Herman Creek to Casey Creek

Herman Creek to Casey Creek is an 8-mile out-and-back on Forest Service Trail 406, from Herman Creek Trailhead to the Casey Creek crossing and back. Allow about four to five hours for roughly 2,000 feet of cumulative climbing. Choose it for a full morning of shaded forest and waterfalls rather than a summit view. The distance and sustained climbing make this a substantial hike, even though much of the old roadbed is smooth.

The route starts with switchbacks across a power-line access road before joining a shaded, mostly smooth logging road. At 0.6 mile, stay left on Trail 406 where Herman Creek Bridge Trail forks right. Around 1.3 miles, keep on #406 at the Gorton Creek and Gorge Trail junction, then stay right again where Nick Eaton Trail joins. Several waterfalls follow. Nick Eaton Falls, about 2.1 miles from the trailhead, drops over a mossy face into a cool gully.

Scars from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire remain visible along the lower trail. Near Casey Creek, Trail #476 branches left; a short, steep spur from the nearby campsite leads toward a large old-growth grove. The named hike continues on #406 for about 0.2 mile to the Casey Creek crossing, then turns back. Keep to #406 at the junction: the camp is a shorter stop, while continuing farther on #406 becomes a different, much longer outing.

Start at the west end of Herman Creek Campground. The trailhead lot fits about 10–12 cars, has a vault toilet, and no potable water. A valid recreation pass is required. The route enters Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness at the Gorton Creek junction; take the free, self-issued wilderness permit at the boundary. Dogs are allowed on leash.

In winter, the road gate may be closed; park along Frontage Road and add a paved 0.4 mile each way to reach the trailhead. Snow can also affect access. Food is available back in Cascade Locks, a separate stop from the trail.