Weekend Gem: Herman Creek Loop w/ Tomlike Mtn.
Drive I-84 east to the town of Cascade Locks and follow this road past the freeway entrance to Herman Creek Campground located on the right. This 23 mile two day backpacking trip is best done in a with a 4.4 mile side trip to Tomlike Mtn on the first day, so start out early. Hike 9.6 miles past lovely old growth trees and waterfalls to an intersection with Mud Lake on left. Take this trail .2 miles to a camp spot located above the sloped forest that is above the lake and set up your shelter and hang your extra food. Take a small day pack with water and snacks back to the intersection and make a left and follow the trail up until you find a small side trail marked with a carin on your right, this is the Tomike Trail. Follow this sometimes brushy trail to a saddle and follow it along the rocky spine of Tomlike Mtn. with views of Eagle and Herman Creek drainages and High Cascade peaks until you had your fill before returning to camp. Wake up the next morning, go back to the Herman Creek Trail and make a left and then a right on the PCT as it rambles past the Benson Plateau before winding back down to a bridge over Herman Creek and make a left to retrace your footsteps back to your car, a 13.6 mile day. Have a beer at the lovely Thunder Island Brewery located in downtown Cascade Locks, and toast to your next adventure.
Waterfall on Herman Creek Trail
Ramble through an old growth forest
High Cascades from Tomlike Mtn.
