Bridge of the Gods is where the PCT the tail crosses the Columbia River and thru hikers enter Washington from Oregon. It is a narrow 2 lane bridge with a toll gate Hikers just walk in the roadway. This is the lowest point on the PCT ~200'. (PCT Mile 2147)
We did this backwards- starting at Forest Road 2070 (Red Bluff Road) PCT Mile 2166) The Trailhead is about 8 miles from Stevenson, WA on a good road. (Although I did get a flat) Rock Creek is .6 further on Northbound from the Road.
The Trail is a long gradual ascent to over 3400' passing thru mature spaced Hemlocks. Lots of ferns covered the forest floor. Water is scarce until almost to Table Mountain. We encountered about 12 Section Hikers starting WA and almost all inquired where the next water source was.
The Three Corners Trail was very brushy so we continued on the PCT. We had some excellent views of Mount Adams and later on Mount Hood. We could just see Mount Jefferson peaking out far in the distance. If Mount St Helens was visible we missed it.
We skirted the West side of Table Mountain, but saved going to the top for another day. The views must be incredible from there. Below Table Mountain is water. A small stream about 11 miles from Rock Creek. In the spring there is seasonal water.
As we descended we went past Gillette Lake, a popular destination with day hikers and had fantastic views of the Columbia Gorge, Bonneville Dam, the Columbia River. It was sad to see all the burned area on the South side from the fireworks last summer.
A lot of the trail is very smooth and great for running. Some high sections were in need of brushing. The flowers were amazing up high and lots of butterfly's. A fabulous hike!
18 Miles point to point, 3K elevation gain, 7 hours
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