Columbia River Gorge

Portland: Hole-in-the-Wall Falls Loop

Submitted by: Backpacker Magazine
Loop under old-growth firs, by widespread vistas above the Columbia River, and past several photoworthy waterfalls on this exciting 2.1-mile dayhike.

Nesmith Point

This 9.8-mile loop takes you to the second highest point in the Oregon section of the scenic Columbia River Gorge, and will take you around six hours roundtrip. Beginning at roughly 75' above sea level, you'll climb 3800' in just under five miles, making this a fairly difficult jaunt. Most of the elevation gain will be tackled in the first three miles of the trek. As you ascend the switchback-ridden trail you'll encounter several different landscapes, each boasting distinctly different flora and fauna, with wildflowers and Devil's Club being the constant exception. There are occasional views across the river to Washington's Beacon Rock and Mt. Adams, and bird's eye views both up and down the Gorge along your hike to the Point. The last 3/4 of a mile will be on an abandoned road through sparse vegetation and trees up to Nesmith Point, where a fire lookout tower once stood, and the remnants of an outhouse can be found thirty yards from the Point. An excellent view of Washington's flat-topped Mt. St. Helens, Beacon Rock, Mt. Adams and Silverstar can be had from a short 200 yard jaunt past the point on a well-used trail.