I should have known better, but I wanted a quick hike close to home and thought I could avoid any physical distancing debacles by going early on a weekday morning (I arrived before 8am). My mistake! It wasn’t really crowded but definitely busier than normal, and hardly a mask to be seen on any passing hikers. Listen—I’m not a fanatic about masks on trails (although I’m happy to put one on as a courtesy when passing other hikers), but if you are choosing not to carry a mask on trail, you really need to be aware of your surroundings and give people a bit of space. Actually, stopping on narrow sections of trail where others cannot easily pass (or failing to yield to faster hikers) has always been poor etiquette, so if we all just do what has always been considered respectful, we should be fine. 

*pops another zinc lozenge* 

Good news: the narrow, precipitous, and sometimes slippery section of trail leading up to the first viewpoint has been rerouted, so there is now a safer and easier option for people with dogs and little ones besides the way-overgrown horse path. Not sure if WTA was involved in that work, but it looks great! 

We decided to try Cape Horn as a sunset hike since another option fell through. We started the Upper route and got to the first couple viewpoints earlier than expected, especially for sunset views. But we hit the viewpoints after the gravel walkway section at just the right time. Unfortunately the section after dark was a lot more difficult and dicey than anticipated. We were able to see with headlamps, but definitely had to pay better attention to our footing on the lower end of the loop. We followed the trail on the map and thought we were supposed to be walking Cape Horn Rd for a good 2 miles to the end (which would be a welcome sight after having eyes in the dark staring at us) but it was actually only a little over 1 mile on the road. The trail is in pretty good condition, but I think if I did it again I’d start on the Lower end of the loop and walk up, the switchbacks on the Upper end seem safer for going downhill.

We were able to park in the park & ride area which is across the street from the trail head, but it was pretty full and some people were parking along the street. The first mile or so of the upper trail was the steepest part, but it flattens out once you reach the first viewpoint. I would probably call the hike moderate-easy. The first few viewpoints are located on a cliff and there is a steep drop-off without a rail. I am afraid of heights but stayed far away from the edge and could still see the view well (though it did make me a little queasy). There are incredible panoramic views of the Gorge, as well as a variety of scenery (forest, wheat fields, wild flowers)! After reaching the viewpoint that is round with seating, almost amphitheater-like, the trail starts to go down toward the waterfall and the lower trail of the loop. The lower trail was still closed for peregrine falcon nesting (through 7/15 according to signs) so we went to the upper view of the waterfall. In my opinion, it wasn't worth it. You have to lean over the railing at the viewpoint to barely have a view of the waterfall, and have to climb back up ~1,000 feet because the loop is closed. Overall, the trail and scenery were beautiful for great views of the Gorge!

Trail loop is closed so you can only do a out and back hike. Nonetheless, the hike is worth a trip, it is rather short about 4.4 miles but views are mesmerizing. Trail is quite narrow is places and since it's very popular there's a lot of moving out of the way for the people coming up (trail etiquette and all).

Some of the gorge trails are still closed for covid but this one is open! No parking pass required. Vault toilets open at the trailhead. 
Part of the trail is closed to protect the nesting peregrine falcons. We went as far as we could and made it 8.4 miles as an out and back hike. You could make this a significantly shorter hike by turning around at one of the earlier viewpoints. 
The forest is lush with so many shades of green. Lots of flowers and man does it smell sweet. The big leaf maple saved us from the rain In the beginning but after a while it felt like hiking in a car wash. A beautiful, lush, sweet smelling, bird singing car wash. 
I was afraid this would be crowded but it wasn’t. We probably saw 10 couples and a couple solo hikers. Everyone did their best to keep their distance. 
I highly recommend this hike. Rain or shine.