Cape Horn Loop Hike – Columbia River Gorge

Cape Horn is located on the Columbia River near the town of Washougal – and offers outstanding views of the Columbia River from the trails.

Note: The full loop hike is only open from July 16 to January 31 each year. The upper section is open all year, but the lower section is closed from February to July 15 for peregrine falcon habitat.

distance: 7.4 miles (out and back)
elevation gain: 1,230 ft.
difficulty: moderate
best season: fall, winter, spring
drive time from Portland: 45 minutes
parking pass: none
hike description: OregonHikers.org

The Hike

We did this loop hike on a cold and windy day, starting on the upper section to the Nancy Russell overlook for a quick lunch. The rock walls provided a nice windbreak. We continued to the lower section, crossing under Highway 14 via a tunnel. The trail switchbacks down quite a few times, with numerous side trails to viewpoints. Every one is worth a visit! The trail is a bit rough in places, and it’s exposed with cliff-side drop offs in a few places. We crossed a large talus slope and continued to the last segment of trail before it reaches a road. The last 1.5 miles are on a road and then there’s a short side trail that leads to another tunnel under Highway 14 and back to the trailhead.

on the upper section

view to the north of Silver Star Mountain

the Columbia River from the first viewpoint

one of many viewpoints

this tree has fallen over but the roots are still connected

tunnel view

large meadow the trail crosses through

Nancy Russell overlook

ferns on a tree

tunnel under Highway 14

using the Peakfinder app to ID nearby peaks

one of the lower viewpoints

Cigar Rock

crossing a talus slope

Cape Horn Falls was more of a trickle than a waterfall on this day

view of the river through the trees

looking up at Highway 14

trail sign