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.