Ruckel Creek is lined with beautiful, mossy green boulders. Ruckel Creek is located in the wettest part of the Gorge and receives about 70 inches of rainfall a year, ideal for the growth of moss. Ruckel Creek also has a pretty little waterfall that is little known but easily accessible.
To reach Ruckel Creek from Portland, drive east on I-84 to the Eagle Creek exit. Park in the lot on the south side of the fish hatchery. This is a fee site. A day use fee of $5.00 is required, or display your Northwest Forest Pass.
Between hatchery and the town of Cascade Locks a few miles to the east, the original Historic Columbia River Highway has been restored to accomodate bicycles and hikers. Follow the HCRH around the north side of the hatchery and parallel to the freeway for about 3/4 of a mile to Ruckel Creek.
A trail leaves the HCRH and starts south up Ruckel Creek. The trail only follows the creek for a hundred yards or so and then starts to switchback up Ruckel Ridge. This picture was taken along that short stretch of trail beside the creek.
