2012 Edition
All rights reserved - may not be copied without permission
We did the easy half of this hike, along
Ruckel Creek a few months ago.
The solo hike I did in May, 2012 can be found
HERE.
A pretty good trail guide can be found
HERE.
The Ruckel Ridge hike is touted as being "the most difficult hike in the Gorge".
Hazardous exposures, narrow footing and so on. While this hike certainly isn't easy
it was somewhat of a disappointment to learn just how not difficlt this hike is.
On the plus side, it's a good cardio workout and zero people, at least on a weekday.
On the negative side, there's not much visual reward either.
The Ruckel Ridge trail is easy to follow although it may not be when there is snow on
the ground. Anyone with reasonable route finding skills isn't going to have much
trouble on this hike even without a GPS, compass or map (I brought all three).
The "Catwalk" that trail guides make such a big deal about is a fairly trivial
obstacle. And, in fact, you have to go out of your way to traverse it. I guess
something like this may appeal to the crotch rocket set, but personally, I see no
point in going out of your way to give the Grim Reaper the finger. It's easier,
faster, safer and more direct to just stay on the trail and avoid a potential fall.
IMHO, only a total moron would go out of their way to experience unnecessary risk
for no reason at all.
Don't get me wrong. Ruckel Ridge is an OK hike... it just fails to live up to the
hype about it being so tough. If this is the worst that the Gorge has to offer,
maybe I need to start looking around for more challenging locations.
GETTING THERE: Coming from Portland, travel eastbound on I-84, and turn off at Exit #41.
At the bottom of the ramp turn right. After a few hundred feet turn left and park in
the first parking lot. There is a full time host there during the Spring, Summer and
Fall months. You'll need a NW Forest Pass.
Walk up the paved road to the left of the host RV site towards the camping area.
You'll come up on the Gorge Trail sign leading to Buck Point, on the left.
Hike up the trail to the top of the hill. When you come to the fence, turn right
into the camping area. Hike past the host RV site and around to the left, past the
bathrooms. You'll quickly see a sign for the Buck Point trail on your right. Go up
that trail and you're on your way. This is a well worn trail and is fairly easy
to follow, at least if there is no snow on the ground. It's about 5 miles and 3,700'
of elevation before you get to Ruckel Creek which you will have to cross. There is
no bridge but plenty of blow downs. A few hundred yard past Ruckel Creek you will
connect with the Ruckel Creek trail. Turn left and hike 5 miles back to the trailhead.
The Ruckel Creek trail ends at the Historic Columbia River Highway. Turn left and go
1/2 mile back to Eagle Creek.
It was a pretty crappy day. Rain, windy and not very warm, especially in the exposed
areas. It did dry out and warm up a little as the day wore on though. Julie and I
always have a good time even when the weather is not very good and today was no exception.
This is not a terribly difficult hike for anyone who's familiar with the Gorge.
But it's very slow going. It took us five hours to go the five miles from Eagle
Creek to Ruckel Creek. The five miles back on the Ruckel Creek trail went a lot faster.
When you get to the ancient Indian fire pits, you are only a mile or so from
the trailhead. You'll probably start seeing Yuppies on this final stretch.
We finished the day with a nice meal at the China Gorge in Hood River. Kung Pao
for me and serpent surprise for Julie.
The Original Easyrider®
Motorcycle Touring Forum
HOME
These pages were designed for high resolution, wide screen monitors
on computers with a high speed Internet connection
Copyright 1990-2012 Easyrider LAN Pro
All rights reserved - may not be copied without permission