Ruckel Ridge - Gorge’s Premier Scramble

Ruckel Ridge is one of the toughest scrambles in the Gorge. The primitive trail climbs four miles and 3,750 feet directly up narrow Ruckel Ridge before descending to make an eight mile loop. It is relentless, sometimes dangerous, and always exhilarating. Beginning hikers and the out-of-shape need not apply, and bringing a dog would just be cruel. Route-finding skills and good boots are essential, and dry weather is almost a requirement. You hike Ruckel for fun, and only if you define fun as a thigh-burning assault at a ridge at a one-mile-per-hour pace.

In other words, Ruckel rules.

From Buck Point, the trail meanders through mossy boulders before fading upwards over steep scree. Cairns mark the trail before it reappears at the ridge. You’ll need your hands as well as feet, here and in many other places further along. Thankfully there are plenty of roots and branches to help haul yourself up.

The miles pass slowly through forest and wildflower meadows with cool views of Bonneville Dam. The grade never lets up, although a few downhill stretches invite frustration from tired hikers who realize they have to regain lost elevation. Rocky outcroppings offer breezy resting points and views up the Eagle Creek drainage to Chinidere Mountain and Mt. Hood. The forest is beautiful, but focus on your feet.

Focus is paramount when you reach the Catwalk at 2.8 miles, a stretch of “trail” sometimes only a foot wide, with 30 foot drop-offs on either side. Luckily, the faint of heart (or the smart) have bushwhacked a trail around the side.

The trail drops into a saddle just before the steep final ascent, becoming harder to trace with downed branches and dusty earth obscuring the route. Head uphill and follow orange blazes on the trees. Eventually – but not soon enough! - you’ll reach Ruckel Creek, a great place to rest and your only chance to filter water. Ford the stream and a few steps later turn left to complete the loop at the intersection with Trail #405. Turning right at the intersection takes you to Benson Plateau and other hiking and backpacking options.

The well-maintained trail descends steeply above the creek and past some magnificently large Douglas firs. As it winds through the forest, the trail breaks into several hanging meadows filled with spring wildflowers, then descends past two spectacular viewpoints – snowy Mt. Adams glistens to the east, Bonneville dam blazes in the western sun, and the dizzying cliffs drop down to the interstate, Cascade Locks and the Bridge of the Gods, and the river, mountains, and skies beyond. Hawks and vultures float on updrafts a thousand feet above the trees, and you’re munching on trail-mix, looking down from above.

From here, the trail descends rapidly, crosses a scenic talus field, and passes under the power lines to parallel Ruckel Creek. The cool creek air is welcome relief from the warm forest, and the falls are a great spot to rest and soak your aching feet. Head left on the paved Columbia River Highway trail and a few hundred feet later, turn left at Trail #400 to return to your car.

Just two weeks ago, the upper portions of this hike were buried in 4-6 feet of snow. Blazes and footprints were our only indication we were going the right way. The snow was hard packed and easy to walk on, despite the 90 degree temperatures in Portland and the Gorge. The temperature fell steadily and then sharply at the creek, piled high with 6-foot banks of snow. In order to cross safely, we navigated a sketchy snow bridge and located the intersection sign nailed to a tree, just a few feet above the snow. Blazes led the way down, to the beautiful meadows and outstanding views. We saw only five other people the entire day.

Plan at least 6 hours to complete this loop. We did it in 8 hours, with at least two half-hour lunches and multiple rest stops.

Take I84 east from Portland to Exit 41 at Eagle Creek. Park at the first lot by the camp-host and restroom and walk up the road to the trailhead sign on the left. Take Gorge Trail 400 to the campgrounds and turn right when the trail forks. Buck Point Trail 439 is between camps 5 and 6, and hard to find until you’ve done it once. Follow this trail about half a mile to Buck Point, and stay right to ascend the ridge. A Northwest Forest Pass or $5 day pass is required.

Article By Jason Weeks, Borrowed Times