Jessica Colburn first met Rhonda when they were in high school. So sad now its burned. A user trail takes you through high brush to the top of Skoonichuck Falls. Some berries along the way. It was a cold day rain off and on. It was heavily forested and gorgeous! 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. "I had a three bedroom condo and the other two rooms were just empty," said Nichols. Pass along another cliff face to reach Four and a Half Mile Bridge, only the second time you'll cross Eagle Creek. This is still the same scenic trail it has always been - all the same waterfalls! "You know, Peter, the funny thing about science is you don't have to believe in it for it to be true," he replied. There are six sections where cable handrails will give you a sense of security as you pass above vertical drops. Distance: 6.8 miles round-trip to the Eagle Creek Riverside Camp. About two miles down the trail you will reach beautiful 33ft Punchbowl falls which tumbles into a large pool amphitheatre below. Got there early and the parking lot was already almost full. The trail turns into a gully and passes over the Fern Creek Bridge, one of two bridges on the trail that had to be replaced after the fire. "I don't know," he replied. My name is Rhonda.' From Portland, OR: Travel east on Interstate 84 to exit #41 which is just past the interstate tunnel. Loved it. And I about jumped out of my seat," said Brandi Arneson. The negative, mostly rocky, little shade due to the burn, and tons of mosquitos the last 3 miles to Wahtum lake. Van Sant asked Nichols. Now retired, Tiffany was the lead detective following Rhonda Casto's death in 2009. On Oregon I-84 Eastbound, take exit 41 toward Fish Hatchery/Eagle Creek/Rec. In places the trail is narrow, and you need to take care when passing others. Hikers should stay away from the edges of the trail, where possible, and should avoid leaving the trail for any reason. Looking for the best hiking trails in Eagle Creek? 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. His daughter was sent to live with Rhonda's family. This trail follows a cliff for portions and can be very dangerous when slippery. Entiat River. There is a hole in the trail approximately 1 mile from the trailhead, just past the first cable section. I love Rhonda. nothing too crazy nothing steep very easy straightforward incline definitely the most gradual 5000 ft of elevation I've ever done. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Sandy, OR 97055 Parkdale, Oregon 97041 503-668-1700 541-352-6002 The USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. These are both worth visiting, and the trail grade continues to be gentle. 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. Official websites use .gov A .gov Its also a great place to see the way wildfires impact different patches of forest at different severity. Is that what you're trying to do? But what if, as Rhonda's family and friends believe, it wasn't an innocent fall? And knowing that you're never getting back to your child.". Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Starting at the trailhead, pass a weir, and then follow the wide well-groomed trail above the creek for a stretch. St. Helens upon dying. Pretty falls. Certainly finished soaking wet, but that's to be expected on a rainy day in January. She broke into a run and, according to Nichols, she slipped on the wet path and fell more than 150 feet to her death. Campfires are not permitted though. I have to trust law enforcement to do their jobs," Arnold told Van Sant. In total, the effort brought in an additional $149,000including $30,000 donated by Friends on behalf of its membersfor Gorge trail repair and restoration efforts. It could potentially be a criminal act. It was. Hike Type: Out and back. Van Sant asked Arnold. As the name implies, your path with pass through a tunnel behind the falls about midway up the drop. 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. She remembers her best friend as simply irreplaceable. "Because he had an inkling that Rhonda was gonna leave him, and he didn't wanna pay child support," she replied. The best times to visit this trail are April through October. Mike Arnold: What was the last line of your email back to him the next day? It was about 40 degrees and the weather was spotty. Given the narrow trail and the crowds, theres simply no way to hike Eagle Creek without coming within six feet of another person. This page has been accessed 718,151 times. 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. "There's one universal truth out there, and that's physics. After you pass through the tunnel, you'll see yellow-blooming streambank arnica clinging to the cliff face. 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. I will always love Rhonda. There are no guardrails to speak of. "Stephen was very friendly in the beginning. And I just immediately fell in love with her," said Nichols. "I sort of wanted a fresh start," he said. 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. "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. "She said he'd been kinda buggin' her to go hiking for like two or three weeks--like a month," Simmons said. Next, you'll see the mouth of Opal Creek, which flows steeply down from the bowl below Tanner Butte. Restrooms broken at the trailhead but portapotties available. This was one of Oregons gems, it was almost too sad to do the hike. Mike Arnold: So it was a cause and effect? Get in the right lane before entering the tunnel. "You don't think about your friend's name being said and saying that she has died by falling off a cliff," Brandi Arneson said in tears. Julia Simmons: I'm not doing anything right now. There are rock benches on the stream here where you can take a break, and small drops above on the creek where there are swimming holes. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. But by the time Stephen Nichols and Rhonda Casto headed back down the narrow path, the weather had turned. Then came the time for that hike in March 2009. Eagle Creek Trail, in the Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks, features waterfalls, autumn colors and high bridges. But not everyone knows the story of the 150 hikers who were trapped by the fire including nine Salem teenagers and forced to spend a night in the forest before hiking out the long way. That's why we're here," said Jackson. They had started a family, but hadn't quite made things official. But now, on the stand, Mike Arnold puts her credibility under the microscope: Julia Simmons: Are you just trying to badger me? We hiked out expecting to stay there, but we had to hike back because the site wasn't viable. Fair amount of people at Wahtum Lake, but it was a weekend so that was expected. "Have you done anything wrong?" This is after you pass Tunnel falls and Twister Falls. Arnold told the court of best-selling true-crime writer Steve Jackson. "She just looked at me, and she said, 'Your daughter's gone,'" said Simmons. For a full day and adventure, hike 6 miles (12 round-trip) to Tunnel Falls, a trek that takes you into the Gorges best taste of a wilderness adventure. "If Stephen Nichols murdered your daughter, why did he do it?" "This occurred in 2009, and yet there's no arrest in this case until 2015. Along much of this hike you will follow a narrow path along basalt cliffs towering above a narrow canyon below holding Eagle Creek. She wanted to lose weight," said Nichols. Please also be mindful of your pets and be sure to wear proper footwear. "Physical evidence disappears, particularly in a rainy state like Oregon. Sheer cliffs have no hand rails on parts of this trail, so this hike is not recommended for children or those afraid of heights, despite its gentle overall grade. Length: 4.4 miles round-trip to Punchbowl Falls; 6.6 miles to High Bridge; 12 miles to Tunnel Falls. The hike was beautiful though. Restroom at Eagle Creek Trailhead and Day Use Area. Simmons moved into Nichols' Portland, Oregon, condo. Julia Simmons [looking at document]: Well, I see it here, so I must've done it. But Simmons says that doesn't really sound like her daughter. Then you'll get a view up the West Fork to the lowest tier of 148 foot tall Twister Falls (sometimes called "Crossover Falls" or "Eagle Creek Falls"). "I went over to Julia's room and I'm like, 'Your daughter is just incredibly beautiful.' "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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. 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. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Office The trail down to Wahtum was very well maintained and easy. "Give me a sense what it meant for you and for Rhonda," Van Sant asked Nichols. "They were a delight together. For a quick, easy and semi kid-friendly trek, hike 2.2 miles (4.4 round-trip) to Punchbowl Falls. Hiked in to Tunnel Falls and back on 1/15. It's like a mini trial, with witnesses called. "I had been there before," Nichols replied. Arnold wants to know what hard evidence led to Nichols' arrest. I love you. Although named in open court, "48 Hours" has chosen not to name Simmons' granddaughter. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. 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. "And who's the beneficiary of that?" As always this trail is absolutely amazing! 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. Remember, five long years had passed after Rhonda's death before Stephen Nichols was charged with her murder. From Cascade Locks, OR: Travel west on Interstate 84 approximately 3 miles to Bonneville Dam exit #40 (there is no westbound exit #41). Tenas campsite does not exist anymore as a heads up. Popular trail. Imagine adding exhaustion and weather to that situation. Bear in mind that it is only above the High Bridge that overnight camping is permitted on the Eagle Creek Trail; in addition, many of the original campsites have disappeared under heavy brush or downed trees, so availability is more limited than it used to be. Arnold spells out "the Jackson connection" by calling Deputy District Attorney Carrie Rasmussen to the stand, stunning the courtroom. 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. "Had it been raining at the beginning, I wouldn't have gone up," said Nichols. Check out this 4.8-mile out-and-back trail near Cascade Locks, Oregon. Dec. 18th 2022 to Tunnel Falls "I think there's a lotta times that she thought I was going to propose. Print/PDF map. The campsites to the right of the trail were obliterated by two large Douglas-firs, which fell in early 2017. This area was affected by a massive forest fire in 2015, but many of the trees are still green and even though trees have charred trunks, they are not dead. This used to be an absolute paradise. High point: 505 feet. Nichols says he hiked down to Rhonda's lifeless body and tried to resuscitate her. Travel east approximately 1 mile on Interstate 84 to exit #41 which is just past the Interstate tunnel. 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?". At an exposed cliff viewpoint, you can see across to Loowit Falls splashing in a thin pretty veil down to a pool with a final short drop to Eagle Creek. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "It's been really hard, just having no closure and not knowing what happened," friend Jessica Colburn said. Immediately off the exit at the stop sign, take a right and continue down Eagle Creek Lane past the Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery, keeping right down Eagle Creek Loop which ends at the trailhead. Also there are plenty of campsites at Indian springs. "The fire opened up the views so that after a rainstorm, you can see dozens of waterfalls that were previously obscured by living trees," Davis said. And I think she was attracted not so much to his looks, but to his what he had. At this hearing, she doesn't want to talk to Mike Arnold, either: Carrie Rasmussen: Sustained means sustained. In autumn the canyon is ablaze in golden color as waterfalls drip down cliff walls from every direction, reminding hikers why this has long been considered one of Oregons five best hikes. Theres also frequent debris and mudslides. Lot empty at 7 on a Friday. He never doubted she was murdered: Mike Arnold: And when did it become a homicide investigation, as opposed to an accidental fall? The primary parking area is at the trailhead itself, with room for about two dozen vehicles. We hiked all the way to the lake and camped! "I feel like there is enough evidence to convict him," she continued. Easy 4.7 (2074) Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. View All Newspapers in Oregon About Trail Search the largest collection of Trail obituaries and condolences, hosted by Legacy.com in partnership with funeral homes and newspapers. "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?" "I never heard her say that. / CBS News, Produced by Susan Mallie and Leslie Neigher. "She couldn't have a better thing in her life than Landy.". The defense will have much more to deal with than just Steve Jackson. On Thursday, all parking areas around the trailhead filled up by 9 a.m., as people took advantage of a break in the rain. And then I go to the shower, cry a little bit over my daughter. Nichols' attorney is Mike Arnold, who recently made headlines representing Ammon Bundy, the leader of the armed occupation of Oregon's Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. 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. Distance: 15.4 miles round-trip to the Eagle Creek Ford. Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls. Consider, as you enter the tunnel, that work to build trail was completed before 1920, and the trail bench has been virtually unchanged since! Van Sant asked Arnold. He lost, like, a quarter of a million dollars," said Julia Simmons. Rocky areas also become slippery after rain, or after many muddy boots have crossed over them. "You seemed unmoved by Rhonda's death.". "this was a tragic accident. Aside from having proper footwear, maintaining physical awareness is key. 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** "One time she got really mad at him. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Around milepost 5, hikers must register and issue themselves a permit. 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. 7AM start and 6:30PM end. 2023 www.statesmanjournal.com. Kayakers take the plunge through some rapids far below. And I don't know if you guys wanna use this, but she bit him on the shoulder. A picture, taken by Rhonda herself and sent to her brother, shows red marks left from an alleged physical encounter with Nichols. The trail is very beautiful, lots of falls, flowers, and berries. Even though its been five years since the fire, there is still a lot of danger or at least things to look out for especially after big storms., More:Oregon's 'Green Friday' brings free fishing and state parks entry, waterfalls, tree cutting. Many people stop here to take photos of the falls and their cool, refreshing amphitheater. The best months to see wildflowers are April, May, and June. He said, 'She -- she fell. Each year several unleashed dogs fall off of or chase other dogs off of the steep cliffs. Jackson says his email to the prosecutor is something any journalist might do. Suddenly, a startling new chapter in this case begins as the motion to dismiss hearing continues. Suddenly, disaster struck. After the devastating 50,000 acre 2017 fire that swept the gorge, Eagle Creek Trail . 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. "She wasn't afraid to say things that she felt or wanted to say or do," Arneson recalled. "'Cause now the most important thing was her daughter.". Yesterday, ice was melting in the sun, dripping down, and freezing again below on narrow rocky ledges hikers must cross. 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. Anytime you get away from a trailhead you got to keep in mind you're at the mercy of the outdoors.". Investigators believe that's not true. And I'm like, 'Yeah, that's -'". Many shivered through a hungry, exposed night outdoors and shared afterwards that they learned why it's so important to pack overnight essentials, even for a short day hike. Even on a dry day, the Eagle Creek Trail is extremely wet, as water constantly runs downhill over cliffs onto the trail. Wild flowers and butterflies. Then veer left on the Pacific Crest Trail for 6.3 miles to the Benson Plateau and turn left to descend the Ruckel Creek Trail back to your car. The trail reopened in . Do it on a dry day above 40 degrees! Mike Arnold: And he wanted a conviction of Mr. Nichols? This two-tiered waterfall tumbles 200 feet in total to the canyon below twisting around basalt cliffs as it does so. Not the trails fault that people dont know how to dig a hole or pack it out. It is not recommended for children or those with accessibility issues. "She'd call me, or she'd be over at my house.". Different after the burn but still loved it. 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. Rhonda Casto fell down the cliff early Monday evening, according to information from a man who was hiking with her at the time. Enjoy this 41.5-km out-and-back trail near Cascade Locks, Oregon. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. As Stephen Nichols waited in jail, police gathered evidence for the murder trial on their theory that it was no accident. 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. Why would Stephen want Rhonda dead? 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. And she's like, 'Hi. "He started to verbally abuse Rhonda by calling her stupid and a bunch of other names," she said. beautiful trail lake is gorgeous would do it again next year. In addition, two bridges, the Fern Creek Bridge and the High Bridge, had to be replaced because of fire damage. AMENITIES: Portable toilets, parking lots. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Eagle Creek Trailhead approach and fee station information board. The next 6 to the lake was nice but lower payoff. He got a job teaching English to Chinese businessmen. Mike Arnold has another surprise. Mike Arnold: And did you have a suspect in those criminal acts? In 2008, three years into their relationship, the couple became parents when their daughter was born. Longitude: -121.91970. Take a right at the end of the off ramp and follow the signs to theEagle Creek Trailhead/Picnic Area. Start point: Eagle Creek Trailhead. "He had lost a bunch of money the year before. The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burned hot in this section of the gorge, so you will be constantly reminded of that conflagration. What a pretty hike! Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Arnold is talking about the condition and location of Rhonda's body. Looking across the gorge, you can see different layers of basalt entablature separated by narrower bands of colonnade. 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? Start point: Harvey Road Trailhead. There is lots of low-intensity fire, often known as good fire, where trees might have black scorch marks but the canopy is intact and the forest floor is covered up with ferns, moss or the golden color of bigleaf maple. Then you'll negotiate another cable-railed cliff face on hexagonal "paving stones", actually columns of basalt sheared off by the original trail builders. I have never threatened Rhonda with physical harm. That's argumentative and leading. 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. And she goes, 'I told you.'". Not a good one if you are scared of heights!!! Length 4.8 miElevation gain 1,020 ftRoute type Out & back. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors. 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. When Rhonda died in 2009, she was the fourth fatality on the Gorge trails in just a six-month period. Challenging with spectacular rewards of amazing views! Rhonda's mom, who had moved out of the condo, had been babysitting the couple's 9- month-old daughter. Until the last portion to the lake. (The Eagle Benson Trail, which rises 2,900 feet to the Benson Plateau, has not been maintained since the 2017 fire.). Read the regulations carefully and attach the permit visibly on your backpack. Cliff jumping off of Punch Bowl Falls is not permitted. A spur leads down to some campsites, and the view up the creek is of a lush green canyon with living trees! You'll be hiking through a temperate rainforest. Eagle creek has many wonderful waterfalls.