Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
The "big" loop in the Catherine Creek - Coyote Wall area is best done east to west in order to get the views coming down Coyote Wall. In the spring, this is a prime wildflower hike, and there are great views of the Columbia River, the east end of the Columbia River Gorge, and Mount Hood. Wet weather over Portland/Vancouver often breaks at about Hood River, so on many spring days, you will get blue skies at least part of the time. Also in the spring, however, the poison oak is leafing out, ticks can be an issue, and rattlesnakes are starting to be active. Note that dogs must be kept on leash throughout the area in the spring months, and you will be sharing trails with mountain bikers between Rowland Creek and Coyote Wall. There are numerous variations to this hike.
Link for more details: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Catherine_Creek-Coyote_Wall_Loop_Hike
Activity Notes
Looking to start getting into shape for the long winter ahead? Join the Adventurous Young Mazamas for a beautiful loop through the eastern Columbia River Gorge. We'll park at the Catherine Creek Trailhead and hike up into Catherine Creek's canyon, and then up and up, heading west until we reach the Coyote Wall area. From there, we'll descend Coyote Wall to its base, then return to Catherine Creek through the Labyrinth. This is a fun hike with many scenic highlights. Plan on a stop in White Salmon or Hood River for food after the hike. As there are many ways to shorten this hike, we may cut the loop short if the weather is miserable - but hopefully we are able to do this full loop.
Hike: 11 miles<br> Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet<br> Drivetime from Portland: 65 minutes (120 miles round-trip)
Please bring adequate rain gear, the 10 Essentials and lunch - we will stop somewhere along the hike. Please also keep an eye out for ticks and poison oak - both are common in this area. No dogs - it would be very easy for an off-leash dog to get lost in the maze of trails and canyons here.
Meet at Gateway Transit Center, 8AM or at the Catherine Creek Trailhead at 9:30 AM. NW Forest Pass Required for the trailhead.
Leader: Matt Reeder
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 126 miles |
| Distance - Round Trip | 10 miles |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
| Useful Links | GPS Track |
