The Cape Horn Trail is one of the closest Columbia Gorge hikes to Portland, and it's a beauty! The full loop hike is just over seven miles, or you can make it a shorter in & out trek, with plenty of lovely turnaround spots along the way. It has lovely views out over the river, a wispy waterfall, and rambles along beautiful basalt cliffs--making for quite a completely unique gorge hiking experience.

Just remember, the lower portion of the loop is closed from February to July 15 to protect nesting peregrine falcons. Thanks to the Columbia Land Trust, the Cape Horn Conservancy, and the Friends of the Columbia Gorge for teaming up to preserve this land and create/maintain the trails!