Cape Horn loop trail reopens for hikers on July 1

The lower portion of scenic Cape Horn trail at the west end of the Columbia River Gorge opens today, allowing hikers to make a 6.8-mile loop trip.

The U.S. Forest Service implemented a January-through-June closure on much of the route along the cliffs south of state Highway 14, primarily to avoid disturbance to nesting peregrine falcons.

The 5.5-mile route was created by hiking enthusiasts on federal land and private conservation trust lands over the past decade in western Skamania County. Hikers walk up 1.3-mile Cape Horn Road to complete a loop.

The trail starts at the park-and-ride lot at the junction of state Highway 14 and Salmon Falls Road, climbs to Pioneer Point atop Cape Horn, then drops to cross south of Highway 14 to spectacular bluffs above the Columbia River. It then passes underneath a waterfall before ending at the bottom of Cape Horn Road.

The closure was from a point called Fir View to the west end of Cape Horn Road.

Stan Hinatsu, recreation program manager for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, said a re-route of the trail between the state Highway 14 park-and-ride lot and Pioneer Point will be completed this year.

Ryan Ojerio, regional coordinator for the Washington Trails Association, said WTA crews and participants in the Stevenson Youth Forest Success program will do the work in July.

This fall, WTA will spend a $10,000 National Forest Foundation grant building a bridge on the Cape Horn trail.

A major focus next year will be volunteer efforts on the trail, Ojerio said. The

Southern Gifford Pinchot Resource Advisory Committee has recommended approval of $22,000 to support WTA efforts to coordinate work parties in Skamania County.