St. Helens, Oregon
Top Spots in and near St. Helens
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Nehalem, Oregon
Hike the Salmonberry Train Track Trail
4.010 mi / 275 ft gainBeware, there is no actual trailhead! This trail (Lower Salmonberry River Hike) starts on Lower Nehalem Rd (Foss Rd) where the Salmonberry River and the Nehalem River meet. Before you cross the tracks, find parking there (but be aware of private property) and follow the train tracks into the fore...Read more -
Sandy, Oregon
Photograph Jonsrud Viewpoint
4.5The view from this spot is definitely worth the drive, if you're visiting Portland or the Columbia River Gorge area I highly recommend taking the time to stop here. Not a lot of people know about this spot and its likely you'll be the only person/people there!If you get the chance, definitely com...Read more -
Cascade Locks, Oregon
Horsetail Falls Loop
4.52.56 mi / 610 ft gainStart off on this loop from Horsetail Falls Trailhead. It never hurts to start a hike with a view of Horsetail Falls. This 2.5 mile loop will start you off on Gorge trail #400 up Horsetail Falls Trail. You’ll encounter a few switchbacks before the trail flattens out and leads you into the valley ...Read more -
Toutle, Washington
Hike to the Summit of Coldwater Peak
12.2 mi / 2000 ft gainWhile thousands of visitors come to witness the raw power and devastation left behind from Mount St Helens' famous 1980 eruption, few wander past the groomed paths surrounding the Johnston Ridge Observatory. It is beyond these paths where you come across the more commonly designed backcountry tra...Read more -
Toutle, Washington
Hike to Coldwater Peak via Boundary Trail
5.014.8 mi / 2700 ft gainThe Boundary trail is amazing. It's 54 miles long and runs for the most part along a ridge in Gifford Pinchot National Forest. You can climb various peaks and viewpoints right off the trail, but this trip report is for climbing Coldwater Peak and hiking up to Harry's Ridge Viewpoint on the way. H...Read more -
Cascade Locks, Oregon
Ponytail Falls
4.60.85 mi / 463 ft gainPonytail Falls is an easy 0.8 mile hike located in the gorge that begins at Horsetail Falls. After hiking up mild switchbacks, continue to your right at the first trailhead intersection. The path levels out before coming around the mountain and opening up to the waterfall. This is the easiest wa...Read more -
Cougar, Washington
Hike to Ape Canyon
9.6 mi / 1650 ft gainNot to be confused with the ever so popular Ape Caves, the Ape Canyon is a moderately challenging hike that remains above ground, climbing a total of 1650 feet in elevation parallel to the Muddy River. Although originally designed as a hiking trail, this route has become increasingly popular wit...Read more -
Skamania County, Washington
Fly Fish Lewis River, Cougar, WA
2.0An 1.5 hour drive NE from Vancouver, WA this section of the Lewis River makes for a perfect day fishing trip. Heading North on I-5 for approximately 20 miles take the Woodland / HWY 503 exit East and head towards Mt St. Helens. You'll follow the Lewis River along Hwy 503 (Lewis River Road) the ...Read more -
Cougar, Washington
Hike the Lava Canyon
3.06.5 miStarting at the Lava Canyon Trailhead, you will walk on a paved trail down a few switchbacks until you reach the river, where you can go right or left. Either way takes you to the suspension bridge, but I recommend going right if you are following this guide. It will make more sense in a moment.A...Read more -
Carson, Washington
Steep Creek Falls
5.0Steep Creek Falls is located about 5 miles from the small town of Stevenson. Take Highway 14 one mile west of Stevenson to Rock Creek Drive and turn north, passing the Skamania Lodge and Resort. Turn left onto Ryan Allen Road and follow it for about a mile, then turn left onto Red Bluff Road. Fo...Read more -
Stevenson, Washington
Hamilton Mountain
4.25.61 mi / 2336 ft gainHamilton Mountain has one of the best views in the Columbia Gorge. The hike starts out with a gradual uphill climb through an old-growth forest. After about a half-mile in you will come to a clearing where you can see the ridge line going up to the top of Hamilton Mountain. From there you'll pass...Read more -
Stevenson, Washington
Hardy and Rodney Falls
4.02.17 mi / 699 ft gainLocated along the Hamilton Mountain Trail, the Hardy and Rodney falls out and back hike is a good alternative for those looking for a shorter hike compared to the 7.6-mile hike to the top of Hamilton Mountain. From the Hamilton Mountain Trailhead, you will follow the trail through thick trees fo...Read more -
Stevenson, Washington
Beacon Rock
3.61.49 mi / 351 ft gainBeacon Rock is one of the most recognizable landmarks along the Columbia River Gorge. It’s an 848-foot basalt monolith (a singular piece of rock) that was once the core of an ancient volcano. To access the rock, park in a developed parking area at the rock’s base that has room for about 30 cars. ...Read more -
Saint Paul, Oregon
Hike the Champoeg SP Loop
5.03.4 mi / 120 ft gainChampoeg was the first town to be settled in the Willamette Valley and the site of the formation of the first government in the northwest. The park offers historical sites as well as plentiful camping and some short day hikes. I decided to do the Townsite loop with my family on black friday #opto...Read more -
Seaside, Oregon
Saddle Mountain Trail
4.74.59 mi / 1644 ft gainSaddle Mountain is a pretty stellar spot if you are looking for a beginner/intermediate hike with incredible views close to Portland. The trail is a 5.2 mile round trip trail with an elevation gain of 1600 ft that starts at the Saddle Mountain Trailhead. You can actually camp right at the trail...Read more -
Carson, Washington
Falls Creek Falls
4.85.82 mi / 1512 ft gainThe trail to Falls Creek Falls is well maintained with a few short moderately steep areas. The trail hugs the creek for the first mile, and takes you through old growth trees for the second mile. Once the falls are in sight, make sure to stop and look up to see the top tier through the trees. It'...Read more