4. Herman Camp Loop

2024 Status

The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burned through the entire area covered by this loop and it is no longer recommended as an old-growth hike. In addition, the cut-off trail that completed the loop is no longer maintained and very difficult to locate and follow.

Hike Text and Map (For historical purposes only, 1993)

This readily-accessible hike loops through two groves of old Douglas-firs, and offers scenic views of the Columbia Gorge and Herman Creek basin. Follow the Herman Creek Trail (#406) uphill until reaching Herman Camp after 1-1/4 miles. Turn left onto the Gorton Creek Trail (#408) at Herman Camp. The next mile passes through small concentrations of old Douglas-firs and scattered big trees, but the best old growth in the area greets you after rounding the nose of the main ridge. The dense deciduous understory (vine maple, bigleaf maple, red alder, and California hazel) lends additional color in the fall. Turn right onto the Ridge Cutoff Trail (#437) just before the four-mile point, and a half-mile later turn right again onto the Nick Eaton Way Trail (#447). Exposed slopes on the upper portions of this segment offer expansive views. Continue switchbacking steeply downhill entering an interesting, "young" old growth stand. Although Douglas-firs in this grove are three to five feet thick, tree crowns are generally intact and growing well, there is little dead wood, and the bark looks relatively young. Of course it's all relative; "young" could easily be 200 or more years old! Turn right, back onto the Herman Creek Trail and return downhill to the trailhead.

Note: This map was published in 1993 prior to the Eagle Creek Fire, and is shown below for historical purposes.