 Review the Cape Horn hike here! Average Review Rating:
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Danni
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Date of Hike: Thursday, September 17, 2009 |
This is the most difficult hike I've attempted in the Gorge. There were tears. There were copious amounts of cussing. There were moments of utter defeat. And then I downloaded my photos. And it all melted away.
Will I go back? Don't be ridiculous, my photos are perfect and my tears too fresh. Should you go? Absolutely. It's a 7 or so mile loop with about 1300 feet in elevation gain. Hey, at the very least you can become an I-too-survived-Cape-Horn survivor.
The trail head for this little-known trail is between mile marker 26 and 27 on Hwy 14 on the Washington side of the Gorge. It starts out innocently enough - meandering trail through heavily-forested hillsides. There is lots of up, up, up, but the thought of the views when we finally clear the treeline keeps us climbing. And the reward was absolutely worth it. No question.
My frustration came with the down, down, down. It seemed never-ending. And just when I thought, "Enough already," we came across what seemed like *miles* of loose shale switchbacks that required precise foot placement, and yielded very, very slow progress.
This loop has everything: Shaded forest, forest critters, breathtaking panoramic views of the Gorge, wildflower meadows, waterfalls, lots and lots and lots of loose shale, great birding, the occasional garter snake, and even some country roads.
It's not for the novice. Bring a positive attitude. Bring lots of water (I emptied my Camelback before the end of the hike). And for crying out loud bring your camera.
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Date of Hike: Saturday, May 23, 2009 |
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My wife, son and I did this hike on Memorial Day weekend and absolutely loved it. We live in Camas, WA, so this is an easy trail to get to for us. The views were amazing, and the waterfall was a nice treat. This hike is the kind that I would love to take visitors on in the future because it is so close and has so much to offer. I really appreciate those who worked hard to make this trail. It's a little rocky in some spots, but generally in great shape.
This was my second time on the trail, and we went the opposite direction this time. I liked starting on the paved road and ending with the steep, relatively short descent through the forest to the parking lot as opposed to ending on the long, uphill hike on the pavement. If you go this way, watch for the trail on the right side of the road near the sign that prohibits parking. If you go past the iron gate then you've gone too far.
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Date of Hike: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 |
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Peaceful beauitful blue March day. Very muddy up to Cape Vista, well worth the panoramic views from the bluff.Snow and massive wind on the bluff but very serene. Some confusion walking on private run heading towards a potential subdivision of all things but figured directions out fiairly easily. The rivrer views were my favorite with interesting rock formations and wind battered trees. The 1.5 mile up cape horn road to the car seemed like 5. I will do it again!
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| By:
Kris R
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Date of Hike: Thursday, October 16, 2008 |
WHAT A GREAT DISCOVERY!
It took us 5 hours and we were beat but what rewards all along the way. We only saw one other group of hikers toward the end and they were going the other way. The views are well worth the effort with panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge in both directions. At one point, we were above the fog and looking down on it. Can't wait to see it all on a clear day. We'll definitely do this one again.
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| By:
Gerald
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Date of Hike: Saturday, April 26, 2008 |
This was my third time on the trail. I hiked it alone but met someone with the map from this site and he told me about Hiking Upward. Even though I have hiked it before this was my first time on my own and I must say it is difficult to follow in a couple places - unless you bring the map. Despite the lack of signs I still rate it a 5-star because of the views: snowy mountains (Silver Star?), Columbia River, Multnomah Falls, Seal Rock, etc. and, this time of year, the FLOWERS. Lots of camas lilies beginning to bloom. In a few weeks the delphiniums will be nuts. The trilliums are mostly past their prime. A hardy hiker was drenching herself, standing in the middle of Cape Horn Falls. It was a sunny day for April but way too cold for that. I always am impressed how close to Portland this hike is - 24 miles from my house in NE.
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View all 17 reviews for the Cape Horn hike
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