. It sells for $16.95. Orfer it at
www.mountaineersbooks.org.
Authors are John and Diane Cissel. His is a
forest ecologist and she is an illustrator. John hiked over 2000 miles of
trails to complete this book.
In the southern Gifford Pinchot Forest,
Cissel's book includes hikes in the Trapper Creek, Sister Rocks, Gotchen
Creek, Lewis River, Ape Canyon, Sheep Canyon, Quartz Creek, and Craggy Peaks
areas. |
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NEW HIKING IDEAS
http://www.washington-hiking-advisor.com |
If you love
hiking; this site may be your treasure trove of new hiking trail ideas ,
which is the goal with this website. |
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TRAILS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Washington State
Accessible Outdoor Recreation Guide |
An excellent
site by Washington State Parks that covers ADA accessible outdoor recreation
opportunities, facilities, and hiking trails in the state of Washington. |
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TRAILS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
http://accessibletrails.com |
Washington State trail and outdoor recreation
information for the disabled |
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