Herman Creek Trail - Trail # 406

Oregon

NOTE: The following two books are highly recommended for anyone interested in hiking in the Columbia River Gorge: Hiking the Columbia River Gorge and 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon I personally own both and consider them indispensible for hiking the Columbia River Gorge.

Length: 8.4 miles one-way
Trail Uses: Hiking, Horseback Riding
Facilities available: Parking, Restrooms, Picnicing, Drinking Water, Camping
Season of Use: March to December
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 1700 feet
Visitor Use: Medium

Northwest Forest Pass Required

Access: Eastbound I-84 – Take Cascade Locks exit # 44. Drive under I-84 and through town 1.8 miles to the eastbound entrance ramp. At the stop sign, cross the road and drive east 1.6 miles toward Oxbow Fish Hatchery, then on to Herman Creek Campground.
Westbound I-84 – Take Herman Creek exit # 47. Drive 0.6 mile west on Forest Lane to Herman Creek Campground. The trailhead is at the west end of the campground.

Description: Herman Creek Trail contains the largest surviving forest of old growth Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock in the Columbia River Gorge. Beginning in the cool forest, head left at the first fork and climb 0.4 mile to another division in the trail. Keep left and continue on the trail and an old dirt road to Herman Camp. Loop opportunities with Pacific Crest Trail.

Features: For an extra 0.8 mile, turn right at the second fork, descending to a 75-foot bridge spanning the creek. Also features waterfalls, moss carpeted creeks, sub-alpine lake and vistas.