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Cape Horn (Upper Trail) - With Cape Horn Conservancy

Day Work Party

Sat Nov 22, 2025: 8:30 AM — 3:30 PM

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Region

Southwest — Columbia River Gorge - WA

Features: Earn Northwest Forest Pass

Crew Leader: James Alexander

Group: Trail Skills Participants

Photo by Ryan Ojerio

Overview

Spend the day on the Upper Cape Horn Trail as we partner with the Cape Horn Conservancy to do annual maintenance. While overlooking the mighty Columbia River Gorge we will be focused on making sure this trail is ready for winter. There are a certain number of slots held for folks who have taken part in either of the Cape Horn Conservancy Trail Skills classes -- email shonnold@wta.org for details.

About the Area

The Cape Horn Trail makes a 7 mile loop hike that showcases the Gorge's incredible scenery. Originally pioneered by hiking enthusiasts, the trail was not sanctioned by the Forest Service until 2010. WTA has worked closely with the Cape Horn Conservancy and the Forest Service to upgrade the trail to modern standards and perform annual maintenance.

What to Expect

We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference!

Project Description

This work party will focus on improving drainage, using digging tools to improve the tread surface and help water get off the trail. You may also cut vegetation back or help rehabilitate some switchback cuts.

Hiking Information

Expect up to 2 miles roundtrip over rolling terrain.

Schedule

  • 8:30 AM: Be ready to meet the crew, rain or shine. You will be asked some health screening questions.
  • 8:35 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site
  • Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail
  • Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work
  • 3:30 PM: Return to the trailhead
  • For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.

Planning Information

Get ready for a great day outside!

What it Takes to Do This Work Party

  • Bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need
  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain
  • Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18

What to Wear

Required:

  • Sturdy closed-toe shoes
  • Work gloves
  • Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)
  • Long pants

Recommended:

  • Sturdy work or hiking boots
  • Long sleeved shirt

A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.

What to Bring

  • A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
  • Lunch and plenty of water
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather
  • A pack to carry your personal gear

Firearms and weapons are not allowed.

More Information

From the Hiking Guide

See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.

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Partners

Directions

From Vancouver: Take Hwy 14 East through Camas and continue thru Washougal. Once you leave the developed area near Washougal and enter the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, continue east approx. 10 miles. Along the way you will pass around the cliffs of Cape Horn and the hwy will descend. Turn left (north) on Salmon Falls Rd. and the trailhead parking area will be immediately on the right.

If you are coming from the eastern Gorge, follow hwy 14 past Beacon Rock State Park for about 8.5 miles. Total time from Bridge of the Gods: about 30 minutes.

Note: Please follow the written directions above instead of using a GPS device. This will ensure that you get to the correct meeting location for this work party. The location of the pinpoint below is only approximate.

Getting to WTA work parties can involve travel on rough, unpaved roads in areas without cellular service and without street addresses that can be accurately used by navigation devices. Unless specifically noted otherwise, routes can generally be traveled by all types of vehicles. Volunteers with limited experience driving on unpaved mountain roads may want to allow extra time, beyond what is recommended in the directions above, to get to the meeting location.

Required Documentation

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