Columbia River Gorge NSA Table Mountain Hike Hike 33
Length: 16.4
miles with loop Elevation Change: 3200' gain Season: Early summer
thru fall Difficulty: Very Difficult due to length of hike and elevation gained Permit: NW Forest Pass Required Features: This long but rewarding hike
begins across the road from Bonneville Dam. After a short hike
east, you begin following the Pacific Crest Trail past several lakes
and streams to the base of Table Mountain. First you come to
Gillette Lake which is nestled in the trees. The next point of
interest is Greenleaf Overlook, which provides a fine view of the
Columbia River Gorge looking south toward the Oregon side of the
river. At approximately 6 miles you come to the junction of
one of the options for climbing Table Mtn. However, the easier
of the options is another half mile up the trail. At this
point you leave the PCT and begin climbing an extremely steep trail
to the top of the mountain. You gain over 1500' in just over a
mile. By following the perimeter trail around the top of the
mountain you get a 360 degree view of the surrounding
landscape. Completing the "loop" by coming down the face of
Table Mtn. is an option, but be very careful as it is VERY
steep.
