Herman Creek to Casey Creek

On the Trail

The Herman Creek trailhead is one of the best starting points in the Gorge, because it’s less crowded than other trailheads, with many out-and-back and loop options. This pretty, out-and-back hike follows Herman Creek 4 miles to a crossing of Casey Creek, one of its tributaries, with an optional exploration of an old-growth grove. The 8-mile hike gains 2,000 feet of elevation (1,716 feet outbound, and 374 feet on the return).

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. Parts of the trail are within the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. Wilderness restrictions apply.

Trail Notes

• From the Herman Creek trailhead, begin hiking the Herman Creek Trail (Trail 406). At 0.6 mile, keep left on Trail 406 where the Herman Creek Bridge Trail (Trail 406E) forks off to the right. The Herman Creek Trail turns into a shaded, mostly smooth logging road; keep to the main trail, ignoring side trails or overgrown logging roads. Herman Creek can be heard far below.
• In 1.3 miles, where Gorge Trail 400 and Gorton Creek Trail (Trail 408) come in on the left, stay on Trail 406. In another 0.1 mile, the Nick Eaton Trail (Trail 447) comes in on the left. Again, stay right on Trail 406, and pass several waterfalls.
• At 3.8 miles from the trailhead, the Casey Creek Trail (Trail 476) comes in on the left. At a campsite here is a short, steep trail to the right that leads down toward Herman Creek and through one of the largest stands of old-growth forest in the Gorge. Stay on Trail 406 another 0.2 mile to the crossing of Casey Creek.
• Retrace the route to the start.
• Please always stay on the trail and clean your boots before and after you hike. Hikers and their dogs are common vectors for spreading invasive seeds.
• Restrooms are at the trailhead.

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.

Post-Hike Explorations

Find brewpubs and restaurants by retracing the drive from the trailhead into Cascade Locks. Ice cream, beer, pizza, salmon chowder, and other hearty fare await along WaNaPa Street. On the riverfront is a brewpub and cafe at the Port of Cascade Locks Visitor Center at Marine Park.

Other Hikes from This Trailhead

• Benson Plateau Loop
• Herman Creek to Mud Lake
• Indian Point Loop
• Nick Eaton Ridge Loop