We were excited to hike the full Cape Horn loop the day the lower trail opened for the season! The trail was mostly in great shape, with a small section on the lower trail that's a bit overgrown with blackberries. I think this is likely because the lower portion of the trail is closed for several months to protect nesting peregrine falcons, so it hadn't been used recently. It's totally passable, just be aware of the blackberries so you don't get scratched.

Thimbleberries and red huckleberries were ripe, so we enjoyed snacking on them along the hike.

Wild peas were blooming along the country roads, and we saw wild columbine and tiger lily flowers along the trail. 

The parking lot was quite full, so it seemed others had the same plans! We were able to find a parking spot along the road just past the main parking area. I'd recommend going on the early side to find a spot. 

The views were fabulous. I love the unique perspective of the Columbia River views from the low cliffs. 

We made a video of our hike so you can see the trail conditions and highlights in more detail. 

On May 5, 2022 we explored the "upper trail" at Cape Horn. The path is well-maintained.

We saw many rough-skinned newts (Taricha granulosa) lounging on the trail. Be careful not to step on them! They're brown and blend in to the surface.

Cape Horn, Horse Canyon, Little Brushy.

Cape Horn is a broad, flat mound overlooking the Columbia. As open country, I hiked in a counter-clockwise fashion, visiting the "summit", descending far to the southeast before looping north and visiting the far northern point overlooking Colockum Road and the Wildlife Area Headquarters across Tarpiscan valley to the north. Afterwards I drove down the valley into Horse Canyon and did some short hiking, though it became quite warm in the afternoon. First night spent in Horse Canyon.

Day two I parked on the lower portion of Little Brushy road and hiked until reaching the draw just north of Dry Gulch, proceeding east and south along the (non-green-dot) old road to the south end of the ridge. Some overlanding on the way back, though there are some valleys that are easier to go around.

The forecast called for significant rain the following day, and there was still medium-deep mud in places on the drive in, so I opted to drive back across the rough section of Brewton Gulch road while it was dry. Because of muddy conditions on Tarpiscan road, I continued the drive back to North Fork and spent the afternoon reading and relaxing. I encountered a team of four-wheelers on the trail that had gone over Coluckum Pass with great difficulty. My decision to return was wise as it started sprinkling as I was driving into Wenatchee.

15.8mi, 925m ascent

This was a short leg stretcher to break up the drive home from the Columbia Gorge. I was surprised to see 1-2 inches of snow above 900 ft. On most winter days this would be a completely snow free hike. Nice view from Pioneer Point. 

The portion of the trail that goes below the highway (Lower tr) is closed 2/1-7/15 to protect Peregrine falcon nesting.

3.2 miles, 700 ft

Very cold, windy, and icy on the upper trail. Microspikes were essential, especially on the upper trail climb from parking lot and down to snow line. Intermittent ice patches on lower trail near frozen waterfalls can be dangerous with big drop off to riverside.