Cape Horn loop hike

Monday's sunny forecast and temps are absolutely ideal, so let's hit up a nearby trail in Washington!

The numerous cliffside Gorge viewpoints from Cape Horn Trail are incredible, we’ll get to cross some talus slopes, and there’s even a stream and a waterfall!

• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Hiking distance: 7.4 miles
• Elevation gain: 1230 feet
• Total hiking time: 2-4 hours, depending on group pace; Done by very early afternoon
• Total driving distance: 36 miles RT if carpooling from Fishers Landing Transit Center
• Dogs: Leashes are required, due to numerous fatal dog falls off these cliffs

The Plan: We’ll meet at Cape Horn trailhead at 9:30 a.m. (Fisher’s Landing Transit Center is a good spot to arrange carpools from). From the trailhead, we’ll hike the entire loop counterclockwise to save the best views for last.

My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (at least 2.5--3.5 mph when I’m not running), but any energetic pace is cool with me. I don’t want anyone to feel rushed. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints. There is no such thing as too many photo opps.

• Bring: Gas money (if you arrange a carpool), 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing including rain2 gear, a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be useful.

Though this is less rustic than the typical NW Wilderness event, it is recommended that hikers always carry the, um, "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 boy named Sue

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.