Gorge Trail 400: Bridge of the Gods Trailhead to Wyeth

This is a 4.4 mile out and back hike with only 710 feet in elevation gain. From the parking area at the Bridge of The Gods Trailhead, make your way across the road to the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs parallel with I-84. Shortly you'll run into a street that goes under I-84. Make your way up the the road and straight up the gravel road that's slightly to the right. Continue going straight...

This ridge is one of the lesser known paths from the Eagle Creek Trailhead. Instead of taking Ruckel Creek Trail, find the trail leading up Ruckel Ridge. It is a far more difficult hike of about 7 miles leading up to Benson Plateau. Along the way there are beautiful lookout points for Mount Hood, Mount Adams, and the Columbia River Gorge. This is one of my favorite hikes I've ever done, everyth...

This newly discovered waterfall has become a favorite for photographers – even so, it has yet to receive an official name. The waterfall is located just 300 feet off the Ruckel Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, but it can be quite challenging to access. The rewards are well worth the slippery trail, however. On the trail, you will climb some pretty good grades through beautiful thickets ...

Note: The overlook at Metlako Falls is closed. Find out more info here. This is a fairly short hike. 2 miles in to Punchbowl Falls (past Metlako Falls) and then 2 miles out. I’ve done it in all sorts of conditions from 95 degree sunny summer days to a trip in a deep freeze where I got in my wetsuit and shot under/over shots of Punchbowl while snow dumped down on me. To check out Metalko Falls,...

This is a somewhat incomplete report because we did not venture too far into the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The sky had been threatening us with rain for the duration of our hike along Eagle Creek and we did not want to push our luck too far since we were hoping for an early start on our drive back to Spokane the next day. We are hoping to return soon to do some more exploring, but thought th...

Park at the Eagle Creek Trailhead, and backtrack out towards the highway. Take the path to the right and walk alongside the highway for nearly a half mile. Stop when you are on the bridge and see the Ruckel Creek Trail to your right. If you look left, you will notice a waterfall dropping below you. This is Ruckel Creek Falls, not to be confused with Mossy Grotto, its neighbor up the stream. To ...