Columbia River Gorge NSA Ruckle Creek Hike (to the hanging garden area) Hike 38 Length:  5.6 miles round trip Elevation Change:  2660' gain Season:  Spring thru Fall Difficulty:    Difficult due to steepness of trail Permit:   NW Forest Pass Required Features:   This hike begins at the Eagle Creek hatchery parking lot. Follow the signs past the campground to Ruckle Creek, not Ruckle Ridge. You will walk a short distance on a paved part of the Old Columbia River Hwy that has been resurfaced for bicyclists and hikers. In about a half mile you will come to Ruckle Creek Trail #405. This is a very steep trail with great reward for those you survive the 15 switchback part of the hike. The reward is a hanging garden of flowers in the spring and great vistas all year round. This trail is the main route to Benson Plateau for the more adventurous. A Virtual Hike in the Columbia River Gorge NSA All for the love of hiking!