"There were times where we could just kinda look at each other and know what the other one was thinking and we'd just laugh," she said. Ever. It is the most dramatic section of the hike for its vertical rise above the gorge floor. It affords spectacular views of the creek's slot canyon, where a cool, ethereal fog offers a reprieve on a hot summer day. One of the most popular backpacking trails; there are multiple camping sites along the trail. Do it on a dry day above 40 degrees! A. Wilderness Permits are required when entering Mark O Hatfield Wilderness. They quickly made an improvised lifeline, made literally from the clothes off their backs. Eagle Creek Trailhead & Trail (#440) Area Status: Open This spectacular cliffside hike passes through a forested basalt cliff overlooking Eagle Creek. on official, secure websites. History: Built in the 1910s to accompany the opening of the Columbia River Highway, the Eagle Creek Trail was blasted out the cliffs . Mike Arnold has another surprise. Anytime you get away from a trailhead you got to keep in mind you're at the mercy of the outdoors.". You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. So this will need to be a regular hike. Wild flowers and butterflies. Will do again! What a pretty hike! After you walk between two large Douglas-firs, you will see up the narrow gorge to the lower horsetail of 100-foot Sorenson Falls splashing off the east rim. You may recognize this viewpoint from photos and postcards. (541) 308-1700 According to court filed documents, Melanie Casto will allege she began having sex with Nichols when she was just 15. Respond to that," said Van Sant. Three months after Stephen Nichols' arrest in 2015, his attorney, Mike Arnold, took his own investigative team up the Eagle Creek Trail where, he believes, Rhonda Casto slipped and fell to. In autumn the canyon is ablaze in golden color as waterfalls drip down cliff walls from every direction, reminding hikers why this has long been considered one of Oregons five best hikes. "My daughter was absolutely thriving," Nichols said. Take a right at the end of the off ramp and follow the signs to the Eagle Creek Trailhead/Picnic Area. Bear in mind that it is only above the High Bridge that overnight camping is permitted on the Eagle Creek Trail; in addition, many of the original campsites have disappeared under heavy brush or downed trees, so availability is more limited than it used to be. "If I sneeze, if I cough, if any little thing goes wrong, that I was gonna die.". The mountainous, wooded wilderness soaring above Oregon's Columbia River Gorge draws thousands of hikers every year to trek along its narrow trails. very easy extremely well-maintained trail. I just said, 'What happened?' Take I-84 and turn off at Exit 41, which is a 30 minute drive from Hood River and about 50 minutes from Portland. Heavy rains also mean an increased danger of landslides, which were common along Eagle Creek before the 2017 fire and are even more likely now. Also, you'll notice blackened conifers from the 2017 fire almost immediately, and most of the maples went up in flames but are vigorously sprouting back from their lignotubers. Got there early and the parking lot was already almost full. "He can be very charming," she said. Until the last portion to the lake. It was a chaplain sent by the local fire department. On Thursday, all parking areas around the trailhead filled up by 9 a.m., as people took advantage of a break in the rain. Rhonda's mom, who had moved out of the condo, had been babysitting the couple's 9- month-old daughter. From Cascade Locks, OR: Travel west on Interstate 84 approximately 3 miles to Bonneville Dam exit #40 (there is no westbound exit #41). "and you know, somebody that's really nice. Wear some good shoes, hiking boots are best if you are walking more than 1 mile. "We know people fall every day in their homes. "They were a delight together. However, as you enter the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness beyond Wy'East Camp, you'll encounter larger stands of intact canopy where the fire was less intense. Rhonda Casto fell down the cliff early Monday evening, according to information from a man who was hiking with her at the time. Tunnel falls did not disappoint. "March 16th, 2009. Van Sant asked Simmons. In August 2015, Stephen Nichols was in court for a bail hearing. Tunnel Falls is amazing view with the ice and snow just be prepared to cross a creek with no dry crossing. Aside from having proper footwear, maintaining physical awareness is key. Sandy, OR 97055 Parkdale, Oregon 97041 503-668-1700 541-352-6002 The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. He told the operator that Rhonda had been acting high, being silly and running on the slippery trail before she fell. There are moments on the Eagle Creek Trail when you completely forget that it was the birthplace of one . Cliff jumping off of Punch Bowl Falls is not permitted. Built in the 1910s to accompany the opening of the Columbia River Highway, the Eagle Creek Trail is one of Oregon's most spectacular paths, passing half a dozen major waterfalls. A tree fell over, taking a section of trail with it. "I saw something pop up on my phone. Landy quickly became like a mother to his daughter. The trail connects to several other remote, multi-day loop backpacking opportunities intheMark O. Hatfield Wildernesson the Hood River Ranger District in theMt. Otherwise, hikers can simply continue along the trail with no concern of getting turned around. Its also a great place to see the way wildfires impact different patches of forest at different severity. Distance: 6.8 miles round-trip to the Eagle Creek Riverside Camp. "I spend probably 80 percent of my waking hours just reading. And it was precisely in that very spot that Rhonda Casto went off Eagle Creek trail, falling over 150 feet to her death. Within this corridor, theres only one side trail to worry about: a short trip down to the water between Punch Bowl Falls and Lower Punch Bowl Falls. Rhonda was in a great mood and jokingly she'd put a towel around her shoulders and was calling herself Supergirl. While there isnt much elevation gain, weve rated this trail moderately difficult for some tricky crossings over streams and around landslides, and for the generally treacherous terrain. Gloves Spikes Waterproof boots The trail is very beautiful, lots of falls, flowers, and berries. "And so that's when I decided to go to China.". Bring your raincoat. The trail is also something of an engineering marvel. United States. "I think it's one of the best things you can do is just to go on a long hike. Looking up or around you as you walk can sometimes result in a loss of balance, and on the Eagle Creek Trail that can be deadly. This was one of Oregons gems, it was almost too sad to do the hike. After the devastating 50,000 acre . Mike Arnold: And he wanted a conviction of Mr. Nichols? There are no guardrails to speak of. Trail has some narrow sandy spots to be careful on past mile 9, otherwise solid. Theres also an excellent documentary by TOPIC magazine on the rise of the Eagle Creek Fire. Arnold isn't buying the timing of the grand jury: Judge John Olsen: Miss Rasmussen, you can't object. You'll be hiking through a temperate rainforest. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). GoalTechHikes Eagle Creek 1/2/21 - Post Fire Opening, Eagle Creek Trailhead & Trail (#440) (USFS), Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Hike (Muddy Camper), Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls (Friends of the Columbia Gorge), Eagle Creek Hike to Tunnel Falls (Outdoor Project), Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls (Hiking Project), Tunnel Falls @ Eagle Creek (Kristi Does PDX), Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls (Must Hike Must Eat), "New bridges installed on Eagle Creek Trail, but hiking remains off-limits" (Oregon Live), "A massive rock slide and the effort to reopen the Eagle Creek Trail" (Pacific Crest Trail Association), "What you need to know before hiking the reopened Eagle Creek Trail" (Oregon Live), Sorenson Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Metlako Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Punch Bowl Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Loowit Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Skoonichuck Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Wy'east Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Grand Union Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Tunnel Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Twister Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Sevenmile Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), "Now 100 years old, Eagle Creek helped revolutionize camping in the 20th century" (Oregon Live), https://www.oregonhikers.org/w/index.php?title=Eagle_Creek_to_Tunnel_Falls_Hike&oldid=112641. ( Mike Arnold: And was there a man following behind her? With the hiker's help, Meads made it back up to safety, with a new respect for the trail. An official website of the Then, he and his now-motherless daughter moved across the state to live with his family. Besides life insurance money, the prosecution will argue yet another potential motive for murder -- a love triangle -- claiming that Stephen Nichols was in love with Rhonda's younger sister, Melanie. Rocky areas also become slippery after rain, or after many muddy boots have crossed over them. Elevation: 110 feet. Rating as moderate is perfect! But what if, as Rhonda's family and friends believe, it wasn't an innocent fall? said Colburn. NOTICE: This trail is closed until further notice because of damage from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. As the hour grew late, she got increasingly concerned. "So I tried to call her, and I got no answer," Julia Simmons said. Want to report conditions for this trail? Many water sources ! The Eagle Creek Trailhead is about a 45 minute drive east of downtown Portland on Interstate 84. Mike Arnold: So you kinda hard up on money in 2009? Pretty falls. Nichols called his father to break the news, but could barely get the words out. "And as their relationship evolved, honestly, did she love Stephen more for what was inside him, or what was in his wallet?" The trail crosses scree slopes that bloom with stonecrop in late spring. In places the trail is narrow, and you need to take care when passing others. Indeed, even after Eagle Creek Trail officially reopened last year, it has been closed or blocked multiple times by landslides. Parking fills up quickly during hot days as many people visit to go swimming in the lower-punchbowl falls area. In addition, two bridges, the Fern Creek Bridge and the High Bridge, had to be replaced because of fire damage. "If Stephen Nichols murdered your daughter, why did he do it?" "He wanted to be with my other daughter and he wanted Rhonda out of the picture," Julia Simmons told Van Sant. Tenas camp doesn't really exist anymore. In open court, he subpoenas the prosecutor sitting right across from him. Trail conditions were fantastic. Many people stop here to take photos of the falls and their cool, refreshing amphitheater. And I'm like, 'Yeah, that's -'". The trail negotiates its third cable-railed section on a high cliff with views to massive boulders that have tumbled into the creek below. Every year, there is a story about someone falling from this spot and injuring themselves. But Rhonda's mother says she knows what happened and why: Nichols' huge losses in the stock market. "Um, when we started off, it was actually a very nice day," he replied. Your physical evidence could disappear within hours or days," Arnold explained. If youre hiking on a sunny afternoon bring extra water since the previous shaded trail is gone. Around mile 5, you enter Wilderness where a free permit is required (available at the wilderness boundary). It's like a mini trial, with witnesses called. Nichols was extradited back to Oregon and charged with the murder. Please enter valid email address to continue. Celebrate and remember the lives we have lost in Eagle Creek, Oregon. Pass along another cliff face to reach Four and a Half Mile Bridge, only the second time you'll cross Eagle Creek. "She wasn't afraid to say things that she felt or wanted to say or do," Arneson recalled. Unable to come up with the money, Nichols returns to jail. There are rock benches on the stream here where you can take a break, and small drops above on the creek where there are swimming holes. This trail begins at Eagle Creek Campground and ends at Wahtum Lake. A user trail takes you through high brush to the top of Skoonichuck Falls. To be honest, initially I didn't know if she was serious or if she was actually afraid," she replied. "And who's the beneficiary of that?" The small oaks on this steep slope were burned but are coming back from their bases. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock Explore one of 2 easy hiking trails in Eagle Creek or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. My name is Rhonda.' Author Steve Jackson will go just about anywhere for a good story, including the Hood River County Courthouse, where he's researching a book, along with his investigator, on Rhonda Casto's death. Luckily, several hikers happened by. After having the baby, Rhonda told Nichols she wanted to return to modeling but needed to lose some weight. It was. Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. As you pass behind it just think about how much effort it must have taken back then to do this work far into this canyon! Popular trail. "Knowing her family, I'm gonna say it's made up," he replied. Because there's someone else in the courtroom who Arnold believes is the real reason prosecutor Carrie Rasmussen charged Nichols with murder. Sconce says Stephen Nichols thought Rhonda was acting flirtatious toward others in the bar. Meads headed out on a Gorge hike in May 2015, that soon became a struggle to survive. For a nice day-trip, hike 3.3 miles (6.6 round-trip) to aptly named High Bridge, then return and head to Cascade Locks for a late lunch. Heavy rains only compound the issue. From there, head to another bridge over Eagle Creek (passing a nice swimming hole for hot days, with a cobbled beach to dry out on). Hikers pass through a rock tunnel behind Tunnel Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, as the trail reopens more than three years after the Eagle Creek fire.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian. "You don't think about your friend's name being said and saying that she has died by falling off a cliff," Brandi Arneson said in tears. You take it one day at a time," said Nichols. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 2 h 27 min to complete. Immediately off the exit at the stop sign, take a right and continue down Eagle Creek Lane past the Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery, keeping right down Eagle Creek Loop which ends at the trailhead. All dogs must be on leash. But as the majority of trails have reopened . Mike Arnold: Did you steal ___'s Social Security benefits? "I think there's a lotta times that she thought I was going to propose. (CASCADE LOCKS, Ore.) - Deputies say a 23-year old Portland woman died Monday afternoon after falling from a popular hiking trail west of Cascade Locks. I want to warn people that this beautiful hike is quite dangerous in certain weather conditions. There are moments on the Eagle Creek Trail when you completely forget that it was the birthplace of one of Oregons largest and most high-profile wildfires of the past decade. Fees: Northwest Forest Pass required, or pay a $5 fee at the trailhead per car. Perfect day. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. "She says, 'He's either gonna give me a ring or he's gonna throw me off the cliff.'". As ever, there are a million things to appreciate about the trail, including the autumn colors, walking the edges of high cliff faces and views of the endless waterfalls Punchbowl Falls chief among them. "I had been there before," Nichols replied. Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps. "I didn't have a team of investigators there. Download a Trail Description and Map (pdf). Restroom at Eagle Creek Trailhead and Day Use Area. Any further questions hit me up on @ Prodigallad on Insta. With no cell phone signal, he returned to the trail parking lot and called 911. Beautiful hike! Nichols cooperated with police, answering all of their questions. It was a cold day rain off and on. The upper parking area is found beside the Cascade Salmon Hatchery just off the interstate and has room for about three dozen cars. Arnold has tracked down a witness that investigators and prosecutors overlooked: John Whaley, the last person besides Stephen Nichols to see Rhonda Casto alive: Mike Arnold: So do you recall hiking up Eagle Creek Trail back on March 16th, 2009? "Physical evidence disappears, particularly in a rainy state like Oregon. It affords spectacular views of the creek's slot canyon, where acool, ethereal fog offers a reprieve on a hot summerday. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian. The trail is well groomed, just rocky and narrow in spots. The route of the Eagle Creek Trail to Wahtum Lake (not a GPS track) (bobcat) Courtesy: Caltopo/USFS Start point: Eagle Creek Trailhead End point: Wahtum Lake Trail Log: Trail Log Hike Type: In and out or loop Distance: 26.1 miles (in and out) Elevation gain: 3610 feet High point: 3,725 feet Difficulty: Difficult Seasons: Summer into fall Trail was in good shape. If it's a hot day take the time here to cool down and relax a bit before continuing on the the gem of the hike! The Eagle Creek Trail runs 13.1 miles one way, from the main trailhead to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail at Wahtum Lake, though few hike the whole thing. Before leaving home, you should also check TripCheck.com to make sure the roads to Eagle Creek are open, as the exit off the interstate occasionally closes due to landslides. DO NOT try and use the trail by WyEast as a way to loop it back. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 3 scenic trails in the Eagle Creek area. He does something "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant has never seen. I have never threatened Rhonda with physical harm. Gorgeous falls. It's beautiful but treacherous. Not suitable for young children. Stephen Nichols says this is how the tragedy unfolded: they're heading down the trail. Suddenly, a startling new chapter in this case begins as the motion to dismiss hearing continues. "Attraction right away?"