5. Herman Creek
2024 Status
The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burned most of the lower 5-1/2 miles of the trail up to approximately Whisky Creek, including over a mile of classic lowland old growth. Fine old growth remains along East Fork Herman Creek above Whisky Creek, but this stand is now much more easily accessed from Rainy Lake (Hike 6). The route described below is no longer recommended as an old-growth hike.
2003 Text and Map (prior to Eagle Creek Fire (2017))
The Herman Creek Trail (406) heads up the middle of the East Fork Herman Creek valley to classic Douglas-fir old growth and majestic western redcedar. These topographically favored groves escaped major twentieth-century fires that consumed much of the forest in the Columbia Gorge. Although situated in the northeastern corner of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, Herman Creek is easily accessible from Interstate 84.
From the trailhead, switchback uphill through an attractive, mature forest, then cross a powerline corridor. Stay left at the junction with the Herman Creek Bridge Trail (406E) a half mile from the trailhead, soon converging with an old road at a minor saddle. Follow the road until reaching a junction with the Wyeth Trail (400) and the Gorton Creek Trail (408) at Herman Camp. Continue straight, soon reaching another trail junction (Nick Eaton Trail, 447). Stay straight again continuing to track a parallel course with Herman Creek. Shortly after passing the Nick Eaton Trail the road ends and real trail resumes, about 1.6 miles from the trailhead.
From here the hike takes on more of a wilderness character. The trail steadily ascends, tracing contours into draws where numerous waterfalls splash and sparkle, and then heading out around the interlaced ridges separating each tributary. The Casey Creek Trail (476) intersects the Herman Creek Trail from the left about 4 miles from the trailhead, where a short spur trail downhill to the right leads to a view of the forks of Herman Creek. Many hikers turn back at this point, missing the fine forest ahead.
Once past Hazel Creek the influence of historic fire fades as the trail penetrates farther into this remote patch. Douglas-fir up to 6 feet thick tower over understory western hemlock and Pacific silver fir, while infrequent noble fir diversifies the upper canopy. The Herman Creek Cutoff Trail (410) joins the trail on the left almost 7 miles from the trailhead. Dead ahead stands a glorious grove of shreddy barked western redcedar capable of tolerating the relatively high levels of soil moisture in this area. Soon thereafter the trail crosses the East Fork Herman Creek heading toward Wahtum Lake, leaving the elders behind shortly beyond Noble Camp.
How to get there: Turn off Interstate 84 at Cascade Locks (exit 44) 34 miles east of the I-84/I-205 junction. Proceed east through town for 1.5 miles to a stop sign by the I-84 eastbound entrance ramp. Go straight, then left, toward the Oxbow Fish Hatchery, heading northeast parallel to I-84. Turn right onto the Herman Creek Campground access road, 1.7 miles from the stop sign. Trailhead parking is to the right. Eastbound travelers will want to take exit 47 and head toward the hatchery. The campground access road is on the left a half mile from the freeway.
Note: This map was published in 1993 prior to the Eagle Creek Fire, and is shown below for historical purposes.
