Catherine Creek Interpretive Trail

Catherine Creek Interpretive Trail #4400 is a paved loop of about one mile round trip through open grassland, scattered oaks and ponderosa pine, with a viewpoint of Catherine Creek Falls. The path also passes sculpted rock and opens to Columbia Gorge views. Spring wildflowers are the main draw, and signs share local history. This south-side Universal Access Loop is separate from the 1.9-mile Catherine Creek Loop to the natural arch.

From the south-side entrance, follow the paved path to the loop junction and turn left. Interpretive signs come before the falls viewpoint; after it, switchbacks drop to a bridge over a vernal pool that fills and dries with the season. Pass the uphill shortcut, a few oaks that give the walk its rare shade, and a small bluff before climbing back to close the loop. The west side looks out toward Mount Hood and the Columbia. Allow 45 to 60 minutes with stops. For photos, frame the waterfall against the dark rock, or catch the river and Mount Hood from the grassy slope.

Use the gravel day-use parking beside Old Highway 8, north of the road, then cross carefully to the trail entrance south of it. No pass is required. A portable toilet is at the trailhead, but there is no potable water. Dogs must be leashed. The four-foot pavement has uneven, puckered sections and reaches a 10% grade; both the steep pavement and rough gravel lot can make wheelchair, walker and stroller access difficult.