Nick Eaton Ridge Loop

This is one of the more challenging day hikes off the Herman Creek Trailhead at the east end of the Oregon Gorge. The loop ties together three Cascade trails — Herman Creek #406 to reach Gorton Creek Trail #408, up and across to the Nick Eaton Trail #447 for the descent — with nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain over 13.6 miles. Most of the route passes through ground burned in the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, though the upper Gorton Creek Trail climbs out of the fire zone into lush unburned thickets and talus slopes with working pika colonies. The steep Nick Eaton descent from the ridge to Herman Creek mostly keeps its canopy.

Early miles climb switchbacks through bigleaf maple and Douglas-fir, cross a powerline corridor, and thread moss-boulder benches on the way to Herman Camp at the five-way junction. The Gorton Creek Trail rises into the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, passes an off-trail spot that looks down to the Indian Point pinnacle, then reaches the Ridge Cutoff Trail — an option for a shorter loop to Indian Point. The full route continues higher into country that sees very few hikers, including a talus slope with pikas and views to Mt. Adams in the clear.

Trail maintenance in 2018 extended only as far as the Deadwood Trail junctions on both Gorton Creek and Nick Eaton. Above those junctions, expect downed trees, brushy stretches, and occasional indistinct tread where the path is still reestablishing itself. Route-finding stays manageable for an experienced hiker. The upper ridge is exposed to wind, the descent is steep and sustained, and water is not reliable above Herman Camp — carry what you need for a long day.