Beautiful hike! That's something that can't be outlawyered, it can't be confused with rumor and innuendo," he continued. On Oregon I-84 Eastbound, take exit 41 toward Fish Hatchery/Eagle Creek/Rec. Trail has some narrow sandy spots to be careful on past mile 9, otherwise solid. Also loop opportunities with other Gorge trails abound. Fairly low people count, especially after Punch Bowl Falls. That objection is overruled. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. With the hiker's help, Meads made it back up to safety, with a new respect for the trail. If youre hiking on a sunny afternoon bring extra water since the previous shaded trail is gone. Melanie declined to speak with "48 Hours," and Nichols says allegations of statutory rape, or any relationship, are false. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. "No. On some sections of the trail, hikers are forced to either plunge into a puddle or step around it and walk along the edge of a cliff (many, perhaps reflexively, choose the latter). - Must haves for this season: Also there are plenty of campsites at Indian springs. Then you'll pass under a cliff face to reach the junction with the Eagle Benson Trail #434. Ten months later, Nichols and his daughter decided to take a trip back to Oregon. --Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB. 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? Mike Arnold: And what's the potential crime for which you believe he's a suspect? He got a job teaching English to Chinese businessmen. It is also a popular alternative route to the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail crosses scree slopes that bloom with stonecrop in late spring. Indian mount summit was worth the day hike for the views of hood. Tunnel falls did not disappoint. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. And I told her, 'I am going to propose to you.' Later, the trail enters forest that has been more severely burned. After having the baby, Rhonda told Nichols she wanted to return to modeling but needed to lose some weight. 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). 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. "There's nothing about her face that's just not pretty, everything is pretty.". Be careful with dogs or small children on the Eagle Creek Trail. From this area, you can get a view back to a pinnacle formation on the west side of the Eagle Creek Gorge; this needle had been concealed by tall conifers before the Eagle Creek Fire. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors. Respond to that," said Van Sant. I wanted to lose weight. Campfire prohibited June 1 - Sept 15. Otherwise, stay on the Eagle Creek Trail, and cross a massive crib wall constructed by the PCTA at a spot where the trail slid away. Eagle Creek Trail, in the Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks, features waterfalls, autumn colors and high bridges. Within days, Rhonda's loved ones held a memorial where her mother says Nichols was acting strangely. "She got treated badly, and he tried to cheat on her several times," Julia Simmons alleged. After the devastating 50,000 acre 2017 fire that swept the gorge, Eagle Creek Trail . Lot empty at 7 on a Friday. That route is CLOSED. Starting at the trailhead, pass a weir, and then follow the wide well-groomed trail above the creek for a stretch. 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. But there's a problem -- something that could throw the entire case into doubt. The caveat is that the trail in many sections was blasted out of the basalt cliff faces by the 1915 crews that constructed it in conjunction with the work on the Historic Columbia River Highway. However, as you enter the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness beyond Wy'East Camp, you'll encounter larger stands of intact canopy where the fire was less intense. 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. She had hiked that trail numerous times before.". There are no guardrails to speak of. Van Sant asked. Current conditions: Some snow drifts present but none on trail at least none to high bridge (3.3 miles from TH) Muddy. My name is Rhonda.' "She was super protective and just -- like a new mom, you know? "I sort of wanted a fresh start," he said. Perfect day. Unable to come up with the money, Nichols returns to jail. There are moments on the Eagle Creek Trail when you completely forget that it was the birthplace of one of Oregons largest and most high-profile wildfires of the past decade. Lots of rocks so wear good shoes and bring poles! Tenas camp doesn't really exist anymore. As Stephen Nichols waited in jail, police gathered evidence for the murder trial on their theory that it was no accident. The trail down to Wahtum was very well maintained and easy. This trail follows a cliff for portions and can be very dangerous when slippery. Photos (5,154) Directions. Download a Trail Description and Map (pdf). The negative, mostly rocky, little shade due to the burn, and tons of mosquitos the last 3 miles to Wahtum lake. Tenas campsite does not exist anymore as a heads up. All dogs must be on leash. But we didn't even have a ring picked out yet," said Nichols. Mike Arnold: What was the last line of your email back to him the next day? "'Cause now the most important thing was her daughter.". Spend some time here and take some photos. But Rhonda's mother says she knows what happened and why: Nichols' huge losses in the stock market. Van Sant asked Nichols. In that August 2015 bail hearing, Tiffany tells Arnold his suspicions were further confirmed by stories he heard from Rhonda's family. She was an aspiring model, whose beauty had caught the eye of companies like Nike. So sad now its burned. Gerry Tiffany: No, it was there when I left. Arnold has some questions about the scientific rigor of DeHaven's tests, including laughter in the background: Michael Arnold: Was that person laughing part of the scientific experiment? Beautiful hike this morning; passed some others but trail not overly crowded. One of the most popular trails on the Columbia River Gorge has reopened! "I had a three bedroom condo and the other two rooms were just empty," said Nichols. Four and a Half Mile Bridge is quite a contrast to its downtrail cousin, the High Bridge, sitting a mere four feet above the water! Arnold claims Simmons would do just about anything for money, including a despicable crime: cashing her granddaughter's monthly death benefit check from the government despite never having custody of her. ( This hike is not far from Portland and is best in the spring or early summer to really appreciate the beautiful waterfalls. Did this 6.6 mile out and back based off of one of the hikes, Hike #51, in NW OR and SW WA by Sullivan. 2.4M views 5 years ago Join us on this amazing backpacking trip into the hills bordering the Columbia River Gorge! Next, you'll see the mouth of Opal Creek, which flows steeply down from the bowl below Tanner Butte. They were both upbeat and happy, you know, just a zest for life," he said. Mike Arnold: What is your opinion about whether or not Miss Casto was pushed? United States. She's quite beautiful.'". "And as their relationship evolved, honestly, did she love Stephen more for what was inside him, or what was in his wallet?" Many water sources ! Scary parts: If exploring makes you nervous, this might not be the hike for you, as parts of the trail scale rocky cliffs high above the creek below. This is still the same scenic trail it has always been - all the same waterfalls! People think of all the days, why would you choose that day to hike?" I made that very clear. Carrie Rasmussen: Objection! Entiat River. The trail enters a lovely amphitheater, dripping with moss and maidenhair fern, where Tunnel Falls plunges 175 feet to a shallow pool. Asked what he was sensing from Rhonda, Nichols told Van Sant, "I felt she was into me, too. Although named in open court, "48 Hours" has chosen not to name Simmons' granddaughter. Watch social media channels from the U.S. Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Ask the next question, please. In places the trail is narrow, and you need to take care when passing others. "I don't even know who Jen Sconce is," Nichols laughed. "The exact opposite. Oregon Medical Examiner Christopher Young performed Rhonda's autopsy and testified at Nichols' bail hearing that all of Rhonda's serious injuries occurred below her waist. Matt English, the current sheriff of Hood River County, is about to drop a bombshell: Sheriff English: There were multiple files that are gone. Looking across the gorge, you can see different layers of basalt entablature separated by narrower bands of colonnade. I was crying nonstop. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Little succulent-leaved stonecrop plants bloom here in late spring. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Start by hiking up the Eagle Creek Trail 13.3 miles to Wahtum Lake. It was. Nichols and his daughter, now 5, moved to Wuxi, about 75 miles from Shanghai. Eagle Creek Trail In a nutshell: One of Oregon's most scenic trails, located in the Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks. Take a right at the end of the off ramp and follow the signs to theEagle Creek Trailhead/Picnic Area. They had started a family, but hadn't quite made things official. Arnold read a portion of Jackson's email aloud in court: "I'm sending this to you today as a courtesy to let you know that I am resuming my intentions to research and write about this. Then 82-foot Metlako Falls spouts on Eagle Creek itself, where it makes a tight turn east. Aside from having proper footwear, maintaining physical awareness is key. Also, you'll notice blackened conifers from the 2017 fire almost immediately, and most of the maples went up in flames but are vigorously sprouting back from their lignotubers. There are already a few small slides on the trail, some of which require tricky crossings. Acknowledgement of the PCTA's work on the Eagle Creek Trail since the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire (bobcat) Spawning salmon can be seen near the trailhead in late fall (cfm) Latitude: 45.636574. Investigators believe that's not true. Then, he and his now-motherless daughter moved across the state to live with his family. About two miles down the trail you will reach beautiful 33ft Punchbowl falls which tumbles into a large pool amphitheatre below. "I always believed, you know, he pushed her," said Gerry Tiffany. That's argumentative and leading. Dec. 18th 2022 to Tunnel Falls It was a chaplain sent by the local fire department. See the other AllTrails of Eagle Creek to Wahtum and many people will report the same. "They adored each other," Stephen Nichols Sr. said. But by the time Stephen Nichols and Rhonda Casto headed back down the narrow path, the weather had turned. Arnold is talking about the condition and location of Rhonda's body. According to court filed documents, Melanie Casto will allege she began having sex with Nichols when she was just 15. Thankfully, in some sketchy areas a cable has been bolted to the cliff wall to hang on to while hiking. She was my rock, my sidekick, my everything," Simmons told Van Sant. "The pelvis was essentially shattered," Young told the court. And knowing that you're never getting back to your child.". Your physical evidence could disappear within hours or days," Arnold explained. In addition, two bridges, the Fern Creek Bridge and the High Bridge, had to be replaced because of fire damage. "I was tongue tied. Read the regulations carefully and attach the permit visibly on your backpack. AMENITIES: Portable toilets, parking lots. The fourth cabled section of the trail takes you along a cliff 120 feet above the creek. And she's like, 'Hi. The trail reopened in . It is not recommended for children or those with accessibility issues. The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burned hot in this section of the gorge, so you will be constantly reminded of that conflagration. Fees: Northwest Forest Pass required, or pay a $5 fee at the trailhead per car. Eagle creek has many wonderful waterfalls. "That Rhonda had conveyed to them that if she didn't come back it was because Mr. Nichols pushed her," Tiffany testified. "I saw something pop up on my phone. CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO DAMAGE FROM A 2017 WILDFIRE. But ultimately, does Simmons' confession of taking her granddaughter's checks really tarnish all of her testimony in the case of her beloved Rhonda? In open court, he subpoenas the prosecutor sitting right across from him. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. When I'm really, really sad, I just -- I close down. He told the operator that Rhonda had been acting high, being silly and running on the slippery trail before she fell. Once you exit the highway, drive the short ways up Eagle Creek Loop, past the salmon hatchery, to find the trailhead parking. This is an amazing gorge hike with several beautiful waterfalls, including one that users can walk behind. But something was about to happen. The rainy season means the smaller creeks that feed Eagle Creek are higher as well, and some crossings can be treacherous, requiring hikers to walk along fallen logs and slippery stones to continue along the trail. Yesterday, ice was melting in the sun, dripping down, and freezing again below on narrow rocky ledges hikers must cross. Please enter valid email address to continue. But, she admits, the hostility went both ways. Northwest Forest Pass Required May 15-Oct 1 Crowds also pose problems on the trail itself. I love you. "Because he had an inkling that Rhonda was gonna leave him, and he didn't wanna pay child support," she replied. (CASCADE LOCKS, Ore.) - Deputies say a 23-year old Portland woman died Monday afternoon after falling from a popular hiking trail west of Cascade Locks. From there, head to another bridge over Eagle Creek (passing a nice swimming hole for hot days, with a cobbled beach to dry out on). Jackson says his email to the prosecutor is something any journalist might do. ) or https:// means you've safely Distance: 4.2 miles (round trip) Elevation gain: 525 feet. Penstemon, arnica, monkeyflower, and saxifrage cling to the rocky fastness. Narrow trail with anchored cables into rock in some areas to hold onto for support away from cliff edge. Make sure you allow as much room as possible when letting people pass. 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. (This is a section of trail sometimes called the "The Potholes".) "and you know, somebody that's really nice. "I'm positive that he killed her," Simmons said. "Give me a sense what it meant for you and for Rhonda," Van Sant asked Nichols. "He started to verbally abuse Rhonda by calling her stupid and a bunch of other names," she said. And it was precisely in that very spot that Rhonda Casto went off Eagle Creek trail, falling over 150 feet to her death. Length: 4.4 miles round-trip to Punchbowl Falls; 6.6 miles to High Bridge; 12 miles to Tunnel Falls. "If I sneeze, if I cough, if any little thing goes wrong, that I was gonna die.". Hike Type: Out and Back. More:Trapped by the Eagle Creek Fire, Salem teenagers survive night in the wild. Either way, it's a wonderful thing to return to Eagle Creek Trail. A tree fell over, taking a section of trail with it. But COVID changed all that. But what if, as Rhonda's family and friends believe, it wasn't an innocent fall? Pretty falls. If you're day hiking, you can turn around here. In 2005, Simmons played a role in introducing her daughter to a man who would change the course of Rhonda's life. 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. "They'd go to a movie or they'd go play Frisbee golf. It affords spectacular views of the creek's slot canyon, where acool, ethereal fog offers a reprieve on a hot summerday. Traces of marijuana were found in her system and prescription drugs, which may have affected her balance. Cliff jumping off of Punch Bowl Falls is not permitted. "She just looked at me, and she said, 'Your daughter's gone,'" said Simmons. 902 Wasco Avenue, As the name implies, your path with pass through a tunnel behind the falls about midway up the drop. "I spend probably 80 percent of my waking hours just reading. Nichols cooperated with police, answering all of their questions. The Statesman Journal covered the story of the escape from the Eagle Creek Fire which you can read at StatesmanJournal.com. All that moisture also makes mud, and theres a lot of it along the trail, made messier with the recent crowding. Gerry Tiffany: Pretty much the next morning. And she goes, 'I told you.'". Because there's someone else in the courtroom who Arnold believes is the real reason prosecutor Carrie Rasmussen charged Nichols with murder. Be cautious on the upcoming trail as it is well over 100 feet above the river below and can be narrow. "She was funny," friend Jessica Colburn said. Around milepost 5, hikers must register and issue themselves a permit. 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. Many hikers choose to backpack as far as Tunnel Falls, about seven miles up the trail, where they can pass behind falling waters. "It was always easy to be around her 'cause you kind of became that way as well.". You may recognize this viewpoint from photos and postcards. About 3 miles up, hikers will encounter the aptly named High Bridge, which traversesa narrowgorge150 feet above the creek. "48 Hours" caught up with one hiker who has a terrifying tale to tell. Detectives from Hood River County, where Eagle Creek Trail is located, began investigating Rhonda's death. "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. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 3 scenic trails in the Eagle Creek area. Very popular. Stephen Nichols says this is how the tragedy unfolded: they're heading down the trail. Photos (3,454) Directions. It was about 40 degrees and the weather was spotty. The steep slopes above you are composed of conglomerates from the Eagle Creek Formation, sedimentary deposits laid down by the ancient Columbia River millions of years before the Columbia River Basalt Flows. 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. Loved it. Got there about 9am and were able to park in the closest lot to the trail; the flush bathrooms there are working. One of the most popular backpacking trails; there are multiple camping sites along the trail. There are three parking lots on-site including one for larger trailers, and a valid recreation pass or day use fee is required. She remembers her best friend as simply irreplaceable. Wow what a gorgeous hike! on official, secure websites. Van Sant asked. "I never really knew that they went hiking," she explained. It is not safe to pass at this time. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Michael Arnold: Who's that laughing that "she lost her guts"? DO NOT try and use the trail by WyEast as a way to loop it back. "Six o'clock rolled around--nothing. And then I go to the shower, cry a little bit over my daughter. Urness is the author of Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Hiking Southern Oregon. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or 503-399-6801. 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. "all the details that we'd so far heard, none of those makes sense with just simply sliding and falling down," said Arneson. "this was a tragic accident. "She'd call me, or she'd be over at my house.". With extremely rocky ground, hikers need to watch their footing and make sure to stay focused on the trail.
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