From Portland, OR, take I-84 East to Hood River. Cross over the Columbia River using the toll bridge and turn right on Hwy 14. From Bingen, WA, Follow Hwy 14 approximately 4.6 miles to mile post 71 and junction with County Road 1230 on the left. Turn left onto County Road 1230 (Hwy 8) at Rowland Lake and follow it 1.4 miles to the Catherine Creek parking lot on the north side of the road.Heading westbound on SR-14 from Lyle, Washington, Follow Hwy 14 for about 1/4 mile and take a right onto Old Hwy 8 (County Road 1230).
It is an immediate right after crossing the Klickitat River. Follow Old Hwy 8 for about 4.8 miles to the Catherine Creek parking lot on the right side of the road.
No parking permits are needed. Difficulty finding parking on weekends.
Portable outhouse at trailhead at time the time of this review. Restrooms are not available during the off-peak season.
Length and Elevation:
1.25 mile loop. An additional paved path bisects the loop. Elevation gain and loss is 100 feet total. Elevation at the trailhead is 120 feet and is the high point. The low point is 70 feet.
Trail:
Catherine Creek Universal Access Trail
There is at least one geocache along this trail at: N 45° 42.478 W 121° 21.610. Info at Geocaching.com
Dogs must be kept on a 6 foot or shorter leash. Bicycles, Saddle/pack animals, cutting of switchbacks, and discharge of firearms are not allowed. No motorized vehicles except for wheelchairs. No fires except gas stoves.
Trail Maps:
Topo Map
Review: March 26, 2006
Watch for ticks and Poison Oak in this area. The Universal Access Trail is for wheelchairs and strollers. Across the parking area, on the south side of the road, the trail loops around and has several benches to sit on and enjoy the views of the gorge. Taking a left will soon bring you to a viewpoint of a very nice little punchbowl waterfall. Sit back and enjoy Catherine Creek as it cascades into a cool pool of water.
The trail drops in elevation as you get closer to Highway 14. You may catch a glimpse of the cars as you walk on the trail but it is surprisingly quiet for being so close to Highway 14. The trail crosses a couple of footbridges over wet areas and then gains elevation as you approach the west end of the trail loop. Have a seat on a bench and admire the Gorge and Mt. Hood on a clear day. Views of the eastern Columbia Gorge open up again as you gain elevation on the walk back to the trailhead. Wildflowers are abundant on this trail in the spring. This is a great trail for strollers and small children will enjoy running on the trails.
Enjoy the photos!!
Gallery Pics
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