Tall, ribbon-like Wy'East Falls plunges from a basalt rampart - a short scramble up the creek will get you a better view of these falls which shrink to a trickle by the end of summer. 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. "There's nothing about her face that's just not pretty, everything is pretty.". Think about her. Campfires are not permitted though. "48 Hours" caught up with one hiker who has a terrifying tale to tell. In open court, he subpoenas the prosecutor sitting right across from him. And she goes, 'OK, well, you're missing out. This page has been accessed 718,151 times. "She was super protective and just -- like a new mom, you know? As you turn into a gully, you'll get a glimpse of the top of Metlako Falls across the gorge and then cross Sorenson Creek, with its round concrete steps. She wanted to lose weight," said Nichols. I want to warn people that this beautiful hike is quite dangerous in certain weather conditions. There were showers from time to time and the trail was damp. Start point: Eagle Creek Trailhead End point: Tunnel Falls Trail Log: Trail Log Hike Type: Out and back Distance: 12.0 miles (round trip) Elevation gain: 1640 feet High point: 1,080 feet Seasons: Year round Difficulty: Moderate Backpackable: Yes Family Friendly: No Crowded: Yes Falling Poison-Oak **Falling Hazard** There are three main areas to park for the Eagle Creek Trailhead. Lots of rocks so wear good shoes and bring poles! But Rhonda didn't have to say a word to make an impression. This is one of the easier 12-mile hikes you'll accomplish, heading up the Eagle Creek canyon on a very gently graded trail. But something was about to happen. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Every year, there is a story about someone falling from this spot and injuring themselves. That's why we're here," said Jackson. Why would Stephen want Rhonda dead? Van Sant asked. Just looking at Rhonda, being transformed," he said. The beauty here can mask a dangerous truth -- that these paths can be perilous. NOTICE: This trail is closed until further notice because of damage from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. "So we're at an outcropping here at Eagle Creek," he said. Two years into their stormy relationship, the couple allegedly had a shouting match one night in a bar that a witness says quickly escalated into a shocking threat. Meads headed out on a Gorge hike in May 2015, that soon became a struggle to survive. Waterfalls were amazing, trail is well maintained. At this hearing, she doesn't want to talk to Mike Arnold, either: Carrie Rasmussen: Sustained means sustained. ", "I'm the most non-violent person you will ever meet," he said. You have an attorney who's representing the state on this matter. By the time we were done people were parking a half mile away and walking in. Some of those passages are basically single tracks with cables that can be used as hand rails for those more sensitive to heights. "I never really knew that they went hiking," she explained. After having the baby, Rhonda told Nichols she wanted to return to modeling but needed to lose some weight. "Magical moment. The PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) has done a magnificent job in restoring the trail, and the tread is in excellent shape. Landy quickly became like a mother to his daughter. "Have you done anything wrong?" Rounding a corner at a rocky viewpoint, you can see ahead to the High Bridge, which spans a spectacularly narrow sheer-sided gorge. Make sure you show up first thing in the morning or later in the day if you want to ensure a place to park. Natural hazards: Downed trees and landslides may be possible on the trail. Despite its moderate grade, the Eagle Creek Trail can be dangerous due to the steep cliff sides without railings and water crossings. Now retired, Tiffany was the lead detective following Rhonda Casto's death in 2009. The grade was easy after the first mile. On Thursday, all parking areas around the trailhead filled up by 9 a.m., as people took advantage of a break in the rain. Pretty falls. Everything's gotta be just so," said Simmons. "They adored each other," Stephen Nichols Sr. said. Wild flowers and butterflies. Some brave trail runners present! Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. After you pass through the tunnel, you'll see yellow-blooming streambank arnica clinging to the cliff face. "He wanted to be with my other daughter and he wanted Rhonda out of the picture," Julia Simmons told Van Sant. "T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, things like that," Meads explained. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Office
Fair amount of people at Wahtum Lake, but it was a weekend so that was expected. Crowds also pose problems on the trail itself. He passed the couple on the trail possibly minutes before Rhonda's fatal fall: Mike Arnold: And what did she look like? "I'm confident that he would be found guilty.". He told the operator that Rhonda had been acting high, being silly and running on the slippery trail before she fell. "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. Be cautious on the upcoming trail as it is well over 100 feet above the river below and can be narrow. But by the time Stephen Nichols and Rhonda Casto headed back down the narrow path, the weather had turned. Tiffany has denied, under oath, that he ever intentionally destroyed anything: Mike Arnold: Do you know what happened to the hard drive that those files were on? "My daughter was absolutely thriving," Nichols 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?". Certainly finished soaking wet, but that's to be expected on a rainy day in January. 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. "I liked China. This is a nice out and back hike with great scenery of waterfalls, ferns, and rocky outcroppings. Within this corridor, theres only one side trail to worry about: a short trip down to the water between Punch Bowl Falls and Lower Punch Bowl Falls. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Aside from having proper footwear, maintaining physical awareness is key. Their romance quickly blossomed, and before long, Rhonda joined her mother in the condo; not as a roommate, but as Nichols' girlfriend. I could tell that she valued intelligence and I've always thought that that's one of my strongest assets.". "Tell me about this," Van Sant asked while holding up a photo of Rhonda. One of the most popular trails on the Columbia River Gorge has reopened! The September 2017 fire that swept through the Columbia River Gorge temporarily closed 10 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and a popular PCT alternate route, the Eagle Creek Trail. "She said he'd been kinda buggin' her to go hiking for like two or three weeks--like a month," Simmons said. Campfire prohibited June 1 - Sept 15. 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. Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls. "You seemed unmoved by Rhonda's death.". "Yes, we were very good buddies," she replied. The climb out from eagle creek Trail on Indian springs Trail is no joke, very steep. 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 . Within days, Rhonda's loved ones held a memorial where her mother says Nichols was acting strangely. Even in the places that are burned and the impact is clear the burn scar is not overwhelming for much of the hike. Please enter valid email address to continue. Julia Simmons: I'm not doing anything right now. "She was, like, it for me. Enjoy this 41.5-km out-and-back trail near Cascade Locks, Oregon. On many sections, there is a steep cliff to one side of the trail. The bridge was damaged in the Eagle Creek Fire, with its floorboards completely burned, so it was replaced in October 2019, with the new version being airlifted in by helicopter. The campsites to the right of the trail were obliterated by two large Douglas-firs, which fell in early 2017. It is quite popular with easy vehicle access at the trailhead, so plan to see a lot of other hikers and is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Next, you'll see the mouth of Opal Creek, which flows steeply down from the bowl below Tanner Butte. "I think it's one of the best things you can do is just to go on a long hike. For a nice day-trip, hike 3.3 miles (6.6 round-trip) to aptly named High Bridge, then return and head to Cascade Locks for a late lunch. Will do again! Starting at the trailhead, pass a weir, and then follow the wide well-groomed trail above the creek for a stretch. Moderate 4.7 (1786) Mount Hood National Forest. "You guys good buddies?" It's beautiful but treacherous. About two miles down the trail you will reach beautiful 33ft Punchbowl falls which tumbles into a large pool amphitheatre below. From Cascade Locks, OR: Travel west on Interstate 84 approximately 3 miles to Bonneville Dam exit #40 (there is no westbound exit #41). To maintain an easy grade through this rugged canyon, the builders blasted ledges out of sheer cliffs, bridged . Get in the right lane before entering the tunnel. It was. For many of them are not accessible and you only see them from the trail that sometimes is far above the river. In that August 2015 bail hearing, Tiffany tells Arnold his suspicions were further confirmed by stories he heard from Rhonda's family. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h . (This is a section of trail sometimes called the "The Potholes".) I have to trust law enforcement to do their jobs," Arnold told Van Sant. Theres also an excellent documentary by TOPIC magazine on the rise of the Eagle Creek Fire. 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. You remember receiving that? The first few miles and really most of the way to High Bridge there is a lot of low-intensity fire along trail, while up on the higher ridges, you can see much higher-severity fire manifest in the rows of dead trees. In fact, you'll soon pass a large fossil tree stump, now much diminished because of the depredations of decades of souvenir snatchers. Eagle Creek Trail, Oregon (Photo: Chris Ebarb Photography/Moment Open via Getty Images) Reach the first campsite, Tenas Camp, at mile 3.7, after passing 50-foot Skoonichuck Falls. Mike Arnold: Did you steal ___'s Social Security benefits? So sad now its burned. But wy,east, blue grouse, and 7 .5 mi campsites are fine. Only after you pass the 7 and 1/2 mile camp will you enter an area where most of the trees are truly dead. What Ive always appreciated is how it can perfectly set up the type of day that you want to have. The trail crosses scree slopes that bloom with stonecrop in late spring. Author Steve Jackson will go just about anywhere for a good story, including the Hood River County Courthouse, where he's researching a book, along with his investigator, on Rhonda Casto's death. Later this month the judge will consider reducing Nichols' $2 million bail. "I never heard her say that. There is more snow the further in you go, but we didn't need spikes even though we brought them. The trail is rocky in many areas and requires one to be paying attention so, make sure you stop once in a while to lift up your head to enjoy the beautiful surroundings and not miss some of the waterfalls. "She wasn't afraid to say things that she felt or wanted to say or do," Arneson recalled. He does something "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant has never seen. Restroom at Eagle Creek Trailhead and Day Use Area. Hike Type: Out and back. It was along the Eagle Creek trail that Rhonda Casto, a 23-year-old. End Point: Eagle Creek Ford. Mike Arnold: And did you have a suspect in those criminal acts? "He goes, 'Rhonda's dead.' Julia Simmons [looking at document]: Well, I see it here, so I must've done it. After crossing the High Bridge, walk high above the creek to get a good view, more open since the fire, of 50-foot Skoonichuck Falls, which plunges in two big tiers below a 400-foot cliff. They quickly made an improvised lifeline, made literally from the clothes off their backs. It was heavily forested and gorgeous! Photos (3,454) Directions. Here you will cross a high bridge just past Loowit falls and just over 3 miles into the trip. "all the details that we'd so far heard, none of those makes sense with just simply sliding and falling down," said Arneson. You'll reach the location of Tenas Camp, the first area of permitted camping on the Eagle Creek Trail (but campfires are not allowed). Please consult a good, up to date map when planning backpacking trips. You'll reach the top of Twister Falls, with its necktie "crossover" of two streams of water. In a nutshell: One of Oregons most scenic trails, located in the Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks. Sheriff English: It could have been official misconduct or tampering with evidence, potentially. Carrie Rasmussen: Right. A mysterious fall off a rain-soaked path. 2023 www.statesmanjournal.com. The first 7 miles are the best but the lake at the end is nice. At the junction with the Lower Punch Bowl Trail #440B, you can descend 300 feet down into the gorge to a spot just upstream of Lower Punch Bowl Falls; however, the view of Punch Bowl Falls from the end of this spur trail no longer exists due to a 2018 landslide that blocked the creek (see the Eagle Creek to Punch Bowl Falls Hike). To support his work, subscribe to the Statesman Journal. Bail was set at $2 million. 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. Most people who live in Oregon know the story of how the Eagle Creek Fire ignited a teenager tossed a firework off the trail on a boiling hot day in early September 2017.
"We know people fall every day in their homes. If you still feel like you still have some energy, the last two major waterfalls, both on the West Fork Eagle Creek, can be seen in the next half mile. "I had been there before," Nichols replied. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. But I've never physically hurt anyone.". "He couldn't write a book until the case was solved," said Tiffany. Fairly low people count, especially after Punch Bowl Falls. 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. Ten months later, Nichols and his daughter decided to take a trip back to Oregon. That objection is overruled. Some poison oak but you can avoid it.. Arnold is talking about the condition and location of Rhonda's body. As the hour grew late, she got increasingly concerned. Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. Download a Trail Description and Map (pdf). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Many hikers choose to backpack as far as Tunnel Falls, about seven miles up the trail, where they can pass behind falling waters. "He can be very charming," she said. "He wasn't helpful and he did basically say something like, you know, 'Why don't you move on before another accident happens,'" he told the court. "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. Looking across the gorge, you can see different layers of basalt entablature separated by narrower bands of colonnade. With extremely rocky ground, hikers need to watch their footing and make sure to stay focused on the trail. The Eagle Creek recreation area and trail was closed for more than three years after a teen threw a firework that caused a nearly 49,000 acre wildfire in September 2017. Mike Arnold says, so what? "I somehow grabbed onto a root," she said. "The exact opposite. Pacific Crest Trail Association volunteers were able to reopen the PCT quickly, but the Eagle Creek Trail, which follows a steep and beautiful canyon, just reopened . The Eagle Creek Trail runs 13.1 miles one way, from the main trailhead to a junction with the Pacific Crest Trail at Wahtum Lake, though few hike the whole thing. In January 2016, in Hood River, defense attorney Mike Arnold plans to put the prosecution's case on trial at a hearing to have all charges against Stephen Nichols dismissed. Given the narrow trail and the crowds, theres simply no way to hike Eagle Creek without coming within six feet of another person. "He pushed her down on the stairs and left bruises on her back," said Simmons. Because there's someone else in the courtroom who Arnold believes is the real reason prosecutor Carrie Rasmussen charged Nichols with murder. That's what responsible parents do. Across the creek, you'll may notice little Tenas Falls, where a tributary splits around a rock to make a twin plunge into Eagle Creek. The vast majority of trees that were killed in the fire are still standing with weakened root structures that means they do fall over pretty regularly, said Karen Davis, spokeswoman for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Want to report conditions for this trail? "I spend probably 80 percent of my waking hours just reading. The route up Oneonta Creek, typically taken in summer, was closed along with most other trails burned during the 50,000-acre Eagle Creek Fire of 2017. But to the racist man with the pit bull threatening to push other peoples dogs off the trail, I hope you find some kind of happiness, because you definitely need it. I loved it. Parking fills up quickly during hot days as many people visit to go swimming in the lower-punchbowl falls area. "It was always easy to be around her 'cause you kind of became that way as well.". Take a right at the end of the off ramp and follow the signs to theEagle Creek Trailhead/Picnic Area. Van Sant asked Simmons. Not suitable for young children. However, recovery efforts from the 2017 Eagle Creek wildfire are still underway on some of these multi-day loop trail opportunities (Ruckel Creek #403, Tanner Butte #401, Eagle-Tanner #433, and Tanner Cutoff #448 trails remain closed). But as the majority of trails have reopened . Gorgeous falls. Around milepost 5, hikers must register and issue themselves a permit. Theres also frequent debris and mudslides. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. From attacking Nichols' character -- "Stephen Nichols is a sociopath and a murderer" -- to accusing him of killing for cash, to allegations involving Rhonda's younger sister, ironically, it is Simmons -- the woman who had wanted Stephen Nichols to meet her daughter all those years ago -- who has led the charge against Nichols for years. Rhonda was in a great mood and jokingly she'd put a towel around her shoulders and was calling herself Supergirl. Dont be surprised if you find peoples dirty toilet paper and other garbage at the campsites though. The negative, mostly rocky, little shade due to the burn, and tons of mosquitos the last 3 miles to Wahtum lake. The Eagle Creek Trail is the most popular trail in the Columbia Gorge. And then I go to the shower, cry a little bit over my daughter. Otherwise, hikers can simply continue along the trail with no concern of getting turned around. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Once you exit the highway, drive the short ways up Eagle Creek Loop, past the salmon hatchery, to find the trailhead parking. "I don't know," he replied. Arnold wants to know what hard evidence led to Nichols' arrest. Print/PDF map. Rocky areas also become slippery after rain, or after many muddy boots have crossed over them. When I'm really, really sad, I just -- I close down. It was about 40 degrees and the weather was spotty. Simmons says that Rhonda and Stephen's relationship had been stormy for years before that fateful hike. Bring your raincoat. An official website of the
Mike Arnold: What was the last line of your email back to him the next day? The defense will have much more to deal with than just Steve Jackson. The mountainous, wooded wilderness soaring above Oregon's Columbia River Gorge draws thousands of hikers every year to trek along its narrow trails. Make sure you allow as much room as possible when letting people pass. St. Helens upon dying. This is still the same scenic trail it has always been - all the same waterfalls! Tenas campsite does not exist anymore as a heads up. We hiked out expecting to stay there, but we had to hike back because the site wasn't viable. What a pretty hike! The next 6 to the lake was nice but lower payoff. "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. The annual festival at @, Happy long weekend, everyone! You are risking your life to save mine,'" Meads recalled. Suddenly, a startling new chapter in this case begins as the motion to dismiss hearing continues.