HERMAN CREEK

WHERE:   From Portland follow I 84 to the Herman Road exit right outside of the exit after Cascade Locks which will bring you onto Herman Road.  Follow this road for a couple of miles as there should be signs pointing you toward the trailhead.

THE TRAIL:    A fairly gradual climb going up to 2800 in the first 8.5 miles before crossing the creek.  This trail can go as far as Wahtum Lake if you want to go the distance.  Herman Creek has some beautiful old-growth stands of Hemlock, Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar.  I don't think I have seen more old growth in the Gorge than I have here.  There are not really any overlooks or awesome views since the trail stays fairly close to the creek but the trail-side scenery is unbelievable and there are a couple of spots to view the nearby valley.  There are also many nice campsites on this trail.  If you are up for camping, Cedar Swamp is a very picturesque site to call it a day.  A couple miles later you will get to a nice camp surrounded by Noble Fir.  There are also several spurs that take you up Nick Eaton Ridge if you are game for a little climb.  If you want to continue past the Herman Creek crossing you run into some patches of Noble fir then start climbing for a couple miles before dropping down to Wahtum Lake.  As you approach the last climb before Wahtum Lake you can look down on the meadow were Herman Creek begins.  The initial climb past the creek does lend some nice views of the Herman Creek valley and Nick Eaton Ridge.  From the crest of trail you can also head west meeting the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail ) in a few minutes than just a short while later (.2 miles or less) there is a spur trail that goes up roughly 300 feet over about 1/4 mile to the top of Chinidere Mountain:  The views from here are magnificent and probably provide the best views of the wilderness topography.  On this particular hike Mt. St. Helens was steaming.  It is roughly 12 miles and 4,600 feet of elevation gain from the trailhead to the top of Chinidere Mountain.  On the journey you will hike from dense Douglass Fir, Hemlock and Red Cedar to Noble Fir, Pacific Silver Fir and a few small stands of Yellow Cedar to the subalpine zone of Mountain Hemlock and Subalpine Fir and finally a bald rocky top at the very end.