Cook, Washington

NOTE: Access to this hike is currently closed. A Part of this hike goes through private land. At this time, the landowner is not granting access to hikers. There are no signs or trail head for the falls, but it's a popular spot for kayakers and photographers, so look for a faint boot path direct...

The hike along Mt. Defiance Trail to Warren and Lancaster Falls is great if you want to get away from some of the more crowded destinations in the gorge, or just want to catch some shade during the summer. The trail is fairly easygoing, though the last 1/4th of a mile to Lancaster Falls is a bit ...

This hike starts at the Starvation Creek Rest Area. After parking, head west back along the shoulder of the freeway, where you’ll see a wooden sign stating “Mt. Defiance Trail.” Continue heading west along the abandoned Columbia River Highway. Keep going west as you pass the junction with the Sta...

Starvation Creek Falls is an impressive 190 ft. waterfall just a few feet from the parking lot. If you don't know it's there, you'll miss it. Keep walking past the restrooms, away from the trail head to see this beautiful two-tiered waterfall. There are a couple of picnic tables near the creek to...

The Starvation Creek Falls drops 141ft down into a naturally formed bowl, cascading past a wooded picnic area and onto the Columbia River. The falls are one of the easiest falls to access in the Columbia River Gorge along with Multnomah Falls, but are far less Crowded. The short 300ft walk from t...

The Dog Mountain trailhead is located halfway between Stevenson and Bingen. Look for the big signed parking area just after milepost 53 (Eastbound). The parking lot fills up quickly, especially during peak wildflower season, so if you can go on a weekday that would be better. There are 3 trails ...

If you know the Columbia Gorge, you know Dog Mountain. It's the ever-rewarding, incredibly challenging, insanely popular, calf-burning 6.5-mile hike that attracts hundreds of people every weekend, especially during May and June when the wildflowers are in full bloom.  If you're like me and you h...

Once you reach the parking lot, walk down the hill and find the trail head, which is easily seen as it is marked. Begin your trek up the trail. The way up is pretty much all uphill, and is a great workout for the legs. You will walk through forests and over many rocks on the way up. As soon as y...

Park at the Wyeth Trailhead parking lot and start hiking south along the old road bed. At the junction with the Gorge-Wyeth Trail, bear left and follow the Wyeth Trail as it goes beneath several power lines. Follow the trail as it goes back into the woods and crosses Harphan Creek. Continue on an...

The Gorton Creek Falls hike provides an excellent challenge for those who are searching for a bit of adventure. The trailhead starts at the Wyeth Campground day use area, and continues straight at the intersection. The first 2/3rds of the trail are relatively easy to traverse (depsite being rough...

Start at the Wyreth Campground day-use area. If it's closed, park on the side of the road and walk in from the roadway. You'll see an intersection with a wooden bridge crossing the river.  Take a few pictures and continue straight on the trail. You'll go about 1/2 mile on the trail until you rea...

Kiteboarding is one of the fastest growing sports in the world and for good reason. Imagine racing over the water with 30 mph winds, jumping from waves and grinding on a rail with your board. Ok ok maybe that is way to much for most of us and just standing up would be an accomplishment, but Kite...

The ride from Hood River to The Dalles is one of the best 20 mile stretches of road biking in Oregon, and arguably the best. The ride starts out in the wonderful town of Hood River - a tourist and adventure destination in its own right - and follows the historic Columbia River Gorge highway (US-3...

Getting to Punchbowl Falls is a super quick hike to a fun cliff-jumping swimming hole and waterfall. Be careful hiking the steep trail to the falls. Make use of the rope. Be VERY careful approaching the edge of the cliff higher up and know your limits when it comes to jumping. Always walk down a...

Park at the Herman Creek Trailhead in Cascade Locks 2 miles from the exit. Remember to bring your Northwest Forest pass or a $5 payment to park.  Start ascending on the Herman Creek trail a little over a mile until you hit a three-way junction for Gorton Creek Trail #408, Trail #400, and Herman ...

From downtown Portland follow I-84 East for about 50 miles until you reach mile marker 51. Get back on the highway but Westbound until you reach mile marker 47 pull off and take a right over the train tracks and you're there.Beautiful scenery all around and if you get there early enough, you can...