Climbing out of the Columbia River Gorge, Wyeth Trail #411 starts at Wyeth Campground off I-84 Exit 51 and enters the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness on its way to the Mt. Defiance South Trailhead on Forest Road 2820. The trailhead parking area holds about ten cars.
The hard work comes early: switchbacks with steep grades gain 2,400 ft before the trail tops a saddle at the Green Point Ridge Trail #418 junction. Most of the route is forested, but clearings look out over the Gorge, and once you cross into the Lindsey Creek basin you can see Mount Defiance and Mount Hood. Near North Lake the trail turns brushy, so watch for flagging and cairns.
Trail map & elevation
- Trail class
- Class 2 of 5
- Typical grade
- 5-8%
- Surface
- Native material
- Tread width
- 18-24 inches
- Ranger district
- Hood River
Connects to: Mt. Defiance Trail #413, North Lake Trail #423, Green Point Ridge Trail #418
More about the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness and its trails →
Line, length and trail class: U.S. Forest Service trail data. Elevation: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Difficulty is our estimate for hiking it out and back (once around for a loop), from distance and total climb. Lines can be off by a few hundred feet; carry a real map and check the official page for closures.
Getting there
- Wyeth Trailhead is in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area:
- From Portland or Hood River- Follow US Hwy I-84 to Exit 51 and turn off the highway.
- At the bottom of the interchange, follow the roadway south (away from the river) to Wyeth Road (less than 100 yards).
- Turn right (west) onto Wyeth Road and follow it for 250 yards to the entrance of Wyeth Campground.
- Continue south through the campground’s west edge following a paved road with signs to the hiking trailhead.
- There is room for about ten cars at the parking area.
- For alternate access from south end, see Mt. Defiance South Trailhead.
From the Forest Service
Rules and restrictions
Wilderness restrictions apply.
Passes and permits
A valid Recreation Pass is required at Wyeth/Gorton Creek Trailhead on the Columbia River Gorge.
Season details
Usually accessible in May
Trails nearby
Mt. Defiance Trail #413
5.8 mi
2,245 ft
Hard
North Lake Trail #423
2.8 mi
695 ft
Moderate
Green Point Ridge Trail #418
5 mi
809 ft
Moderate
Plateau Cutoff Trail #412
1 mi
101 ft
Easy
Bear Lake Trail #413A
1.4 mi
276 ft
Easy
Gorton Creek Trail #408
7.4 mi
1,454 ft
Hard
Rainy Lake Trail #423A
1.2 mi
119 ft
Easy
Nick Eaton Trail #447
5 mi
1,750 ft
Hard
Rainy Wahtum Trail #409
10 mi
1,442 ft
Hard
Casey Creek Trail #476
3.6 mi
2,428 ft
Hard
Mitchell Point Trail #417
4 mi
1,222 ft
Moderate
Herman Cutoff Trail #410
4.4 mi
1,523 ft
Hard