Thursday, October 5, 2023

Hike - Cape Horn Trail

Steve, Larry, Buddy, Carol, Petrina hiking the Cape Horn trail October 5, 2023
Steve, Larry, Buddy, Carol & Petrina
Hiked the Cape Horn Trail today with friends and our pooch, Buddy. This was my second time hiking this trail. The first time was ten years ago on October 15, 2013, not long after the trail was first opened. On that hike we did the full loop trail which is approximately 7.5 miles long. On todays hike however, we decided to take a shortcut that began from an unmarked pullout on Highway 14. From the pullout, it was an easy walk to the main trail and saved a few miles of switch backs and steep slopes. 
The trail has three main vista points with amazing views of the Columbia River Gorge. Without a doubt, this is a must-do hike for anyone looking for a memorable and moderately challenging hiking experience in the Pacific Northwest.
View of the Columbia River Gorge  looking east from the Nancy Russell Overlook on the Cape Horn trail - October 5, 2023
Looking east from Nancy Russell Overlook
Oak View Overlook on the Cape Horn trail October 5, 2023
Looking east from Oak VIew Overlook
Buddy Boy hiking the Cape Horn Trail - October 5, 2023
Buddy Boy hiking Cape Horn Trail
Nancy Russell Overlook Cape Horn trail sign
Nancy Russell Overlook Cape Horn trail sign 
Closeup of Nancy Russell Overlook Cape Horn trail sign