Cape Horn — Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

We enjoyed a perfect day in the Columbia River Gorge: a rare day without wind, sunny and mild. We hiked the traditional loop, starting at the Salmon Falls Road Park-&-Ride trailhead and going anti-clockwise over the top of Cape Horn. Along the way, I pointed out to my friends the many places where I have worked on the trail on WTA work parties. We paused for a sunny lunch break at the Nancy Russell Overlook at 2.8 miles, then continued on the loop, which is 7.3 miles total distance. As we descended, we encountered one Douglas-fir tree across the trail that must have blown down in last week's strong east winds. On the lower trail below SR 14, we enjoyed beautiful views up and down the Columbia River from several viewpoints. The Forest Service has helicoptered in a footbridge to span Cape Horn Creek below the waterfall, but it is not yet ready for hiker use, so we walked behind the waterfall. Not much water is coming down Cape Horn Creek at this time of year, so we didn't get wet. At 5.8 miles, the trail ends at Cape Horn Road. The remainder of the hike is a bit of a slog up Cape Horn Road for 1.5 miles back to the trailhead. The cumulative elevation gain is about 1,370 feet.