Ruckel Creek Trail #405

Ruckel Creek Trail #405 is a steep, 5.8-mile one-way route from Gorge Trail #400 to its junction with the Pacific Crest Trail on Benson Plateau. The full #405 line is point-to-point, but its far end has no road access; hiking it back makes 11.6 miles from the #400 junction, before the access walk. The draw is the shift from creekside shade to hanging meadows and wide Gorge views.

The route begins beside an abandoned Historic Columbia River Highway bridge east of Ruckel Creek. It follows the creek briefly, then climbs hard over rough ground and switchbacks. An open scree slope and pits interrupt the forest, followed by hanging gardens and meadows about 1.5 miles in; spring brings wildflowers. The grade eases across forested Benson Plateau before the PCT junction. A right-hand spur past a “Trail Not Maintained” sign reaches a creekside lunch spot, but it is outside the mapped #405 line. Allow about 5½ hours one way; retracing the route makes a long day.

From I-84 exit 41, follow signs past the fish hatchery to Eagle Creek Day Use Area. The #405 junction is another 0.1 mile up the road and 0.5 mile along Gorge Trail #400; add that approach and its return to the outing. Dogs are allowed, but must be leashed in the day-use area. A free, self-issued Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness permit is required from Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31.