7. Upper Herman Creek

2024 Status

Based on recent aerial photography, the old forest along this hike appears to be in good shape above Whisky Creek. I plan to update the hike description and map later in 2024 after hiking into the grove.

Summary

Length                                 5 miles one way

Difficulty                              Difficult

Season                                Summer – early autumn

Elevation range                 2,850 feet – 4,420 feet

Human imprint                  Minimal

Information                        Mt. Hood National Forest, Hood River Ranger District

Primary old growth features

Classic low-elevation old growth; beautiful western redcedar grove.

Description

The remnants of a classic old-growth grove stand protectively nestled in the palm of the East Fork Herman Creek basin, though the lower mile severely burned in the Eagle Creek Fire (2017). The best route to visit the grove is now via the Rainy Lake trailhead. First, ascend from Rainy Lake for about a mile on an old road known as the Rainy-Wahtum Trail (409), until reaching a major trail junction at the ridgeline saddle. Take the Herman Creek Cutoff Trail (410) straight ahead and start the steep descent on a series of long switchbacks. The lower portion of this trail passes through numerous wet, seepy areas and a collection of colossal conifers up to five and six feet thick near the junction with the Herman Creek Trail (406).

Majestic old growth straddles the Herman Creek Trail in both directions. Turn left to visit an impressive grove of old, shreddy-barked redcedars capable of tolerating the relatively high level of soil moisture in this area. The trail leaves the elders shortly after passing Noble Camp and enters younger forest. Alternatively, turn right at the trail junction and head downstream through gorgeous lowland Douglas-fir old growth for another mile or so.

Another option is to make a long loop by continuing upstream past Noble Camp, climbing through younger forest for two miles. Then turn left onto the Anthill Trail (406-B). In less than a half mile, turn left again back onto the Rainy-Wahtum Trail (409). Follow this mostly-level trail past several panoramic viewpoints back to the junction at the saddle and down to Rainy Lake.

25 Years of Change

The Eagle Creek Fire (2017) severely burned this grove below Whisky Creek.

How to get there

Head south through the town of Hood River (55 miles east of the 1-84/1-205 junction) on 13th Street and follow signs towards Odell. Cross Hood River after 4-3/4 miles, then bear right towards Dee. At a junction 6-1/4 miles later bear right towards Lost Lake Campground. Cross the bridge and turn right on Punchbowl Road towards Rainy Lake and FR 2820. FR 2820 turns to gravel 1-1/2 miles later. Proceed up the gravel road for 10-3/4 miles, continuing past the parking area for the Mt. Defiance trail to the Rainy Lake parking area one mile later.