Portland — With three scenic gems, the northern portion of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail in Oregon delivers the goods.
After the PCT enters northern Oregon at Santiam Pass, the trail passes Three Finger Jack, winds its way through Jefferson Park on Mount Jefferson, connects with Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood and descends into the depths of the Columbia River Gorge at Cascade Locks.
Not all the miles are bliss, because much of the way sticks to thick woods in the eastern part of the Warm Springs Reservation, between Olallie and Timothy lakes, and the ridges between Mount Hood and the Gorge, where dynamite scenery is in short supply.
Even as the trail approaches the Columbia River, the PCT lacks scenic punch and many hikers opt for a diversion onto the more beautiful Eagle Creek Trail a few miles west.
One thing is not debatable, however. Crossing the Bridge of the Gods at Cascade Locks on foot makes for a memorable way to transition from Oregon to Washington. You will never look at the Columbia River in the same way again. The Port of Cascade Locks even waives the 50-cent pedestrian toll for those hiking the PCT.
Here are the five best day hikes along the PCT in northern Oregon:
• Jefferson Park: This scenic setting at the north foot of Oregon’s second-highest mountain is filled with lakes and wildflower meadows. That means lots of mosquitoes in season, too, though that season has passed this year. Reach the PCT and Jefferson Park by hiking four miles on the Whitewater Trail from the west. The other approach, walking south on the PCT to Park Ridge and Jefferson Park, requires driving roads you do not want to drive. Jefferson Park will get a new backcountry camping reservation system next summer.
• Timothy Lake: Hiking 13 relatively flat miles around this reservoir in the south Mount Hood National Forest is an absolute delight. Begin near the campground at Little Crater Lake and include about three miles of the PCT on the east side of the circuit.
• Paradise Park: Hiking the PCT west and north of Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood is likely the most beautiful section of the national scenic trail in Oregon. Make a 10-mile loop from the lodge by circling the wildflower meadows of Paradise Park for above-timberline views of Oregon’s highest mountain.
• McNeil Point: From the Top Spur Trail on the west side of Mount Hood, hikers cross and use only a snippet of the PCT before heading off toward the mountain on the Timberline Trail. Don’t tell anyone, but the 40 miles of the Timberline Trail around Mount Hood pack nearly as much scenic punch as the 460 miles of the PCT in Oregon. This is more a compliment to the Timberline Trail than a snipe at the PCT. Case in point: The Timberline Trail here leads directly toward McNeil Point and the Sandy Glacier for views of Mount Hood exactly like you get in Portland, only 45 miles closer.
• Dry Creek Falls: The trailhead for this short hike begins at the day use park on the south side of the Bridge of the Gods in Cascade Locks. It’s interesting to see how the PCT crosses under Interstate 84 and weaves through the only incorporated city located directly on the 2,650 miles of the trail. Hike two miles on the PCT, then take a short side path to Dry Creek Falls. Despite the name, it’s another gorgeous Gorge waterfall. Back at the trailhead, take time to walk across Bridge of the Gods. The roadway isn’t very wide, so stay along the railing and face traffic. Do this during daylight only. The view is amazing, much better than when driving across.
For more information on these trails, refer to William L. Sullivan’s 100 Hikes series for central and northern Oregon.
