Nature's Playgrounds: Ruckle Creek - Benson Plateau

For the first ever SSDL group backpacking trip we decided to head south to Oregon in search of less snow and hikes that would still be fun despite the rainy forecast. We decided upon the popular Eagle Creek hike, but decided to make it a loop by adding on Ruckle Creek, the Benson Plateau, and about 4,000 ft in elevation. Our journey started at the Cascade Salmon Hatchery along the Columbia River. From there we began our ascent up the Ruckle Creek Trail. Being Memorial Day this was our first backpacking trip of the season and we were all a little sluggish, but managed to make the approximately 6 mile hike in without too much trouble. We were surprised to find quite a bit of snow in the area, but luckily the Benson campsite was mostly melted out.

Looking down at the Columbia

Shooting Stars along the trail

Our slightly snowy camp

The next day it was time for a little more climbing to the top end of the Plateau and then the steep drop down to Eagle Creek. So far we had the trail to ourselves, but that soon ended once we reached the falls.

One more view of the Columbia

About to begin the descent down

Steep descent to the falls

A grove of oaks along the trail

Once down at Eagle Creek we headed toward the trailhead a bit and set up camp at Wy'East camp site. After that we decided to go explore the falls furthest from the trailhead and headed toward Tunnel Falls. We went to the falls just past Tunnel before we decided to head back and call it a night. This is definitely not terrain for those with a fear of heights.

Tunnel Falls

Day 3 we awoke to drizzly rain which really just added to the lushness of the area. We packed up camp and headed back the last 5 miles to the car enjoying the many falls along the way.