We had been wanting to check out the CAPE HORN TRAIL in the Columbia River Gorge for quite a while, so we invited a friend to join us for a birthday hike and lunch one Monday in Late June. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Portland, Oregon along Hwy14/Evergreen Highway in Washington State.
After doing some additional research on All Trails, TripAdvisor, Pinterest and Googling, Carole discovered the lower part of the trail was closed for nesting Peregrine Falcons (which Silly Carole kept calling Pellegrino Fountains.)
I knew I was good for 2-3 miles, and looking at a Trail Map, Carole figured that would be to the first viewpoint, PIONEER POINT, and back. However, I wasn’t sure about the 800′ elevation gain, even though I do climb stairs!
The day before had been hot, so we were anticipating a warm hike, and were pleasantly surprised to find the cloud cover and a forested trail kept us cool. It also helped that we started at 10 a.m.
Elderberry Trees and Cow Parsnips
Tiger Lilly
When We reached our first viewpoint at 1.4 miles, our guest suggested we continue to the NANCY RUSSELL OVERLOOK, which meant another 1.2 miles, and a 5.2 mile roundtrip hike. We had been thinking more along the line of 3 miles round trip…but we decided, “sure,”and I’m happy to say we did it!
We couldn’t believe how many wildflowers we saw along the trail, an unexpected treat, and what we like to call MAGIC LOOT!
As for The trail, it eventually crossed Strunk Road and we walked through Prairie land out to the NANCY RUSSELL OVERLOOK for a spectacular view!
(Note: All of us were surprised that we could have driven out to the end of Strunk Road, parked, and walked out to the Overlook without hiking the 5.2 miles roundtrip….nothing in our research had mentioned this).
Looking back toward where we’d come from.
After our hike (which took us about 3 hours,) we continued up the Gorge, across the Bridge of the Gods to Cascade Locks, Oregon and THUNDER ISLAND BREWING for a late lunch on their patio. It’s a great location right on the Columbia River and Dogs are welcome! I crashed under the table, “this pup was too pooped to pop,” as the saying goes. (Note: this restaurant has moved locations to downtown Cascade Locks)
By the end of our day we were pretty pleased with ourselves, and pretty tired, having hiked/walked a total of 6.9 miles, or 16,568 steps, and having climbed the equivalent of 44 floors. (Give the CODY Dog a Pat on the Back!)
http://www.capehornconservancy.org
- Located in the Columbia River Gorge, Washington State
- Salmon Falls Road Turnoff of Hwy 14/Evergreen Hwy, WA between Milepost 26 & 27
- No Permits or Fees Required
- Parking in Commuter Lot across street/Salmon Falls Park & Ride
- 7.4 mile Loop, or 8.4 RT during Falcon Nesting Season (though you can do a part of the trail like we did! (5.2 miles out and back to the Nancy Russell Overlook)
- 1300′ elevation gain
- Open Year Round
- Lower trail closed February 1 – July 15 for Peregrine Falcon nesting
- Wildflowers May-June
- Dogs allowed on Leash
- Pick up after your dog
- You can drive to the end of Strunk Road and walk out to the Nancy Russell Overlook
http://www.thunderislandbrewing.com
- 515 NW Portage Rd, Cascade Locks, OR 97014 (Note: this is the old location)
- In Marine Park, Cascade Locks, Oregon in the Columbia River Gorge
- 1-971-231-4599
- Open Sun-Thurs 11am – 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am – 10pm
- Dog friendly outdoor seating
- Water Bowl for dogs
OTHER DOG NOTES:
- Bring Water
- Bring Waste Bags and pick up after dog
Nice job Cody! I haven’t fine that hike yet, have to add it to my list. Thank Carole for the great pictures!
Love that hike! Edgar’s jealous as he’s never done it. Good to know about the dog friendly lunch spot.
Beautiful photos, esp. the ones of Cody at the Oregon Garden