Nesmith Point hike

Scrambling over trees photo from my 2022 event. Be warned.

The steep Nesmith Point Trail has drastically recovered from the Eagle Creek Fire. This route has some of the steepest switchbacks and dramatic but (formerly) obstructed views in the Gorge. Due to the later start time, we will stick with the basic out-and-back route as described below.

• Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult (Steep for the first few miles; Not an ideal first-timer hike)
• Hiking distance: 10-11 miles RT
• Elevation gain: 3800 feet, although my Garmin showed 4000+
• Total hiking time: 5-6 hours (depending on group pace and photo breaks)
• Total driving distance: Just over 60 miles RT from NE Portland; $6 to drivers please, if carpooling (For example, from Gateway Transit Center at 8:15 am)
• Dogs: Not on this one, unless they are in exceptionally good shape
• The Plan: From the John B Yeon State Park parking lot, we’ll hike to the junction of Nesmith Point Trail #428 and take that all the way to the top. Expect numerous steep switchbacks which climb past a scree slope, gullies, ridges, and lush wooded areas (maybe?). We will enjoy views of McCord Creek Canyon, Mount St. Helens, Beacon Rock, Hamilton Mountain, and Mount Adams at various points in this hike. It will be worth the effort!

My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (2.5-3.5 mph or faster when not running), but I welcome trekkers of all reasonable hiking speeds. A good pace would be great, but I don’t want anyone to feel rushed. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints.

• Bring: Gas money, 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing including rain gear, a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be useful.

It is also recommended that hikers always carry the ELEVEN Essentials:

1. Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
5. First-aid supplies
6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
7. Knife/tools
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water)
10. Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild.
11. A big ol’ jet airliner

PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.