Buck Point Trail

Buck Point Trail #439 is a 1.1-mile out-and-back from between Eagle Creek Campground sites 5 and 6. It climbs about 0.55 mile to a clearing beneath Bonneville Power Administration lines, with views of the Columbia River, Bonneville Dam and the mouth of Eagle Creek Gorge. It’s a good short climb for a proper Gorge viewpoint, but the steep upper steps make it feel harder than the distance suggests. Allow about an hour to 90 minutes from the campground.

The trail switchbacks through open forest, with mountain hemlock above and twinflower near your feet. Burned trees from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire remain along the way. Higher up, shade thins and the path opens onto a grassy slope. Its eroded finish has tall steps, and brush can make the tread hard to follow. Turn around at the clearing: the continuation onto Ruckel Ridge is a rougher route, not needed for this view. The river framed beyond the powerline structures is the best composition.

Day visitors park at Eagle Creek Day Use Area and walk up the drive or Gorge Trail #400; campground parking is for paying campers. The 1.1 miles covers Trail #439 only; including the approach from day-use parking, the full outing is about 1.8 miles round trip. A Recreation Pass or fee payment is required at day use; dogs must stay leashed.