Long trail but so worth it. This trail merged seamlessly into the Tamamous trail and the Bonneville…read moreTrail. I easily walked 10 miles or more. Take a walking stick or get some plastic ones cause if you're not ready, you could stumble like some of the horses on the trail. Have fun, take some water and enjoy!

Absolutely beautiful, interesting and adventurous. We hiked to a beautiful waterfall. The hike was…read moreabout 5 miles in and out. I can't wait to return and explore more of this amazing trail.

I LOVED this trail. So much fun with so much to see along the way and gorgeous views of the gorge…read moreand Mt Hood. The Labyrinth links to a few trails including Coyote Wall. Although the Labyrinth alone is shown as a 3 1/2 mile out and back there is a link trail at Labyrinth Falls that shoots over the ridge and towards Little Maui Falls Trail and Coyote, as well as a signed junction pointing you towards each falls. These trails are clearly popular with bikers and hikers. Signage states that dogs have to be leashed December to July. Aside from the constant epic views, the landscape is unique with streams, falls, springtime flowers, and (I assume) ground squirrels popping up and down from their homes. We started at the trailhead at the junction of Old Hwy 8 and the 14 at Rowland Lake. There's a small parking area there with more parking along the 8. The trail actually starts by heading up the semi-creepy abandoned hwy 8 where you'll quickly encounter Lower Labyrinth Falls. Soon you'll encounter trail signage that'll lead you on your way. Just a stunning trail, other worldly. We only covered part of the trails available in the area and can't wait to return for more!

A simple yet beautiful trail that is fully paved and meanders down towards the river providing…read morevast, expansive views of the magnificent Columbia River. If you visit during wildflower season, it's even more beautiful with colorful wildflowers covering the fields. This trail is one of the few ADA accessible, which I really appreciate. While I do not use a wheelchair, I do have a disability and my legs can not handle the dirt and rock trails that are uneven. So having a paved path means that I can enjoy the gorgeous nature in this area. Wildflower season ranges from end of March to June, but every year is different based on the weather. This year (2022) was a very cold and rainy spring which delayed and prolonged the season. In April the hills were covered in yellow balsomroot and then blue lupine. End of May and heading into June, the next wave of flowers brings shades of blue from the delicate cornflowers with California poppies providing vibrant pops of orange Along the way. It's stunning! Wildflower season is my favorite season! Along the path there are many benches for those wanting to just relax and chill; some in the shade, some in the sun. There are also placards providing info on the area, the wildflowers, and the importance of pollination. The Catherine Creek paved trail is south of the parking area, which is a gravel section along Highway 8. Cross the street, the access is just past the porta potty. If you want the Catherine Creek Arch trail, it is on the same side as the parking, just head up the hill on the dirt trail. It's an easy 1.5 mile paved path that does have some declines and inclines as you make your way down, around, and then back up. If you head clockwise, you can see the creek to your left. If you decide to go off the paved path down to the creek, know there is a lot of poison oak and ticks. I stayed on the path, which is clear and well maintained. Note for wheelchair users - the path is wide and paved, but there are some areas where it slopes down and then makes it way back up. Another great thing about Catherine Creek Trail and Catherine Creek Arch Loop is that parking is free, no day pass required. The parking area is on the smaller side and on weekends, especially during wildflower time, it does get crowded. I went midweek and there was plenty of parking and I only came across two people on the path. Great for people of all ages and skills. For expert hikers, do the Catherine Arch first then finish with Catherine Creek.

The trailhead was pretty busy Saturday afternoon, but there's a decent amount of parking along Old…read moreHwy 8 at the head. There are trails on both sides of the Hwy...according to the trail map only two above 8 and one below within Catherine Creek, but another trail leads towards Coyote Wall. We only took one uphill loop this day. The trails are quite narrow and the footing mostly uneven and rocky. The views are stunning throughout, and the flowers are emerging. As the trails wind mostly through the open ridge there is almost no shade...sunblock sunblock! It's an enjoyable spot for a hike for sure, although for me not quite AS pretty as the nearby Labyrinth Trail. We will definitely return to complete the other trails...good times.

Just back from a killer overnight backpack to Benson Plateau!…read more I was the only person on the Plateau mannnnn, it was really beautiful. Got to check out Camp Smokey, Hunter's Camp and the camp I set up at, Benson Camp. The site is right there in the middle of the Plateau, right next to Ruckel Creek. I started my 6 1/2 mile hike from Wahtum Lake, then took the Pacific Crest Trail, north. . . to Benson Plateau. The one way trip takes me about 3 1/2 hours, and I'm not young! Check my photos mannnnnnn!

We hiked the Benson Plateau last weekend. My first observation after hiking there is that Mark S's…read morecommentary is entirely accurate with one exception. The final stretch from Camp Smokey to the Plateau can be pretty tiring. (He may be in better shape than me). Ruckel Creek can get pretty buggy if it is warm so bring a net, bug spray and some tolerance. On the return trip there is a small area on the hikers left about 1/2 mile above Camp Smokey. We were there around 7:30 AM to make coffee and take in the incredible views. Interestingly enough we also went 23 hours before we say another person. Great place to hike!

4.9 mi, 1503 ft elevation gain, 2hrs 3 min to complete…read more Awesome trail as always. We beat the crowds and attempted to do this as a sunrise hike. We were a bit too late, but caught a bit of the sunrise on the way up. Clouds and fog were swirling around and moving fast at the top. Absolutely beautiful. Wish I had a hot cup of coffee at the top to enjoy! No parking pass or special access permit required before 0900!!!

Probably my favorite hike on the Oregon side of the Columbia gorge. The views are spectacular as…read moreyou navigate the trail! And the view at the top is worth the effort. This is a moderate intensity hike but it is consistently graded throughout; a great hike if you only have about two hours and want some cardio in your day. The trail is clearly defined and easy to follow. The hike is marvelous in the summer on a clear sunny day! However, the views on the trail are a bit better during the colder months when the leaves are off the trees. Either way, you get a lovely view of the Gorge that is mostly unrestricted as you get near the peak. There is a dedicated parking lot at the trailhead but spots are limited. No permits are required. There is also no public restroom available so plan accordingly. Enjoy!

This review is for Wahkeena Falls, Ecola Falls and Multnomah Falls Loop which was a ~5.1 miles…read moreround trip that took ~3 hours to complete. The loop takes you from Wahkeena Falls to Fairy Falls to Ecola Falls and finally to Multnomah Falls. Spectacular views from beginning to end. Steep inclines in the beginning to Wahkeena Falls and easy declines to the base of Multnomah Falls. Extremely crowded and popular around Multnomah Falls. Limited parking; start early. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/kEpEn3k8a0w

Great loop hike! We…read morechose to start at Multnomah and finish at Wahkeena, and taking off on Sunday about 9am we beat most of the crowds. Even though you're in a burn zone much of the way, the forest and waters are still beautiful. It's about 5 1/2 miles, starting with the elevation zigs and zags of the Multnomah climb, you'll reach little Dutchman Falls not long after you've made it to the top, followed closely by Weisendanger (with its gorgeous approach) and Ecola (you'll walk right next to the drop). Signage is good, as you make the turn away from Larch Mtn and towards Fairy Falls (a magical lil drop)...and back down the zigs and zags to Wahkeena (always pretty). The trail was in pretty decent shape this weekend, but watch your step...not just for loose or rocky footing but for all the caterpillars currently crossing the path. We got so sad seeing so many lives cut short that we started helping them along to safety as we hiked. No matter from which falls you opt to start your loop, there's a great connector trail between the two to get you back to your car safely. Great loop, great trail, and great waterfall fun. :)

Wide paved trail, gorgeous scenery, beautiful vistas. I wish for a continuous trail from The…read moreDalles to Portland.

Sweeping views of the majestic Columbia River and basalt cliffs lead you to the Mosier Twin…read moreTunnels, a stunning piece of engineering that has been restored. Located on the original Scenic Highway, which is now the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail and is a car free zone, the trail offers those walking, jogging or cycling stunning views of the Columbia River, beautiful in every season. The trail is 4.5 miles and connects Mosier in the east to Hood River in the west with parking lots on both ends. A State Parks Pass ( $5 ) is required and the views are more than worth it! A payment box and envelopes are provided, but make sure you have a pen to fill in the info. There are restrooms and they are the open toilet type, so this is not the time to drop your cellphone! If you start in Mosier, park in Mark O. Hatfield Trailhead Lot East which is actually past the start of the trailhead. After paying for the pass, head right out of the lot and just a short distance down the hill on the left is the entrance. You will pass through an area filled with granite and lava rocks and many trees damaged by the fires - then you will continue up and the path will run high above and parallel to the river. Parts of the trail have the classic white fence railing and some parts have the original stone railings with arches giving glimpses of the view below. Continue on the trail for approximately one mile and you will arrive at the tunnels. The first tunnel has an incredible wooden structure entry, it's magnificent! As you walk through, it becomes rock and very cavernous. There are a few side passages that lead to windows with views to 18 Mile Island and the river. You will then come to a rock catchment structure, added during restoration in the 1990s, and then the second tunnel. Beyond the tunnels the trail continues west for another 3.4 miles. At the Mark O. Hatfield Parking West, where there is an interpretive center that provides more detail on the tunnels and the Historic Highway. I was in awe of the views and couldn't stop taking pictures along the way! Since it's the end of March, the trees were not yet bloomed so the views of the river were mostly unobstructed. Wildflowers like the grass widow and dessert parsley were just starting to bloom. I'll be back in a few weeks when the trail will be filled with glorious flowers! Ponderosa pines are everywhere as are pinecones! There is a viewpoint right before the East entry to the tunnels. It will only set you back 1/10 of a mile and it's totally worth walking to for a full 180 degree vantage point. There is even a picnic table nearby for resting or a lunch break. These tunnels are a marvel! Built in 1921, the tunnels were created to get through a high rock point. The design was inspired by the Axenstrasse on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland. Although beautiful and a highlight for those driving this route, rockfalls were common and accidents frequent so the original Scenic Highway was abandoned in 1954 and a new Scenic Highway built at water level. By the 1990s, the tunnels were completely filled with rock rubble; in the mid 90s work began to restore the tunnels. It was a massive undertaking and now the tunnels and road has been transformed for everyone to enjoy. The Mosier Tunnels are a must see! The trail is easy since it's paved - which is a requirement for me and my knees - so it's family friendly and a doable hike for most anyone. There is a gradual elevation to 430 feet if you start on the east side. There is one handicapped parking spot right at the trailhead entry. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Bicycles and e-bikes but no motorized skateboards. If you are walking, be aware of the cyclists as they go fast when heading downhill to the east end. After exploring the Mosier Twin Tunnels, drive down to the quaint town of Mosier and have a delicious tamale, taco or burrito at either of the two taco trucks. Stellar coffee and scones are a must at Randonnee Coffee. Casual dinner at MoCo (Mosier Company) at the outdoor picnic tables and fire pits is always a good choice. And take the short drive up to Rowena Crest for more iconic views!

Gorgeous trail and so peaceful and relaxing. We hiked the whole thing and left feeling so…read morerejuvenated, refreshed, and simply amazing.

Just to drive through Columbia River Hwy was amazing so many waterfalls and trails all beautiful…read moreHorsetail ponytail and Wahkeena Falls