Cape Horn — Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - WA

CLOCKWISE IS BEST! I’ve hiked this loop multiple times, always following the hiking guides and going counterclockwise with the upper section first. Today my group decided to go clockwise with the lower section first. This is unanimously our new favorite way to do this hike. The clockwise direction has three advantages: (1) The 1.3-mile hike on the Cape Horn Road through farmland is a pleasant downhill stroll at the beginning of the hike, instead of a grueling trudge uphill at the end. (2) It is easier and a lot safer to climb up the steep trail section near the road than to go down it, especially when it is muddy and slick. (3) You get to do the ankle-twisting traverses across the rock slides on the first part of the hike when you are relatively fresh. The views are equally amazing both ways, but the clockwise direction is easier.