Killen Creek Trailhead — Attraction in Hood River

Killen Creek Trail will get your heart rate up & pretty quickly. The first couple of miles include numerous steps that have been built into the trail by placing logs across the trail about every 6’ in several places. Some are as tall as 18’ so just be prepared. The trail isn’t terribly steep by any means, but you are gaining 1,000’ of elevation and most of that is within the first 3 miles. There are several sections of loose sand that ends up feeling like you are walking in the soft dry sand at the beach. Fortunately these sections aren’t terribly long, nor do they continue after the first 2 miles. The trail takes you through the forest as you gain elevation & then will level out as you hike into the large open clearing. Here you’ll come across some active streams that are a good place to refill if needed. Up and through another small section of trees and then you’ll cross a large open sandy section just before meeting up with the PCT. It has its moments that will leave most cursing a bit under their breath & hoping to just get to the end already, but it’s all worth it once to get to see that big beautiful Mt Adams towering over the land around it. Whether you head south on the PCT or north, I promise you’ll absolutely love it. The PCT & many connecting trails are simply amazing & offer tons of breathtaking beauty around most every corner. The parking was very limited at the trailhead because of how many people are visiting. Keep that in mind. No bathrooms available at the trailhead....

Hiked 7/10/23 up to high camp. Gradual uphill most of the time. Great meadows and wildflowers as you get views of Mt Adams a couple miles in. Make the extra trek along trail 10 once you reach the PCT crossing as it is worth it, but be careful, it gets steep and it's rocky and sandy. Bring the bug spray: mosquitos catch up to you if you stop more than a minute or two. There was some snow on the trail but didn't impede the route; an early season trip would be more difficult. Drive in was...

Great hike up to High Camp from Killen Creek Trailhead. Lots of mosquitoes in August. Wildflowers were beautiful and great views above High Camp at the...