As of January 2022, this hike is closed due to a fire.
Oct 10, 2015 — I headed through the Eagle Creek Campground and started along the Buck Point Trail, which switchbacks up the lower portion of Ruckel Ridge. The Buck Point Trail ascends to a point sharing the trail's name, an overlook into the Columbia River Gorge. The trail becomes a bit faded (being an unofficial route) as it ascends east along Ruckel Ridge and portions are very steep. The trail then ascends along basalt columns, a brief introduction to what I'd soon encounter, a portion called The Catwalk. This was the main attraction of this hike for me. It's likely avoidable by wrapping around the base of the basalt columns, but the scramble is fun and straightforward. The moss makes this section a little treacherous, especially when wet, but it's a really cool spot.
The Ruckel Ridge Trail continues up to a flat section after quite a bit of vertical elevation gain and meets a junction with the Ruckel Creek Trail. Gorgeous forest continues along the descent along this trail, which completes the loop. It was pouring so I put my camera away.
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