Winter Wonderland-Herman Creek

My camp at Cedar Swamp

Nice old growth cedars line your way

Herman Creek is known to many hiking enthusiasts as one of the Gorge’s best river trails for good reason, it is awesome. With many camps to choose from, some as little as 5 miles in, there is no shortage of good spots in scenic locations. The trail also penetrates the wilderness too, leading to spots like Tomlike Mtn., Mud Lake and amazing old growth stands higher in the valley. If you want a nice isolated camp, try Cedar Swamp, Noble or Mud Lake for an easy overnight just an hour from the city. Drive I84 East to Cascade Locks and follow the road through town, go over the 84 and make a left to a sign for the Creek on the right. Most of the lower camps stay snow free for most of the winter, making in an ideal location for folks new to winter camping or if you like go in a bit more to Cedar Swamp where patchy snow sticks around till May. The best part of this hike is the ability to “change it up” along the way and make the trip as easy or hard as you like along a trail that is in relatively good shape and is easy to follow.

Sun break in the forest