Table Mountain
Location: Columbia River Gorge
16 miles total, 3,900' gained
driving directions
trail map
weather forecast for this area
This is a partial loop hike up Table Mountain, starting from the Bonneville Trailhead in the Columbia River Gorge.
Up until 2017, the hike up Table Mountain typically started from the former Bonneville Hot Springs Resort. This was an eight mile trip, quite manageable, even with the brutal mile or so up to the top of Table Mountain. However, with the closure of the resort, this eight mile option is no long available; one must start from the Bonneville Trailhead to the east, resulting in a 16 mile trek, mostly through the forest. But the final payoff is still there. Note: It is still possible to park along the Greenleaf Slough near the resort, but this alternate trailhead should only be used if crossing public land. See maps.
From the Bonneville Trailhead parking lot, proceed a short distance to the PCT. Pass by Gillette Lake and continue the ups and downs through forest and openings.
At the conclusion of a seven mile warm-up, turn off the PCT and begin the challenging and extremely steep West Heartbreak trail. This takes you to the broad summit of Table Mountain, at 3,400', with views in all directions, along with meadows and massive cliffs.
The eastern descent is just as steep, and includes an unusual - and difficult - downhill section of talus as the trail.
This is a good spring hike, and considering the distance and steepness placed in the middle of the trip, a good gauge of fitness.
Northwest Forest Pass required at Bonneville Trailhead.
driving directions
trail map
weather forecast for this area
This is a partial loop hike up Table Mountain, starting from the Bonneville Trailhead in the Columbia River Gorge.
Up until 2017, the hike up Table Mountain typically started from the former Bonneville Hot Springs Resort. This was an eight mile trip, quite manageable, even with the brutal mile or so up to the top of Table Mountain. However, with the closure of the resort, this eight mile option is no long available; one must start from the Bonneville Trailhead to the east, resulting in a 16 mile trek, mostly through the forest. But the final payoff is still there. Note: It is still possible to park along the Greenleaf Slough near the resort, but this alternate trailhead should only be used if crossing public land. See maps.
From the Bonneville Trailhead parking lot, proceed a short distance to the PCT. Pass by Gillette Lake and continue the ups and downs through forest and openings.
At the conclusion of a seven mile warm-up, turn off the PCT and begin the challenging and extremely steep West Heartbreak trail. This takes you to the broad summit of Table Mountain, at 3,400', with views in all directions, along with meadows and massive cliffs.
The eastern descent is just as steep, and includes an unusual - and difficult - downhill section of talus as the trail.
This is a good spring hike, and considering the distance and steepness placed in the middle of the trip, a good gauge of fitness.
Northwest Forest Pass required at Bonneville Trailhead.
Table Mtn., Gillette Lake from PCT
Table Mtn., from Heartbreak trail
Looking west, towards Hamilton Mtn.
Mt. Adams from summit
Mt. Hood from summit
Mt. Rainier from summit
Talus slope to come down; a tricky descent