Expect to wear your masks throughout most of your hike. "Up until that point she's the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. "I never heard her say that. Then came the time for that hike in March 2009. In a nutshell: One of Oregons most scenic trails, located in the Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks. Download a Trail Description and Map (pdf). And knowing that you're never getting back to your child.". I wanted to lose weight. Moderate 4.7 (1786) Mount Hood National Forest. See the other AllTrails of Eagle Creek to Wahtum and many people will report the same. Arnold questions the man who organized the dummy experiment, Deputy Daniel DeHaven. He sent you the email which caused you to react by setting it for grand jury? With no cell phone signal, he returned to the trail parking lot and called 911. Aside from having proper footwear, maintaining physical awareness is key. They were both upbeat and happy, you know, just a zest for life," he said. Sconce says Stephen Nichols thought Rhonda was acting flirtatious toward others in the bar. The PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) has done a magnificent job in restoring the trail, and the tread is in excellent shape. The upper parking area is found beside the Cascade Salmon Hatchery just off the interstate and has room for about three dozen cars. "Six o'clock rolled around--nothing. Little succulent-leaved stonecrop plants bloom here in late spring. "Physical evidence disappears, particularly in a rainy state like Oregon. End Point: Eagle Creek Ford. "When she said that, what-- how did you react?" That's all he could say. Beyond, the next 3 miles to Tunnel Falls do have some landslides that make for tricky hiking, and at least one semi-difficult creek crossing, but it does remain open and doable. All campsites awesome and near water. "Anywhere we went, we would make new friends because Rhonda was just outgoing and wanted to talk to everybody.". AMENITIES: Portable toilets, parking lots. Nichols and his daughter, now 5, moved to Wuxi, about 75 miles from Shanghai. Hike Type: Out and Back. He also was ordered to write apology letters to 152 people trapped on the Eagle Creek trail because of the spreading flames, the city of Cascade Locks, the Forest Service, Oregon State Parks, the. Looking for the best hiking trails in Eagle Creek? I want to warn people that this beautiful hike is quite dangerous in certain weather conditions. "I saw something pop up on my phone. The annual festival at @, Happy long weekend, everyone! Then you'll pass under a cliff face to reach the junction with the Eagle Benson Trail #434. The campsites to the right of the trail were obliterated by two large Douglas-firs, which fell in early 2017. Small waterfalls trickle along the sides of the cliff, and the trail passes many larger waterfalls, includingthe iconic Punch Bowl Falls, which is accessed from a side trail about 2 miles up the trail. Length 11.9 miElevation gain 2,070 ftRoute type Out & back. A path leads up to some sites on a bench above the trail, and there are more campsites below. And then I go to the shower, cry a little bit over my daughter. Many people stop here to take photos of the falls and their cool, refreshing amphitheater. I was literally floored," Nichols said. There is parking available all the way from the trailhead back to Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery. The trail is easy to follow with large stretches of snow and ice. "If Stephen Nichols murdered your daughter, why did he do it?" This trail offers some of the most spectacular scenery of any trail in the Gorge, including at least 5 waterfalls. Investigators returned to the scene of Rhonda Casto's fall for an unusual experiment. "He pushed her down on the stairs and left bruises on her back," said Simmons. "Attraction right away?" Travel east approximately 1 mile on Interstate 84 to exit #41 which is just past the Interstate tunnel. But something was about to happen. As Stephen Nichols waited in jail, police gathered evidence for the murder trial on their theory that it was no accident. "It's been really hard, just having no closure and not knowing what happened," friend Jessica Colburn said. For overnight backpacking up Eagle Creek Trail, it is highly recommended you park in the large parking lot near Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery. A bridge marks the beginning of the Eagle Creek Trail, just past the parking area at the trailhead. I loved it. "I'm positive that he killed her," Simmons said. Plus cold weather gear Theres also an excellent documentary by TOPIC magazine on the rise of the Eagle Creek Fire. Meads headed out on a Gorge hike in May 2015, that soon became a struggle to survive. I made that very clear. "Once you start getting really high up, there is a very -- a narrow part of the trail that -- there's kind of, like, a rope or a chain on the inner cliff edge that you have to hold onto 'cause it's just barely wide enough for one person to walk all around the ledge," said Colburn. Arnold told the court of best-selling true-crime writer Steve Jackson. The trail connects to several other remote, multi-day loop backpacking opportunities intheMark O. Hatfield Wildernesson the Hood River Ranger District in theMt. "Steve, you have been accused of a despicable crime, that you pushed your girlfriend -- the mother of your daughter -- off of a cliff. I was looking for a place, a room to rent," said Simmons. "That has nothing to do with me, but I think a grand jury looked at the evidence and said there's enough here to go to trial. Eagle creek has many wonderful waterfalls. Challenging with spectacular rewards of amazing views! Fairly low people count, especially after Punch Bowl Falls. "She was, like, it for me. It is also a popular alternative route to the Pacific Crest Trail. Next, you'll see the mouth of Opal Creek, which flows steeply down from the bowl below Tanner Butte. ", Asked if she enjoyed hiking, Nichols told Van Sant, "She loved it. Over the summer, local authorities began towing vehicles that were illegally parked around recreation areas. Be very careful when passing others on the trail here. Three months after Stephen Nichols' arrest in 2015, his attorney, Mike Arnold, took his own investigative team up the Eagle Creek Trail where, he believes, Rhonda Casto slipped and fell to. It was a cold day rain off and on. "We know people fall every day in their homes. But as the majority of trails have reopened . This is what one firecracker can do. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. But by the time Stephen Nichols and Rhonda Casto headed back down the narrow path, the weather had turned. / CBS News, Produced by Susan Mallie and Leslie Neigher. In 2008, three years into their relationship, the couple became parents when their daughter was born. Crampons/good micro spikes are a must, there are cliff sections where the ice covers the trail and become extremely dangerous if not crossed carefully. In August 2015, Stephen Nichols was in court for a bail hearing. To maintain an easy grade through this rugged canyon, the builders blasted ledges out of sheer cliffs, bridged . But Simmons says that doesn't really sound like her daughter. You have an attorney who's representing the state on this matter. Mike Arnold: So you kinda hard up on money in 2009? "Absolutely not," he replied. Human caused fire. Free permits are self-issued at the Wilderness boundary. "this was a tragic accident. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. It's another quarter mile of shady, intact canopy to Sevenmile Falls, which plunges 52 feet into a deep pool. And I think she was attracted not so much to his looks, but to his what he had. Please remain silent Judge John Olsen: Hold on we all know what sustained means in this courtroom. "She couldn't have a better thing in her life than Landy.". Despite its moderate grade, the Eagle Creek Trail can be dangerous due to the steep cliff sides without railings and water crossings. Many people bring their dogs with them. nothing too crazy nothing steep very easy straightforward incline definitely the most gradual 5000 ft of elevation I've ever done. Different after the burn but still loved it. A user trail takes you through high brush to the top of Skoonichuck Falls. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. You'll soon reach Wy'East Camp, where the former campsites along the trail have been decommissioned and staked out with "Site Restoration" signs. After you pass through the tunnel, you'll see yellow-blooming streambank arnica clinging to the cliff face. You're also encouraged to add just one more mile round-trip to see the last two large waterfalls in the drainage, both on the West Fork Eagle Creek. Van Sant asked Nichols. Carrie Rasmussen [reading]: "With all this being said perhaps it is time to see what a panel of citizens will decide. Kayakers take the plunge through some rapids far below. It was a chaplain sent by the local fire department. An official website of the "He can be very charming," she said. He accuses Simmons of painting Nichols as a murderer, so she could one day collect Rhonda's life insurance policy: Mike Arnold: And did you say, "I wanna lay claim to be the beneficiary of my daughter's life insurance claim?". Arnold is talking about the condition and location of Rhonda's body. Restrooms broken at the trailhead but portapotties available. Natural hazards: Downed trees and landslides may be possible on the trail. Beautiful hike this morning; passed some others but trail not overly crowded. Jessica Colburn first met Rhonda when they were in high school. One key to the prosecution's case will be the credibility of the woman making so many of the accusations--Rhonda's mother, Julia Simmons: Mike Arnold: What do you do for a living, ma'am? And I told her, 'I am going to propose to you.' Nobody southbound but multiple groups of PCT through hikers that deviated from the PCT via Indian Spring Trail. While there isnt much elevation gain, weve rated this trail moderately difficult for some tricky crossings over streams and around landslides, and for the generally treacherous terrain. CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. - A hiker died Tuesday night after falling into Punchbowl Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail, just south of the Washington-Oregon border in the Columbia River Gorge.. While beautiful, the trail is also one of the most treacherous in the Columbia River Gorge a problem compounded by landslides, narrow paths and the enormous crowds who flock to see it. Then came a knock on the door. And I don't know if you guys wanna use this, but she bit him on the shoulder. She was my rock, my sidekick, my everything," Simmons told Van Sant. NOTICE: This trail is closed until further notice because of damage from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Share sensitive information only Heavy rains also mean an increased danger of landslides, which were common along Eagle Creek before the 2017 fire and are even more likely now. "She'd call me, or she'd be over at my house.". Even in the places that are burned and the impact is clear the burn scar is not overwhelming for much of the hike. In April 2014, a secret grand jury heard evidence and indicted Stephen Nichols for the murder of Rhonda Casto. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors. But at least for now as of November the route is clear for the spectacular 3.3 miles to High Bridge. "It turns out the reason that indictment came up is because of pressure from a book author!" Waterfalls were amazing, trail is well maintained. If you are nervous with heights think twice about this trip. Make sure you allow as much room as possible when letting people pass. With the hiker's help, Meads made it back up to safety, with a new respect for the trail. Given the narrow trail and the crowds, theres simply no way to hike Eagle Creek without coming within six feet of another person. Lots of rocks so wear good shoes and bring poles! "No. Bring sunscreen and bug spray! There are six sections where cable handrails will give you a sense of security as you pass above vertical drops. Then 82-foot Metlako Falls spouts on Eagle Creek itself, where it makes a tight turn east. Some visitors leave their cars parked illegally along the roads around Eagle Creek, which poses both a danger for pedestrians and a problem for emergency vehicles that may need to reach the trailhead. Combine that with human error, as I witnessed, and its pretty dicey. Elevation: 110 feet. Wear some good shoes, hiking boots are best if you are walking more than 1 mile. Within days, Rhonda's loved ones held a memorial where her mother says Nichols was acting strangely. Because while the trail has largely healed from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, the flames of five years ago will keep this an unstable and dynamic place of falling trees and landslides for years to come. Tunnel falls did not disappoint. "You know, Peter, the funny thing about science is you don't have to believe in it for it to be true," he replied. Eagle Creek Trail high above Oregon's Columbia River Gorge It was along the Eagle Creek trail that Rhonda Casto, a 23-year-old mother of a nine-month-old girl, set out with her boyfriend, Stephen . Carrie Rasmussen: Right. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Use this route to get all the way to Wahtum. "And if it was not an accident, then what was she thinking when she went down -- that the person that she thought loved her could have done this to her?" That route is CLOSED. Arnold, having obtained the video through discovery, hopes to use their own demonstration to turn the tables on the prosecution. Whaley tried to share his story with a deputy at the scene but was brushed off. Suddenly, disaster struck. I fully expected to spend the rest of my life with her. Julia Simmons: I'm not doing anything right now. Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. "So we're at an outcropping here at Eagle Creek," he said. Built in the 1910s to accompany the opening of the Columbia River Highway, the Eagle Creek Trail is one of Oregon's most spectacular paths, passing half a dozen major waterfalls. As you hike out along the cliff from Tunnel Falls on the sixth cabled section of the trail, you can see down to where the East Fork Eagle Creek plunges through a defile to its confluence with the West Fork. Hope you get out to, Soakin up those bluebird days at @mthoodmeadows, The fall colors are beginning to pop at Multnomah, A tranquil fall evening at Lost Lake, captured by, On these cooler fall nights, cozying up in front o, Who else is getting excited for the fall colors to, Hiking the Eagle Creek Trail to the Punchbowl waterfall, Important notes about the Eagle Creek Trail, The incredible Wahclella Falls trail in Oregon, The waterfalls in Starvation Creek State Park, Oregon, The stunning Dry Creek Falls hike near Cascade Locks, Oregon, What to do in Smith Rock State Park, Oregon. His condo, his money, his -- you know, his status," she replied. "I think it's one of the best things you can do is just to go on a long hike. If you're looking for a campsite, Seven and a Half Mile Camp is a little farther up the trail. Trail conditions were fantastic. Matt English, the current sheriff of Hood River County, is about to drop a bombshell: Sheriff English: There were multiple files that are gone. Its also a great place to see the way wildfires impact different patches of forest at different severity. And she goes, 'OK, well, you're missing out. This page was last modified on 1 January 2023, at 00:10. But Rhonda didn't have to say a word to make an impression. "She wasn't afraid to say things that she felt or wanted to say or do," Arneson recalled. "I didn't have a team of investigators there. If it's a hot day take the time here to cool down and relax a bit before continuing on the the gem of the hike! 2023 www.statesmanjournal.com. It took four years, but in 2013, Nichols was ready for a new chapter in his life. He was buying drinks for all of us. Loved it. A slip and fall on a dangerous trail.". "He wanted to be with my other daughter and he wanted Rhonda out of the picture," Julia Simmons told Van Sant. Rhonda's mom, who had moved out of the condo, had been babysitting the couple's 9- month-old daughter. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Distance: 15.4 miles round-trip to the Eagle Creek Ford. End point: Punch Bowl Falls. Once you exit the highway, drive the short ways up Eagle Creek Loop, past the salmon hatchery, to find the trailhead parking. The trail passes the boundary sign for the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness and enters a shady defile to cross Wy'East Creek. Her autopsy seemed to support Nichols' claim that she may have been high that day. They brought with them two crash test dummies, the same size and weight as Rhonda, to prove their theory she was pushed. And she's like, 'Hi. Dozens of search and rescues are done every year. But ultimately, does Simmons' confession of taking her granddaughter's checks really tarnish all of her testimony in the case of her beloved Rhonda? And I about jumped out of my seat," said Brandi Arneson. --Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB. Before leaving home, you should also check TripCheck.com to make sure the roads to Eagle Creek are open, as the exit off the interstate occasionally closes due to landslides. If youre heading out to hike Eagle Creek whether its your first time or your 50th there are a few factors to consider and some preparations to make (including packing the essentials) before leaving home. And I just immediately fell in love with her," said Nichols. Those looking for extra mileage can continue down the trail, though a 14-mile round trip hike should be enough adventure for most. READ MORE: Hikers return to Eagle Creek Trail, as one of Oregons best hikes reopens, Hikers return to the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, more than three years after the trail closed due to the Eagle Creek fire.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian. Hike Type: Out and back. Hikers pass through a rock tunnel behind Tunnel Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, as the trail reopens more than three years after the Eagle Creek fire.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian. My name is Rhonda.' "I don't know if I stepped on a loose rock or if the path just crumbled beneath my foot, but just the next thing I knew, I was, I just fell and I was sliding down the side of the cliff," she told Van Sant. Mike Arnold: So it was a cause and effect? The trail down to Wahtum was very well maintained and easy. very easy extremely well-maintained trail. Crowds also pose problems on the trail itself. Yesterday, ice was melting in the sun, dripping down, and freezing again below on narrow rocky ledges hikers must cross. So that was our goal. This spectacular cliffsidehike passes through a forested basalt cliff overlooking Eagle Creek. The mountainous, wooded wilderness soaring above Oregon's Columbia River Gorge draws thousands of hikers every year to trek along its narrow trails. Mike Arnold: And what's the potential crime for which you believe he's a suspect? Deputy Matt English with the Hood River County Sheriff's Office, says their 911 center received a call at 6:09 p.m. from a man who had accompanied the woman on the hike. Spend some time here and take some photos. Difficulty: moderate to difficult Length: 4.4 miles round-trip. "I don't know," he replied. And Arnold thinks he knows why Rasmussen, after all that time, decided to act: Mike Arnold: There's an email that was read earlier into the record from Steve Jackson to you, dated February 17th, 2014. She was taking Tae Kwon Do. Looking across the gorge, you can see different layers of basalt entablature separated by narrower bands of colonnade. 902 Wasco Avenue, Gradual incline. You may recognize this viewpoint from photos and postcards. Hood River, OR 97031 Looking up or around you as you walk can sometimes result in a loss of balance, and on the Eagle Creek Trail that can be deadly. The defense will have much more to deal with than just Steve Jackson. Mike Arnold: You weren't asked a question, ma'am. Soon, you'll come to the Punch Bowl Falls overlook, where you can view Punch Bowl Falls spouting into its circular amphitheater and magnificent deep pool below. "I -- what was in his wallet, 'cause I know that she didn't like his personality after she had been with him a few years and saw how he -- he tortured her mentally," said Simmons. From Portland, OR: Travel east on Interstate 84 to exit #41 which is just past the interstate tunnel. there are some very high cliffs and if you are afraid of heights or afraid of falling just be a little cautious. Waterproof hiking boots will save your feet from a very uncomfortable day. The U.S. Forest Service has also posted a sign at the Eagle Creek Trailhead with a reminder that face coverings are mandatory when hikers cant stay at least six feet apart, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. That's argumentative and leading. Van Sant asked. This waterfall is what makes this hike absolutely amazing! After about a mile and a half of walking and ascending up onto the steep walls of the canyon you'll come to the Metlako Falls side trail. But we didn't even have a ring picked out yet," said Nichols. I just love it because she just looks amazing in all of those pictures," said Colburn. As always this trail is absolutely amazing! If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. There are already a few small slides on the trail, some of which require tricky crossings. Melanie declined to speak with "48 Hours," and Nichols says allegations of statutory rape, or any relationship, are false. Sheriff English: It could have been official misconduct or tampering with evidence, potentially. Along much of this hike you will follow a narrow path along basalt cliffs towering above a narrow canyon below holding Eagle Creek. This isn't the best trail for dogs or kids. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian. Conifers at the bottom of the canyon survived the fire with a full canopy, but you'll pass through a scorched area where fireweed, thimbleberry, poison oak, and ocean spray flourish. You'll know when you are getting close when you pass by a section known as "the potholes" which look like smooth steps carved into the trail by an ancient waterfall.