Cape Horn trail getting needed work

One of the Columbia River Gorge’s most popular hiking trails, the Cape Horn trail east of Washougal, is getting some much-needed care thanks to volunteers from the Cape Horn Conservancy.

The group is hosting several work parties throughout the summer and into the fall to get the trail in shape for visitors. Cyndi Soliz, president of the Cape Horn Conservancy, said cuts to the federal park service and forest service agencies have made it more important than ever for volunteers to help keep trails in shape.

“We had to shut down during COVID. We’re just now starting to ramp up regular work parties,” she said.

Soliz said the conservancy has a close-knit, hardworking group of about 50 volunteers who work the trail regularly, but more volunteers are always needed.

“We always welcome volunteers. We want as many people as possible to become invested, put in a little sweat equity. It’s a very rewarding thing to do, to get out in this beautiful wilderness and appreciate the trail,” Soliz said. “There are a lot of issues that need to be addressed like erosion on the trail, replacing some of the gravel, things like that.”

There’s also overgrown vegetation to cut back and possibly downed trees to be removed using a chain saw.

The trail’s relatively close location to the Vancouver-Portland area makes it a popular quick getaway, Soliz said. Off state Highway 14, about 25 miles east of Portland International Airport, much of the 7.2-mile trail is open year-round.

However, one section near Cape Horn Falls is closed Feb. 1 to July 15 to ensure nesting peregrine falcons are not disturbed.

The views

Hikers should be prepared for a challenging hike that drops and gains about 1,000 feet in elevation, with an up-close look at the falls as a reward. From late April, through May and even into June, bright blue stalks of delphinium can be found all along the trail.

Then, of course, there are the views. Several designated overlooks along the trail offer sweeping views of the mighty Columbia River below.

“I think we have some of the best views of the Gorge,” Soliz said. “We have a beautiful selection of wildflowers. We have all kinds of bird-watching opportunities. It’s a songbird migration patch.

“We have peregrine falcons nesting and quite a few sensitive species. It’s perfect pika habitat, although I don’t know if any have been officially documented.”

The conservancy is hosting work parties from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 17 and Aug. 8. No experience is necessary to join. The work parties are a good introduction to trail maintenance for those who have not previously volunteered, according to Cape Horn Conservancy, which will provide training as well as all necessary tools.

For more information or to sign up for either date, email [email protected] or visit www.capehornconservancy.org.

The conservancy is also working with the Washington Trails Association to prepare the lower trail after it opens for the season July 15.

The groups will host work parties from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. July 24-26. The work parties consist of brushing back vegetation, restoring the rocky talus slope and leveling tread.

Those interested in joining any of these work parties should register online: for July 24, visit clbn.us/CapeHornJune24; for July 25, visit clbn.us/CapeHornJune25; and for July 26, visit clbn.us/CapeHornJune26.

Shari Phiel: [email protected]; 360-562-6317; @Shari_Phiel

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