Wygant Peak Trail

A little-known trail on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge. This route escaped damage from the Eagle Creek Fire, but it is still recovering from a flash flood event in 2016 that blew out a bridge crossing Perham Creek. 

Beginning at the Mitchell Point Overlook parking lot, hikers set off up the Wygant Peak Trail. The route winds four miles up to a 2,200-foot-high peak.

At first, the route follows the historic Columbia River Highway route. This section is notable for its ivy-wrapped stone foundations, relics of a time when the Highway was just a small two-lane road. The greenery and shade are singular here, offering a low-key beginning to a somewhat steep climb. 

The trail eventually reaches Perham Creek, where a large, well-built bridge used to cross the creek canyon. In 2016, a flash flood took out the bridge (which had been damaged previously by a falling tree). Crossing here is at the hiker's own risk, but if you decide to do so, you'll find a moderately-graded trail switchbacking the rest of the way to the peak.