Nick Eaton Ridge Loop

Activity Notes

This splendid 10-mile loop hike angles upward along the side of a forested ridge, reaches a high point at around 3,000 feet, then descends the spine of the ridge, with frequent views, back to our starting point. 

We'll meet at the MMC to carpool, leaving at 7.15 am sharp. Please get there early so that we can go over details, organize carpools and leave on time. 

We’ll start hiking from the Herman Creek trailhead at 8.15. 

Each car parked at the trailhead will need a Northwest Forest Pass. Directions to the trailhead are here: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Herman_Creek_Trailhead 

We’ll hike the Gorton Creek trail to the Deadwood trail, then descend via the Nick Eaton trail. All the trails are in good shape, although the Deadwood trail is rockier and less well established than the others. 

Part of the descent is through an area that burned in the 2017 Gorge fire. The vegetation is now rapidly regenerating, and the open forest provides dramatic views. There should still be a good variety of wildflowers in the forest and on the open grassy slopes. 

We'll maintain a fairly brisk pace but take breaks. We'll stop for lunch somewhere near the top. 

Please note, especially if you’re reading descriptions of similar hikes online: We won’t drop down to Indian Point.