Nick Eaton Ridge Loop

Nick Eaton Ridge Loop is a 12.5-mile circuit from Herman Creek Trailhead, climbing on Herman Creek Trail #406 and Gorton Creek Trail #408 before returning over Nick Eaton Trail #447. It gains and loses about 4,600 feet; plan for roughly nine to ten hours. This is a demanding full-day outing for hikers who want a sustained climb through deep forest and a long ridge return. The distance is for the full circuit, not a one-way climb or the separate Indian Point hike.

The first stretch follows #406 on shaded, mostly smooth old logging-road tread beside Herman Creek. At the unmarked fork, stay on the main trail rather than overgrown road beds. At Herman Camp, turn onto #408. It starts gently under trees and crosses three seasonal streams. Above the Ridge Cutoff and Deadwood junctions, the grade steepens toward the ridge; snow lingers latest on this northeast-facing slope. Much of this climb is forested, so the upper ridge feels like a real change of scene.

Join #447 for the return. Rocky tread makes the ridge slow going, but a hanging meadow opens views toward Bonneville Dam and Beacon Rock, with Mount Hood on the skyline. This is the best place to stop for the view; frame the meadow edge below Beacon Rock or Mount Hood to give a phone photo some foreground. The tree-covered high point is not the open lookout. From the meadow, #447 drops quickly, losing about 3,200 feet in four miles to #406; follow #406 another 1.5 downhill miles to the trailhead. The descent is steep enough to keep your attention after the climbing is done.

Reach Herman Creek Trailhead from I-84 Exit 44 via Herman Creek Road. The day-use lot fits about 10 to 12 cars and has a vault toilet, but no potable water. A day-use fee or accepted recreation pass is required. Dogs are allowed; keep them in sight and under voice control, and leash them in developed areas. Food in Cascade Locks is a separate stop after the hike, not an on-route amenity. The loop returns to the same trailhead, so you do not need a shuttle or second car.