St. Cloud Loop

On the Trail

This quiet spot along the Columbia River makes for a nice stop to couple with other Gorge adventures. Enjoy its quiet apple orchard, summertime shoreline to explore, and big views across the river to Oregon’s cliffs. The half-mile, gravel universal access trail is flat and scenic.

Permits & Pets

This site is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. A Northwest Forest Pass is required and can be purchased here. Dogs must be on leash.

Trail Notes

• From the parking area, begin walking Trail 4410 and stop at interpretive panels to learn about this tranquil spot.
• In 1909, this land was the estate of Paul and Florence Vial. They built a home, tennis courts, swimming pool, and boat dock, and planted gardens and an orchard, naming it after the Paris suburb where they honeymooned in 1903. The Trust for Public Land purchased the property and later sold it to the U.S. Forest Service.
• Trail 4410 meanders through an orchard of Spitzenberg and Newtown Pippin apples — all that remains of the Vials’ riverfront home. Cuttings from these trees grow at the Washington State University Vancouver Heritage Orchard.
• Enjoy views of Oregon’s Oneonta Gorge and Multnomah Falls. When river levels are low, walk the rocky beach here.
• Please always stay on the trail and clean your boots before and after you hike. Hikers are a common vector for spreading invasive seeds.
• Restrooms are at the parking area.

Other hikes at or Near This Trailhead

• Cape Horn
• Sams Walker Loop
• Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge — Gibbons Creek

Friends of the Columbia Gorge does not track trail closures. If you are planning a hike in the Gorge, please check other sources in advance for the latest updates, including the U.S Forest Service, Ready Set GOrge, and AllTrails. Recreational activities in the Gorge can involve risk of injury, death, property damage, and other dangers. Friends does not assume responsibility for any such outcome resulting from the use of the information on our hiking web pages. Your use of these web pages is strictly at your own risk.