Cape Horn is located on the Columbia River in Washington, near the town of Washougal. The full loop hike is open from July 16 to January 31 each year. The upper section is open all year, but the lower section is closed from February to July 15 for peregrine falcon habitat.
7.4 miles with 1,230 ft gain
Oregon Hikers hike description
We did this loop hike on a cold and windy day, starting on the upper section to the Nancy Russell overlook for a quick lunch. The rock walls provided a nice windbreak. We continued to the lower section, crossing under Highway 14 via a tunnel. The trail switchbacks down quite a few times, with numerous side trails to viewpoints. Every one is worth a visit! The trail is a bit rough in places, and it’s exposed with cliff-side drop offs in a few places. We crossed a large talus slope and continued to the last segment of trail before it reaches a road. The last 1.5 miles are on a road and then there’s a short side trail that leads to another tunnel under Highway 14 and back to the trailhead.
on the upper section
view to the north of Silver Star Mountain
the Columbia River from the first viewpoint
one of many viewpoints
this tree has fallen over but the roots are still connected
tunnel view
large meadow the trail crosses through
Nancy Russell overlook
ferns on a tree
tunnel under Highway 14
using the Peakfinder app to ID nearby peaks
one of the lower viewpoints
Cigar Rock
crossing a talus slope
bridge under Cape Horn Falls
Cape Horn Falls was more of a trickle than a waterfall on this day
view of the river through the trees
rocky basalt structure
looking up at Highway 14
trail sign
