Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
The Cape Horn Trail is one of the closest Columbia River Gorge trails to the Portland-Vancouver metropolitan area. It features wide-ranging views up and down the river, rocky cliffs and crags, streams and a waterfall. The route is well signed and has seen numerous improvements over the years, including sturdier trail treads and new overlooks. Link: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Cape_Horn_Loop_Hike
Activity Notes
From the Park and Ride lot, walk past an information kiosk with its large map, and cross Salmon Falls Road to pass a sign for the Cape Horn Trail. We will keep to the right at the junction to stay on the Upper Trail. The Cape Horn hike is usually a loop, but the lower portion of the route is closed for peregrine falcon nesting season (February 1st to July 15th). We will hike past a footbridge and take several switchbacks before we take a junction to our first viewpoint. Not too far away, we will reach our second viewpoint at a short spur called Pioneer Point at 1.4 miles. As we continue down the trail, we will cross Stunk Road and reach the Nancy Russel outlook with amazing views at 2.6 miles. After a short break, we will hike under HWY 14 and cross a footbridge over cape horn creek to reach a junction that takes us to the upper waterfall viewpoint at 3.5 miles. After a short visit, we will start the journey back to the trailhead and celebrate our adventure, completing 7 miles with an elevation gain of around 1200 feet. I recommend bringing hiking poles, rain gear, snacks, water, and the essential 10. I am looking forward to seeing you on the trail.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 55 miles |
| Distance - Round Trip | 7 miles |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
