Pre BCEP Conditioner Hike (2nd Series, Hike #1) Herman Creek Pinnacles via PCT

Activity Notes

This is the first hike in a 4-hike series offered to help 2026 BCEP applicants improve their fitness for BCEP team hikes. This hike, a Gorge hike from Bridge of the Gods Trailhead to Herman Creek Pinnacles and back (with a short diversion to Dry Creek Falls), is approximately 9 miles, with roughly 1700' of elevation gain.

Once you have submitted a BCEP application, you are welcome to sign-up for any or all hikes in this series. We will carpool from the MMC parking lot departing at 7:30 am SHARP, or you can meet us at the trailhead at 8:20 am. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is needed to park at the trailhead.

Other hikes in this series can be found on the calendar by looking for "Pre-BCEP Conditioning Hikes". The actual hike and location may change depending on conditions, but each hike series will begin with an easy to moderate hike and then progress with increasingly more challenging hikes. These hikes will give you an opportunity to improve your fitness and test out your hiking gear and clothing in winter conditions. They will also be an opportunity to practice proper layering to match the weather and pace of the hike and maintain a consistent body temperature to avoid overheating or getting chilled.

For this hike and most others in the winter or in alpine environments, microspikes or other traction devices, and hiking poles, could be helpful. We will update conditions and equipment needs the week of the hike.

Hike details:

https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Herman_Creek_Pinnacles_via_the_PCT_Hike