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A PICTURE IS WORTH A THOUSAND WORDS |
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Hike Length: |
4 miles round trip |
Elev. Change: |
700' gain |
Hike Difficulty: |
Moderate |
Type of Hike: |
In and Out |
Season: |
Year Round |
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Trail Numbers: |
Abandoned Road |
Trail Condition: |
Good |
Trail Access: |
Good |
Trail Signage: |
None |
Features: |
Views, Wildflowers |
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Pet Friendly: |
Yes |
Useage: |
Heavy |
Permit: |
NW FP Not Required |
Horses: |
Yes |
Mtn Bikes: |
Yes |
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Summary:
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Here is a little jewel of a hike
located just inside of the Gifford
Pinchot National Forest in the Columbia
River Gorge National Scenic Area.
There is not official trail head for
this hike and the map above offers
two options.
Regardless of which way you begin
this hike, eventually you end up
on the same old logging road which
you will follow for about a mile.
For the most part you will be hiking
in heavily forested areas. But
just before you leave this old road
you will be offered glimpses of the
Table Mountain complex.
Also, be sure you always remain on the
trail or old roadbed as you will be
surrounded by private land much of the way.
Shortly afterwards, the road does
a switchback and then splits. Take
a sharp left and follow the old road
bed trail up the north and west sides
of Aldrich Butte. Just before you
reach the top you will be able to
enjoy vistas of the Columbia River
Gorge, including Bonneville Dam.
From the top of Aldrich Butte you
have an outstanding view of Table
Mountain to the north, the Columbia
River with Augspurger Mountain to
the east, and the Benson Plateau
and Tanner Ridge to the south
in Oregon.
Now, about the history of this area.
Before World War II, there was a fire
lookout on top of the butte, then due
to the war, it was decided to set up
armament to protect Bonneville Dam.
Thus the road was built, and to this
day motorbikes and four wheelers still
go up there.
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The following images are random samples of the wildflowers found in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
Mouseover image to view flower name, and click on image to jump to flower guide.
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Directions:
From Portland, OR
From Portland, travel east on Interstate Hwy 84 to Exit 44 to Cascade Locks.
Exit the freeway and cross over the Columbia River into Washington
via the Bridge of the Gods. Then turn left, or west, and head
about 3.2 miles to Hot Springs Road. Turn right and pass under
the railroad tracks, then turn right at the 1st intersection onto
Cascade Drive. Follow this road for about 2 miles around the east side
of Greenleaf Slough, and around past Bonneville Hotsprings Resort and
then west along the slough to a junction with an unnamed power line
service road. Take the service road about a tenth of a mile up a
steep poorly surfaced road and at the first intersection, park and
walk up the road to the left, which is the trail to Aldrich Butte.
From Vancouver, WA
From I-205 exit for SR 14 in Vancouver, WA travel east on SR14 through
past Camas and Washougal and past Beacon Rock for about 32 miles and
you will come to Hot Springs Road on your left. Turn left and follow
this road under the railroad to the junction with Cascade Drive.
Turn right at the 1st intersection onto Cascade Drive.
Follow this road for about 2 miles around the east side
of Greenleaf Slough, and around past Bonneville Hotsprings Resort and
then west along the slough to a junction with an unnamed power line
service road. Take the service road about a tenth of a mile up a
steep poorly surfaced road and at the first intersection, park and
walk up the road to the left, which is the trail to Aldrich Butte.
Note: An alternate trailhead can be found by just walking
up the power line service road a quarter mile or so. Actually, when
the road is dry, you could drive up to the other trailhead.
Note: This trail/road is used by motorbikes and ATVs.
Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.
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A Virtual Hike in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest
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