|
from Away.com
Related Guides
Popular Cities in Oregon
|
DESTINATIONS
Portland Wilderness
Columia Wilderness
Known as the Columbia Gorge Recreation Area prior to wilderness designation, this area lies just south of the sheer cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge. Most of the land adjacent to the river and along Interstate 84 is privately owned and often developed and, of course, outside the wilderness boundary. The breaks of the gorge are spectacular basalt cliffs, rocky slopes, and rock outcroppings. Rugged and steep, the slopes of the wilderness rise to a slightly uneven plateau and on to mountain peaks, talus slopes, and lakes with elevations ranging from approximately 100 feet near the river to 4,900 feet on Mount Defiance. Sparkling waterfalls and mossy-green cliff faces often highlight the deep drainage, slashing through the broad, flat ridge tops. The main waterways—Herman Creek, Eagle Creek, and Tanner Creek—flow north toward the river, supporting borders of western hemlock and fir.
Most of the 200 miles of trails follow drainages. Approximately 14 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and the Eagle Creek Trail receive the most use. The Eagle Creek Trail, with seven waterfalls, a tunnel, and designated campsites, can be hiked in a 16-mile-plus loop that hurdles Tanner Butte. Its proximity to Portland translates into lots of people. If you require solitude, take one of the quieter trails: Tanner Butte, Herman Creek, and Nick Eaton Ridge. Each of these is approximately 10 to 12 miles round-trip.
 |
|
|
| Columbia Essentials |
|
 | Size: 39,000 acres
|
| Year Designated: 1984.
|
| Location: Northwestern Oregon.
|
| Easiest Access: From Portland, take Interstate. Approximately 40 miles east to find the Eagle Creek Trailhead near Eagle Creek Campground on the south side of the highway.
|
| Season: With mild winters, this area is accessible all year.
|
| Wilderness Fees/Permits: None.
|
| Maps: A wilderness map that includes Badger Creek Wilderness is available from the district ranger.
|
| Management: Columbia Gorge Ranger District: Mount Hood National Forest
|
|
|
|
Return to  Top
© Article copyright Foghorn Press. All rights reserved.
RELATED GORP LINKS
 GORP Wildernesses
GORP Oregon Wildernesses
GORP Washington Wildernesses
GORP Hiking
|
|
Related Pacific Coast Trips
Related Trekking Trips
Road Trip Guides
National Park Guides
Hiking Guides
Today's Gear Guy
Gear Guides
[from Outside magazine]
|
advertisement
Sign up for our Travel Deals Newsletter
|
