Ascend through the clouds on the Indian Point Loop Hike, a hike in the Columbia River Gorge that heads through the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. It’s not as well-known as some of the other trails in the area, so hikers can expect to have the route to themselves on a good day. And the steep trail has its highlights, including Indian Point, a rock spire that can be seen from I-84, east of Cascade Locks.
The trail can be accessed from the Gordon Creek Trail, and it’s a hike for the experienced after a certain point; expect steep cutoffs, no railings, and no warning signs. From the trailhead, the path gradually gains elevation, crosses a few streams and has a handful of switchbacks. From the place where the Gordon Creek Trail hands off to the Indian Point Loop, the trail is about 1/4 mile.
Near the summit there’s a flat open area that’s perfect for a catch-your-breath-break. You get great views of Indian Point and the gorge, but don’t try to scramble to the top of Indian Point, as the rocks is lose and prone to crumbling