Looking for a spectacular dayhike near Portland? Most thru-hikers follow this alternate path, which passes a dozen large cascades, including walk-behind-it Tunnel Falls. "For a ways," says Jack Haskel, our PCT map contributor, "the trail is blasted out of 200-foot cliffs with only some cables to hold onto."
Location: 45.627033, -121.896782
Spur on L to Metlake Falls overlook
PCT1347
Location: 45.637951, -121.919800
Stay straight @ Eagle Creek trailhead
PCT1348
Location: 45.641285, -121.925003
Turn R @ paved road onto the Gorge Lake Trail toward Cascade Locks
PCT1349
Location: 45.643532, -121.923347
Follow the bike path NE to Cascade Locks
PCT1350
Location: 45.662750, -121.898018
To continue on the PCT, cross the Columbia River on Bridge of the Gods; turn L @ end of bridge; begin Washington section of the PCT. Optional trip to Cascade Locks: The Char Burger restaurant is a great hiker hangout