Cape Horn — Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2015

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

Nice parking lot, easy access to trailhead. Ascent was very pleasant, compact dirt trail, beautiful forest scenery. Haze from forest fires (Eastern Washington) blew into Gorge, impaired visibility - disappointing for us today. Nancy Russell viewpoint is well constructed, however, the growing trees obscured some of the view across the river. Just past this, a couple viewpoints were spectacular, although due to the smokey haze, we could only try and imagine what a clear day's visibility would provide. After this, the descent into the lower loop of the trail was less scenic, rougher trail (rocky), and the walk along the road back was totally unappealing terrain. Our recommendation: hike the upper loop only (do out-n-back) and call it good! Wait for clear day, the trail takes you up on the bluff for spectacular views!