Arches are rare in this area of the nation, making Catherine Creek Arch a highly attractive destination.

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hrs

119

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119

m

6

max°

Difficulty

FATMAP difficulty grade

Easy

Description

The Catherine Creek area provides the opportunity to complete several beautiful hikes.

The short loop hike shown here leads to the Catherine Creek Arch, which stands apart from a cliff face on top of a talus slope. The hike to get there is relatively moderate—most people will be able to reach the arch with no problem.

Completing the loop as mapped requires a bit more climbing than a simple out-and-back to the arch, but it's a rewarding loop that offers a variety of views.

On a clear day, you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Hood towering above the Columbia River Gorge. Along the way to the arch, you'll pass an abandoned corral and a few collapsed buildings, which are remnants of the cattle ranch that used to cover this land. During the right time of year, you can also enjoy spectacular wildflowers along this hike.

"No place in the Columbia Gorge offers the spring wildflower diversity and duration of Catherine Creek," writes GorgeFriends.org.

For that alone, Catherine Creek is exceedingly popular.

Sources: [GorgeFriends.org](https://gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/catherine-creek-arch-loop.html) [OregonHikers.org](https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Catherine_Creek_Arch_Loop_Hike)