Breitenbush Cascades Trailhead
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Latitude: 44.78361
- Longitude: -121.82917
- Maps: Portland Hikers Maps Google Earth
- Elevation: 4580 feet
- Driving time from Portland: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Contents |
Hikes starting here
- Breitenbush Cascades Hike (TH | <-- --> | LOG)
Fees and Regulations
None.
Driving Directions
From Portland, drive south on State Hwy 224 to Ripplebrook, some 25 miles from Estacada. From Ripplebrook continue straight on 224, which turns into paved FR46, passing signs for Olallie Lake. At Breitenbush Pass where FR46 begins its descent into the Breitenbush River canyon, turn left onto FR4220, following signs for Breitenbush Lake. After a mile of good gravel with views through the trees of Mount Jefferson, pass the snow gate (the road is gated at first snow every year). At this point, the road worsens considerably, becoming narrow and extremely rocky, with many ruts in the road. While the road is bad, it is driveable for those in passenger cars, but go slowly-no faster than 10mph. The trailhead for Breitenbush Cascades is at a small parking lot on the right about 3.5 miles from FR46. Look for the sign marking "Charlie's Falls" if you aren't sure; it's on a tree on the left side of the parking lot. If you cross the North Fork of the North Fork of the Breitenbush River, you've gone too far.
Other Notes
There is room for about 3 cars at the trailhead. Remember, the road is pretty bad-a 4 wheel drive vehicle with a high clearance is recommended.