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

Close out 2018 with this moderate hike through this beautiful part of the Columbia Gorge!

We’ll travel counterclockwise, taking us up some moderate switch backs, and then travelling along a ridge where there are some great views of the gorge. We’ll travel by some farmland, back down the ridge and back up along Cape Horn Road. Luckily, we’ll be doing this before the lower part of the trail closes for Falcon habitat in February, so the loop may be completed in it’s entirety!

Please be prepared for hiking in rain (it’s expected!), as well as 40 degree weather. That means bring full rain gear and clothes to keep you warm while hiking and resting in the cold and wet conditions. So no jeans!

To summarize:

  • Length: 7 miles
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Elevation change: 1350 feet
  • Highest point: 1300 feet
  • Temperature: ~40F
  • Rain gear: Required-to-carry
  • Food: enough food / trail snacks to keep you energized through early afternoon. We will have the option to stop for an early lunch break before hiking the last road section.
  • Jeans: NO!

Driving distance: 40m, 30 miles one way from the MMC.

Meet at for carpool: Mazamas Mountaineering Center, 527 SE 43rd Ave, Portland, OR 97215

Meeting time: 8:00am 

The trailhead parking is at Skamania County Transit's Park & Ride - no pass or permit is necessary.

Leora will be coming from far west, so can pick up up to 3 people from the west side.  Email her to arrange.

Other Information
Driving Distance from Portland 55 miles
Distance - Round Trip 7 miles
Expected Duration Car to car in one day
FIND AN UPCOMING ACTIVITY ON THE Calendar