Indian Point via Herman Creek, Nick Eaton and Gorton Creek Loop is a 7.3 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Cascade Locks, Oregon that features a river and is rated as difficult. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from April until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This is a trail which involves both steep ascents and descents. There are a few nice viewpoints of the Columbia Gorge with Mount Hood and other regional peaks in sight. Users do report that the parking area is subject to closures due to extreme wind and weather. For more information, please review the park's website. https://www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/crgnsa/recreation#conditions.
February 27, 2021
February 27, 2021February 21, 2021
February 20, 2021February 7, 2021The parking lot is closed, so you have to park on the road. We arrived just before 8am -- one car already there, but we were the first ones on the trail. Very windy, but only light snow near the top. This trail will likely be impassible soon, with all of the heavy snow arriving this week. No views at the top due to clouds, but still worth the trek. We were back at the car around noon, after clocking 8.8 miles on the GPS.
February 6, 2021No snow but a few people.
January 31, 2021January 23, 2021January 23, 2021January 18, 2021The hike up is a steep climb and not very scenic because unfortunately there is a lot of fire damage all over the area. The view from Indian Point is stellar, and I would give the view 5 stars. We parked on the main road which adds a little distance. Took 4 hours total including lunch.
January 15, 2021Good view. Very steep. I’m tired.
January 9, 2021January 9, 2021January 5, 2021Trail is open and very nevigable. Some fresh logs across the trails, so expect to improvise a bit. Beautiful views of drifting fog into the Herman Creek Gorge on Jan 5th, 21.
December 25, 2020The trailhead is finally OPEN! I stopped by on 12/24/20. The road to the parking lot was closed, but there's a sign next to the gate that says: "Trailhead is Open, Campground is Closed". You can park on the shoulder of the road next to the gate. It's about a 5 minute walk up to the trailhead. Since my last visit, they've cut down a significant number of trees near the parking lot. I didn't hike all the way to the peak, so I'm not sure if there's snow up there or not. But, Indian Peak has one of the best viewpoints in the entire Columbia River Gorge, in my opinion. It's definitely a hike worth checking out!
December 12, 2020November 22, 2020On the one hand, with the main trailhead still closed there are even fewer people out here than usual. Made for a nice, quiet Sunday hike. On the other, the area--specifically the Gorton Ck side--looks even more devastated and depressing than when I was last here about a year ago. Granted, that was in summer. But there are trees down all around you, and debris all over the trail. It's not exactly "overgrown," but the remains of dried up brush is lashing at you. Add an overcast wintery day with a biting wind and it was just a sad, dead place to be. Also had some ice on the trail--still just crunchy today, not slippery, but be prepared. Good exercise, good solitude, good memories, interesting to watch the stages the forest goes through as it comes back from the fire, but now is definitely not the time to be checking this trail out for your first time.
October 8, 2020September 28, 2020My wife and I did this one today it was great we a an adventure that’s for sure, we accessed from Wyeth rd, we were following the pink tape but you have to make a right, we kept following the service road to the left and walked about 1.5 miles and come to find out we had to go back down so don’t make that mistake that we did haha
September 8, 2020Did this yesterday. Very few animals, birds due to fire damage. Trails somewhat overgrown, pants were really a good idea in spite of summer temperatures. I wouldn't do this one again. The trail has to be accessed from Wyeth Rd, about 100 yards after turning off the Frontage Rd. You'll see a gate marking Forest Road 8400-022. Walk around the gate and keep your eyes out for pink fluorescent tape at eye level on periodic trees. This is overgrown in places, but it will drop you off right on to 406, just like the AllTrails map shows.
September 6, 2020STILL CLOSED Couldn’t somebody update the bloody website?!?
August 23, 2020Trail still closed on 8/22, despite USFS website saying it reopened on 8/18. Forest ranger at the trailhead said it will be closer for at least another week.
August 8, 2020Hiked on 8/8/20. Trailhead still closed. Started from Wyeth street too. You should be starting on a forest gravel road. Then, Off to the right is a semi overgrown path through the forest. Eventually gets you to main trail. Clocked about 11 (23,000 steps lol). miles RT. I did the little peak and also climbed to the top of Indian point. Just be careful. Went right at the split. Took me 3.5hrs to get to “top”, including the 3100 peak. Could t get through the deadwood part of loop. Trail is overgrown. But way overgrown there. Pretty views. The route back down was way less steep. Or more gradual anyway. Ran back to car. Took me an hour. Only ran into one person.
July 30, 2020FYI, just pulled up to Herman Creek trailhead to do this hike and it’s closed. The Rangers said likely closed for two weeks for maintenances. You can access the Indian point loop trail off Wyeth Rd. via a gravel road and just park on Wyeth.
July 25, 2020If you’re looking for a peaceful place in nature this isn’t it. It’s extremely overcrowded. People were aggressive with parking, and I didn’t see one person (and I saw a lot) with a mask on. I decided to leave, but it must be a great hike based off the fact people are just DYING to do it. Maybe try it on a weekday and you’ll have better luck?
July 18, 2020Definitely overgrown. Wear pants! Also, this is actually about 8.5 miles and the inclination makes it hard. It took us ~6h to do the trail and come back to the car. But it is one of the best hikes that I have ever done. Totally worth it.
