This page was last modified on 1 January 2023, at 00:10. Got there about 9am and were able to park in the closest lot to the trail; the flush bathrooms there are working. ", Asked if she enjoyed hiking, Nichols told Van Sant, "She loved it. Van Sant asked Nichols. Van Sant asked Nichols. Bring sunscreen and bug spray! Hood River, OR 97031 There are a couple of small sloping campsites below the trail. "We know people fall every day in their homes. He was completely broken up. Eagle Creek Trail - Oregon USA | Stunning Footage - YouTube Simmons moved into Nichols' Portland, Oregon, condo. Numerous camping spots. His daughter was sent to live with Rhonda's family. "I can tell that -- based on the injuries that she has, she -- she landed predominantly on her legs and her pelvis," Young testified. Simmons became suspicious when she learned that Nichols had taken out a million-dollar life insurance policy on Rhonda just months before her death. It was a cold day rain off and on. Fires not allowed within 100feet of the trail during other times of the year. Eagle Creek Trail In a nutshell: One of Oregon's most scenic trails, located in the Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks. "He couldn't write a book until the case was solved," said Tiffany. Different after the burn but still loved it. "There's nothing about her face that's just not pretty, everything is pretty.". "It's been really hard, just having no closure and not knowing what happened," friend Jessica Colburn said. Suddenly, disaster struck. "I'm confident that he would be found guilty.". "Must've been so horrifying. Parking fills up quickly during hot days as many people visit to go swimming in the lower-punchbowl falls area. Besides life insurance money, the prosecution will argue yet another potential motive for murder -- a love triangle -- claiming that Stephen Nichols was in love with Rhonda's younger sister, Melanie. Jackson says his email to the prosecutor is something any journalist might do. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. As you hike out along the cliff from Tunnel Falls on the sixth cabled section of the trail, you can see down to where the East Fork Eagle Creek plunges through a defile to its confluence with the West Fork. "My daughter was absolutely thriving," Nichols said. Do it on a dry day above 40 degrees! They quickly made an improvised lifeline, made literally from the clothes off their backs. The hole is about 10-12' long and the full width of the trail, with a cliff just below. But Rhonda's mother says she knows what happened and why: Nichols' huge losses in the stock market. Pacific Crest Trail Association volunteers were able to reopen the PCT quickly, but the Eagle Creek Trail, which follows a steep and beautiful canyon, just reopened . Plus cold weather gear "It turns out the reason that indictment came up is because of pressure from a book author!" Eagle Creek Trail Moderate 4.5 (800) Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Photos (5,435) Directions Print/PDF map Length 25.8 miElevation gain 4,829 ftRoute type Out & back Explore this 25.8-mile out-and-back trail near Cascade Locks, Oregon. Eagle Creek Trailhead & Trail (#440) Area Status: Open This spectacular cliffside hike passes through a forested basalt cliff overlooking Eagle Creek. Then you'll pass under a cliff face to reach the junction with the Eagle Benson Trail #434. Eagle Creek Trailhead approach and fee station information board. This is after you pass Tunnel falls and Twister Falls. Little succulent-leaved stonecrop plants bloom here in late spring. "And who's the beneficiary of that?" Given the narrow trail and the crowds, theres simply no way to hike Eagle Creek without coming within six feet of another person. After you pass into a dripping grotto festooned with maidenhair fern, you'll rise above the Eagle Creek Formation and reach cliffs of Columbia River Basalts where the trail was blasted out of the rock. United States government. Just past Twister Falls is a sloping rocky bank that makes a great place to rest. "They'd go to a movie or they'd go play Frisbee golf. ", "I'm the most non-violent person you will ever meet," he said. "She asked him to leave the bar, she said, 'Maybe I'll just leave you,'" Sconce said. "'Cause now the most important thing was her daughter.". Eagle Creek Trail still one of Oregon's greatest hikes "She couldn't have a better thing in her life than Landy.". "I had a three bedroom condo and the other two rooms were just empty," said Nichols. "March 16th, 2009. Recreation Map Only after you pass the 7 and 1/2 mile camp will you enter an area where most of the trees are truly dead. It's just the way I deal with pain," he replied. Then 8 o'clock rolled around and nothing.". She was skidding toward a 100-foot drop off. The Eagle Creek Trail was always a bit dangerous with narrow paths carved into cliffs above a sheer drop-off into a rocky canyon and that has not changed. She had hiked that trail numerous times before.". Consider, as you enter the tunnel, that work to build trail was completed before 1920, and the trail bench has been virtually unchanged since! "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. Popular trail. "He had lost a bunch of money the year before. Every year, there is a story about someone falling from this spot and injuring themselves. Perfect day. Meads headed out on a Gorge hike in May 2015, that soon became a struggle to survive. And I told her, 'I am going to propose to you.' Is that what you're trying to do? But every now and again you hear it the loud crack and crash of a fire-weakened tree splitting and plummeting down the canyon. 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. Eagle creek has many wonderful waterfalls. Narrow trail with anchored cables into rock in some areas to hold onto for support away from cliff edge. "and you know, somebody that's really nice. Crampons/good micro spikes are a must, there are cliff sections where the ice covers the trail and become extremely dangerous if not crossed carefully. He does something "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant has never seen. When Rhonda died in 2009, she was the fourth fatality on the Gorge trails in just a six-month period. He said, 'She -- she fell. (This is a section of trail sometimes called the "The Potholes".) She's quite beautiful.'". You're a witness. "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. But by the time Stephen Nichols and Rhonda Casto headed back down the narrow path, the weather had turned. It was along the Eagle Creek trail that Rhonda Casto, a 23-year-old mother of a nine-month-old girl, set out with her boyfriend, Stephen Nichols, back on March 16, 2009. If you are nervous with heights think twice about this trip. ", "She asked me if I would like to meet her daughter. "Then I turn around and I look at her and my tongue pretty much hit the floor," he told Van Sant. LockA locked padlock You'll soon reach Wy'East Camp, where the former campsites along the trail have been decommissioned and staked out with "Site Restoration" signs. Read the regulations carefully and attach the permit visibly on your backpack. Four and a Half Mile Bridge is quite a contrast to its downtrail cousin, the High Bridge, sitting a mere four feet above the water! "She was funny," friend Jessica Colburn said. As always this trail is absolutely amazing! You remember receiving that? Wild flowers and butterflies. 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"). Hike Eagle Creek | Oregon.com About 6 miles from the trailhead, hikers will reach Tunnel Falls, the most impressive waterfall on Eagle Creek, and one of Oregons best. Arnold wants to know what hard evidence led to Nichols' arrest. I made that very clear. From Portland, OR: Travel east on Interstate 84 to exit #41 which is just past the interstate tunnel. CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO DAMAGE FROM A 2017 WILDFIRE. What really happened to Rhonda Casto? Arnold has some questions about the scientific rigor of DeHaven's tests, including laughter in the background: Michael Arnold: Was that person laughing part of the scientific experiment? Hood National Forest. But I just think that she's just absolutely beautiful," Julia Simmons said of her daughter, Rhonda. To support his work, subscribe to the Statesman Journal. Ask the next question, please. Kayakers take the plunge through some rapids far below. Metlako Falls comes first after about 1.5 miles, though after the waterfall viewpoint washed out in 2017, the view is distant from the trail. It would be the last hike of her life. Please remain silent Judge John Olsen: Hold on we all know what sustained means in this courtroom. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Eagle Creek Day Use Area About 3 miles up, hikers will encounter the aptly named High Bridge, which traversesa narrowgorge150 feet above the creek. Otherwise, stay on the Eagle Creek Trail, and cross a massive crib wall constructed by the PCTA at a spot where the trail slid away. Woman dies after fall at Eagle Creek - Oregon Hikers 2016 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Eagle Creek Trail (Cascade Locks) - Tripadvisor "So I tried to call her, and I got no answer," Julia Simmons said. "He pushed her down on the stairs and left bruises on her back," said Simmons. Print/PDF map. People think of all the days, why would you choose that day to hike?" The Eagle Creek Trail is one of the best known Oregon state trails,. 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. The trail passes the boundary sign for the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness and enters a shady defile to cross Wy'East Creek. "So how does a kid from Oregon end up in China?" "I feel like there is enough evidence to convict him," she continued. With the hiker's help, Meads made it back up to safety, with a new respect for the trail. All dogs must be on leash. Rasmussen told "48 Hours" she will not discuss this case until it goes to trial. Soon, you'll come to the Punch Bowl Falls overlook, where you can view Punch Bowl Falls spouting into its circular amphitheater and magnificent deep pool below. Arnold claims Simmons would do just about anything for money, including a despicable crime: cashing her granddaughter's monthly death benefit check from the government despite never having custody of her. Tunnel Falls is amazing view with the ice and snow just be prepared to cross a creek with no dry crossing. Think about her. After about a mile and a half of walking and ascending up onto the steep walls of the canyon you'll come to the Metlako Falls side trail. After all these years, friends Jessica Colburn and Brandi Arneson finally find the courage to visit, for the first time, the spot where Rhonda fell from that trail. Waterproof hiking boots will save your feet from a very uncomfortable day. Rocky areas also become slippery after rain, or after many muddy boots have crossed over them. Challenging with spectacular rewards of amazing views! That's argumentative and leading. That's something that can't be outlawyered, it can't be confused with rumor and innuendo," he continued. They were both upbeat and happy, you know, just a zest for life," he said. "No. Just last week, Judge John Olsen denied the defense's motion to dismiss. AMENITIES: Portable toilets, parking lots. Detectives from Hood River County, where Eagle Creek Trail is located, began investigating Rhonda's death. From there, head to another bridge over Eagle Creek (passing a nice swimming hole for hot days, with a cobbled beach to dry out on). Arnold, having obtained the video through discovery, hopes to use their own demonstration to turn the tables on the prosecution. But ultimately, does Simmons' confession of taking her granddaughter's checks really tarnish all of her testimony in the case of her beloved Rhonda? The first 7 miles are the best but the lake at the end is nice. Once you exit the highway, drive the short ways up Eagle Creek Loop, past the salmon hatchery, to find the trailhead parking. Combine that with human error, as I witnessed, and its pretty dicey. Official websites use .gov A .gov "I don't know if I stepped on a loose rock or if the path just crumbled beneath my foot, but just the next thing I knew, I was, I just fell and I was sliding down the side of the cliff," she told Van Sant. The fourth cabled section of the trail takes you along a cliff 120 feet above the creek. To top it all off, Nichols met Landy Yin Yan and after about a year of dating, he proposed. Will do again! But something was about to happen. But COVID changed all that. "I somehow grabbed onto a root," she said. The upper parking area is found beside the Cascade Salmon Hatchery just off the interstate and has room for about three dozen cars. Eagle Creek Trailhead & Trail (#440) - US Forest Service It's beautiful but treacherous. Tenas camp doesn't really exist anymore. And its still one of the best hikes in Oregon, especially among those that usually stay open through the winter, with the exception of a few low-elevation snowstorms and the aforementioned landslides. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. "Anywhere we went, we would make new friends because Rhonda was just outgoing and wanted to talk to everybody.". It could potentially be a criminal act. Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 3 scenic trails in the Eagle Creek area. I fully expected to spend the rest of my life with her. Landy quickly became like a mother to his daughter. Make sure you allow as much room as possible when letting people pass. DO NOT try and use the trail by WyEast as a way to loop it back. Be cautious on the upcoming trail as it is well over 100 feet above the river below and can be narrow. Even on a dry day, the Eagle Creek Trail is extremely wet, as water constantly runs downhill over cliffs onto the trail. 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. Arnold has tracked down a witness that investigators and prosecutors overlooked: John Whaley, the last person besides Stephen Nichols to see Rhonda Casto alive: Mike Arnold: So do you recall hiking up Eagle Creek Trail back on March 16th, 2009? 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. High point: 505 feet. One amazing waterfall after another while you hike a long a trail that, at many sections, has been hewn out of the side of the gorge's rocky walls. Hikers will find four primary waterfalls along the first seven miles of the trail though during the rainy season dozens of seasonal waterfalls flow off the cliffs into Eagle Creek. Everything was perfect.". Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. And knowing that you're never getting back to your child.". "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. / CBS News, Produced by Susan Mallie and Leslie Neigher. "I think there's a lotta times that she thought I was going to propose. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock This trail follows a cliff for portions and can be very dangerous when slippery. The Eagle Creek recreation area and trail was closed for more than three years after a teen threw a firework that caused a nearly 49,000 acre wildfire in September 2017. Please. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Whaley tried to share his story with a deputy at the scene but was brushed off. If youre hiking on a sunny afternoon bring extra water since the previous shaded trail is gone. "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. The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burned hot in this section of the gorge, so you will be constantly reminded of that conflagration. Van Sant asked Simmons. "There were times where we could just kinda look at each other and know what the other one was thinking and we'd just laugh," she said. Eagle Creek Trail : Oregon Hiking 4K - YouTube Stephen Nichols will stand trial for the murder of Rhonda Casto. Elevation gain: 2360 feet. The trail is well groomed, just rocky and narrow in spots. Standing on the High Bridge, you can see down the narrow gorge and also up the creek to small cascades. The Eagle Creek Trail is the most popular trail in the Columbia Gorge. Because while the trail has largely healed from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, the flames of five years ago will keep this an unstable and dynamic place of falling trees and landslides for years to come. There are six sections where cable handrails will give you a sense of security as you pass above vertical drops. website belongs to an official government organization in the Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors. Some brave trail runners present! Colburn introduced Rhonda to another friend, Brandi Arneson. "He wanted to be with my other daughter and he wanted Rhonda out of the picture," Julia Simmons told Van Sant. Van Sant asked Jackson. Start by hiking up the Eagle Creek Trail 13.3 miles to Wahtum Lake. Then, he and his now-motherless daughter moved across the state to live with his family. Small waterfalls trickle along the sides of the cliff, and the trail passes many larger waterfalls, includingthe iconic Punch Bowl Falls, which is accessed from a side trail about 2 miles up the trail. I have to trust law enforcement to do their jobs," Arnold told Van Sant. Michael Arnold: Who's that laughing that "she lost her guts"? Many water sources ! But at least for now as of November the route is clear for the spectacular 3.3 miles to High Bridge. At the junction with the Lower Punch Bowl Trail #440B, you can descend 300 feet down into the gorge to a spot just upstream of Lower Punch Bowl Falls; however, the view of Punch Bowl Falls from the end of this spur trail no longer exists due to a 2018 landslide that blocked the creek (see the Eagle Creek to Punch Bowl Falls Hike). "Rhonda's family claims that you were not grieving," Van Sant noted to Nichols. There are three parking lots on-site including one for larger trailers, and a valid recreation pass or day use fee is required. Van Sant asked Simmons. Fees: Northwest Forest Pass required, or pay a $5 fee at the trailhead per car. "So we're at an outcropping here at Eagle Creek," he said. All rights reserved. "If I sneeze, if I cough, if any little thing goes wrong, that I was gonna die.". Investigators believe that's not true. 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. Nichols says he hiked down to Rhonda's lifeless body and tried to resuscitate her. Nobody southbound but multiple groups of PCT through hikers that deviated from the PCT via Indian Spring Trail. Start point: Harvey Road Trailhead. This was one of Oregons gems, it was almost too sad to do the hike. Just looking at Rhonda, being transformed," he said. It affords spectacular views of the creek's slot canyon, where a cool, ethereal fog offers a reprieve on a hot summer day. Come prepared with a waterproof jacket and good rain clothes, or else be prepared to get wet. That's what responsible parents do. Your physical evidence could disappear within hours or days," Arnold explained. "If Stephen Nichols murdered your daughter, why did he do it?" Eagle Creek Trail | Map, Guide - Oregon | AllTrails There are three main areas to park for the Eagle Creek Trailhead. He told the operator that Rhonda had been acting high, being silly and running on the slippery trail before she fell. Tiffany has not been charged with any crime. Hiker Falls to Her Death at Eagle Creek Trail - Salem-News.Com 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. In January 2016, in Hood River, defense attorney Mike Arnold plans to put the prosecution's case on trial at a hearing to have all charges against Stephen Nichols dismissed. Hike Type: Out and Back. It is quite popular with easy vehicle access at the trailhead, so plan to see a lot of other hikers and is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. Beautiful hike! With no cell phone signal, he returned to the trail parking lot and called 911. And I'm like, 'Hi, I'm --"' and she goes, 'Steve.' 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. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Hike - Hiking in Portland, Oregon and "T-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, things like that," Meads explained. This page has been accessed 718,151 times. Please enter valid email address to continue. This hike is not far from Portland and is best in the spring or early summer to really appreciate the beautiful waterfalls. A stumble here can lead to a deadly freefall. I don't think I've ever threatened anybody with physical harm," said Nichols. Hiker falls to death at Oregon's Punchbowl Falls in Columbia Gorge Rhonda Casto fell down the cliff early Monday evening, according to information from a man who was hiking with her at the time. Deputy Matt English with the Hood River County Sheriff's Office, says their 911 center received a call at 6:09 p.m. from a man who had accompanied the woman on the hike. But to the racist man with the pit bull threatening to push other peoples dogs off the trail, I hope you find some kind of happiness, because you definitely need it. "Give me a sense what it meant for you and for Rhonda," Van Sant asked Nichols. 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** Arnold questions the man who organized the dummy experiment, Deputy Daniel DeHaven. there are some very high cliffs and if you are afraid of heights or afraid of falling just be a little cautious. Trail has some narrow sandy spots to be careful on past mile 9, otherwise solid. "Absolutely not," he replied. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The trail was the site of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, leaving burn. The route of the Eagle Creek Trail #501 (not a GPS track) (bobcat) Courtesy: National Geographic Topo. Lot empty at 7 on a Friday. Traces of marijuana were found in her system and prescription drugs, which may have affected her balance. From attacking Nichols' character -- "Stephen Nichols is a sociopath and a murderer" -- to accusing him of killing for cash, to allegations involving Rhonda's younger sister, ironically, it is Simmons -- the woman who had wanted Stephen Nichols to meet her daughter all those years ago -- who has led the charge against Nichols for years. United States. As Rhonda and Nichols made their way up Eagle Creek Trail, they had some challenges. But what if, as Rhonda's family and friends believe, it wasn't an innocent fall? "48 Hours" caught up with one hiker who has a terrifying tale to tell. Eagle Creek Trail in Columbia River Gorge reopens 3 years after devastating wildfire The U.S. Forest Service reopened the trail on Dec. 28. eagle creek trail oregon deaths | Oregonlng It took four years, but in 2013, Nichols was ready for a new chapter in his life. The Eagle Creek trailhead is near Cascade Locks, Oregon across from the Bonneville Dam. She was taking Tae Kwon Do. ", Mike Arnold: "Perhaps it's time to see what a panel of citizens will decide?". 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.
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