Here is a little jewel of a hike located just inside of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. There is not official trail head for this hike and the map above offers two options.

Regardless of which way you begin this hike, eventually you end up on the same old logging road which you will follow for about a mile. For the most part you will be hiking in heavily forested areas. But just before you leave this old road you will be offered glimpses of the Table Mountain complex.

Also, be sure you always remain on the trail or old roadbed as you will be surrounded by private land much of the way.

Shortly afterwards, the road does a switchback and then splits. Take a sharp left and follow the old road bed trail up the north and west sides of Aldrich Butte. Just before you reach the top you will be able to enjoy vistas of the Columbia River Gorge, including Bonneville Dam.

From the top of Aldrich Butte you have an outstanding view of Table Mountain to the north, the Columbia River with Augspurger Mountain to the east, and the Benson Plateau and Tanner Ridge to the south in Oregon.

Now, about the history of this area. Before World War II, there was a fire lookout on top of the butte, then due to the war, it was decided to set up armament to protect Bonneville Dam. Thus the road was built, and to this day motorbikes and four wheelers still go up there.

From Portland, OR
From Portland, travel east on Interstate Hwy 84 to Exit 44 to Cascade Locks. Exit the freeway and cross over the Columbia River into Washington via the Bridge of the Gods. Then turn left, or west, and head about 3.2 miles to Hot Springs Road. Turn right and pass under the railroad tracks, then turn right at the 1st intersection onto Cascade Drive. Follow this road for about 2 miles around the east side of Greenleaf Slough, and around past Bonneville Hotsprings Resort and then west along the slough to a junction with an unnamed power line service road. Take the service road about a tenth of a mile up a steep poorly surfaced road and at the first intersection, park and walk up the road to the left, which is the trail to Aldrich Butte.

From Vancouver, WA
From I-205 exit for SR 14 in Vancouver, WA travel east on SR14 through past Camas and Washougal and past Beacon Rock for about 32 miles and you will come to Hot Springs Road on your left. Turn left and follow this road under the railroad to the junction with Cascade Drive. Turn right at the 1st intersection onto Cascade Drive. Follow this road for about 2 miles around the east side of Greenleaf Slough, and around past Bonneville Hotsprings Resort and then west along the slough to a junction with an unnamed power line service road. Take the service road about a tenth of a mile up a steep poorly surfaced road and at the first intersection, park and walk up the road to the left, which is the trail to Aldrich Butte.

Note: An alternate trailhead can be found by just walking up the power line service road a quarter mile or so. Actually, when the road is dry, you could drive up to the other trailhead.

Note: This trail/road is used by motorbikes and ATVs.

Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions Vicinity Map To contact the Gifford Pinchot NF for current information: Click Here.