Portland, OR: Nesmith Point | Hiking in Oregon

Portland, OR: Nesmith Point

This challenging trail climbs through old-growth forest, past views of the Columbia River, Mount Adams, and Beacon Rock, to an overlook high above the Columbia River Gorge.

Author:	Backpacker Magazine
Date:	7 May 2008 11:52:05 PM
Activity:	Hiking ActivitySearchHiking
State:	Oregon (OR)
Distance:	8.6 mi (Change units)
Elevation:	Total Gain: 4978 ft Total Loss: 1259 ft Net Change: 3719 ft
Difficulty:	9 / 10
USGS Topo Map:	Multnomah Falls, Tanner Butte
Tags:	Portland, Columbia River Gorge, Bridal Veil, Oregon
Rating:	Unrated Rate it

Gaining more than 3,700 feet in 4.3 miles, this stiff climb travels to a small overlook above the Columbia River Gorge. Start at John B. Yeon State Park, and follow the lush path south for 150 feet to the first trail junction. Continue straight at this 3-way junction on Nesmith Point Trail. After 1.5 miles, tackle a set of 11 switchbacks that climb toward the ridgetop. Don't forget to turn around for bird's-eye views of the Columbia River Gorge to the north.

At mile 2, the trail emerges from the tree-cover, revealing more views of the Columbia River below. Traverse a small rock garden, then ascend two more switchbacks before heading back into the forest. Two miles later, turn right onto an old dirt forest road for the remaining 0.2 mile to Nesmith Point. Look for Nesmith Point on the left (if you're not looking for it, you might miss it). Take in the views of the Gorge from this very small overlook, then follow the same route back to the trailhead.

-Mapped by Trung Q. Le

TO TRAILHEAD: I-84 E to exit 35. Turn left at the end of the exit, then immediately bear right onto Frontage Rd. In 2.1 miles, turn right and park at the trailhead.

Position Format:	Datum:

Tracks

Nesmith Point

Dist: 4.28 mi	Points: 478	Calories: none
Time: none	Speed: 0.0 mph	Pace: 0:00 / mi

Nesmith Point

Points of Interest

NES001

Location: 45.612392°, -122.004684°
From the trailhead at John B. Yeon State Park, follow the path south for 150 feet to the first trail junction.

NES002

Location: 45.611966°, -122.004730°
Continue straight @ 3-way on Nesmith Point Trail. The trail on the left leads to Elowah Falls.

NES003

Location: 45.609970°, -122.001661°
Trail curves to the right, heading southwest.

NES004

Location: 45.605166°, -122.007122°
The route cuts to the left, heading east.

NES005

Location: 45.606360°, -122.002873°
Continue straight on Nesmith Point Trail. To the left, a short spur trail climbs to views of the Columbia River Gorge below. Ahead, the trail scales a pinched drainage.

NES006

Location: 45.602974°, -122.001178°
Tackle a set of 11 switchbacks that climb away from the drainage. Ahead, turn around for bird's-eye views of the Columbia River Gorge to the north.

NES007

Location: 45.599064°, -121.998003°
The trail emerges from the tree-cover, revealing views of the Columbia River below. Next, traverse a small rock garden. The next two switchbacks offer the same views before heading back into the forest.

NES008

Location: 45.585407°, -122.007515°
Turn right @ T-junction onto Nesmith Point Trail, an old dirt forest road.

NES009

Location: 45.587573°, -122.007294°
Look for Nesmith Point on the left (if you're not looking for it, you might miss it). This very small overlook has views into the Gorge and a tree stump viewing seat.

NES010

Location: 45.587761°, -122.007237°
A dilapidated outhouse is located north of Nesmith Point. Past the outhouse is a scramble trail that leads to more views of the Gorge. Follow the same route back to the trailhead.