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Fair amount of people at Wahtum Lake, but it was a weekend so that was expected. Bring sunscreen and bug spray! No conditions reported in the past 7 days. But Simmons says that doesn't really sound like her daughter. Meanwhile back in Oregon, Rhonda's mother, convinced her daughter had been pushed off the trail, kept pressuring investigators for answers. Van Sant asked. Expect to wear your masks throughout most of your hike. "I could hardly understand what he was saying he was crying so hard," Stephen Nichols Sr. said. His condo, his money, his -- you know, his status," she replied. Mike Arnold: Did you steal ___'s Social Security benefits? The water flow changes during the seasons so each bridge or walk-over rocks present excitement each time you visit. Nichols says he hiked down to Rhonda's lifeless body and tried to resuscitate her. The September 2017 fire that swept through the Columbia River Gorge temporarily closed 10 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and a popular PCT alternate route, the Eagle Creek Trail. Below the trail, on a bench above Eagle Creek, you'll see the campsites at Blue Grouse Camp. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Campfires are not permitted though. Here there is the first set of handrail cables, one of several along the trail. Just looking at Rhonda, being transformed," he said. "I went over to Julia's room and I'm like, 'Your daughter is just incredibly beautiful.' "It was always easy to be around her 'cause you kind of became that way as well.". The PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) has done a magnificent job in restoring the trail, and the tread is in excellent shape. They had started a family, but hadn't quite made things official. Arnold says no tests were done to see if Rhonda made any contact with the outcroppings on the way down the cliffside -- contact that could have affected where her body finally came to rest. 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? "I had a three bedroom condo and the other two rooms were just empty," said Nichols. Tunnel falls did not disappoint. Built in the 1910s to accompany the opening of the Columbia River Highway, the Eagle Creek Trail is one of Oregon's most spectacular paths, passing half a dozen major waterfalls. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). I was literally floored," Nichols said. "Have you done anything wrong?" Nichols would soon find out for himself, when there was an unexpected knock on his bedroom door. For overnight backpacking up Eagle Creek Trail, it is highly recommended you park in the large parking lot near Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery. 2.4M views 5 years ago Join us on this amazing backpacking trip into the hills bordering the Columbia River Gorge! Please. Is that what you're trying to do? "You were tongue tied," Van Sant remarked. "Physical evidence disappears, particularly in a rainy state like Oregon. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. Rating as moderate is perfect! The incline was nice and gradual. CASCADE LOCKS, Ore. - A hiker died Tuesday night after falling into Punchbowl Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail, just south of the Washington-Oregon border in the Columbia River Gorge.. Tall, ribbon-like Wy'East Falls plunges from a basalt rampart - a short scramble up the creek will get you a better view of these falls which shrink to a trickle by the end of summer. Arnold questions the man who organized the dummy experiment, Deputy Daniel DeHaven. Around milepost 5, hikers must register and issue themselves a permit. Unable to come up with the money, Nichols returns to jail. This spectacular cliffsidehike passes through a forested basalt cliff overlooking Eagle Creek. "And so that's when I decided to go to China.". That's why we're here," said Jackson. "He can be very charming," she said. History: Built in the 1910s to accompany the opening of the Columbia River Highway, the Eagle Creek Trail was blasted out the cliffs . "A mom can be like, you know, 'Oh well, I'm biased, because she's my daughter.' I don't think I've ever threatened anybody with physical harm," said Nichols. But there's a problem -- something that could throw the entire case into doubt. I hope that someday, justice will be served.". Van Sant asked Simmons. Thankfully, in some sketchy areas a cable has been bolted to the cliff wall to hang on to while hiking. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Looking for the best hiking trails in Eagle Creek? Nobody southbound but multiple groups of PCT through hikers that deviated from the PCT via Indian Spring Trail. As you turn into a gully, you'll get a glimpse of the top of Metlako Falls across the gorge and then cross Sorenson Creek, with its round concrete steps. "Magical moment. Arnold told the court of best-selling true-crime writer Steve Jackson. Carrie Rasmussen: Right. Pretty dusty this late in the season, water is low. Anytime you get away from a trailhead you got to keep in mind you're at the mercy of the outdoors.". "No, I did not. "Do you think that's a true statement?" He never doubted she was murdered: Mike Arnold: And when did it become a homicide investigation, as opposed to an accidental fall? He passed the couple on the trail possibly minutes before Rhonda's fatal fall: Mike Arnold: And what did she look like? "No. If youre hiking on a sunny afternoon bring extra water since the previous shaded trail is gone. A user trail takes you through high brush to the top of Skoonichuck Falls. There is a tunnel behind the 175ft falls that was dug out (with great effort) around 1910. Across the creek, you'll may notice little Tenas Falls, where a tributary splits around a rock to make a twin plunge into Eagle Creek. In that August 2015 bail hearing, Tiffany tells Arnold his suspicions were further confirmed by stories he heard from Rhonda's family. And I told her, 'I am going to propose to you.' Although named in open court, "48 Hours" has chosen not to name Simmons' granddaughter. very easy extremely well-maintained trail. Certainly finished soaking wet, but that's to be expected on a rainy day in January. What changed?" Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Detectives from Hood River County, where Eagle Creek Trail is located, began investigating Rhonda's death. Please remain silent Judge John Olsen: Hold on we all know what sustained means in this courtroom. Not a good one if you are scared of heights!!! "I sort of wanted a fresh start," he said. The campsites to the right of the trail were obliterated by two large Douglas-firs, which fell in early 2017. But wy,east, blue grouse, and 7 .5 mi campsites are fine. To maintain an easy grade through this rugged canyon, the builders blasted ledges out of sheer cliffs, bridged . Investigators believe that's not true. "He had lost a bunch of money the year before. Arnold is talking about the condition and location of Rhonda's body. As always this trail is absolutely amazing! Tunnel Falls via Eagle Creek Trail #440. With no cell phone signal, he returned to the trail parking lot and called 911. Natural hazards: Downed trees and landslides may be possible on the trail. Lots of rocks so wear good shoes and bring poles! The trail crosses scree slopes that bloom with stonecrop in late spring. The trail is very beautiful, lots of falls, flowers, and berries. "Six o'clock rolled around--nothing. Eagle Creek was overcrowded before the fire, and the pent-up demand after a three-year closure will likely result in big crowds for the foreseeable future. I love Rhonda. There is parking available all the way from the trailhead back to Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery. So that was our goal. Hikers were out on a soggy Monday, excited to explore. Michael Arnold: Who's that laughing that "she lost her guts"? Turn left at the stop sign, go under the interstate and then turn left onto the eastbound freeway entrance. A path leads up to some sites on a bench above the trail, and there are more campsites below. He was buying drinks for all of us. She was my rock, my sidekick, my everything," Simmons told Van Sant. All that moisture also makes mud, and theres a lot of it along the trail, made messier with the recent crowding. Wow what a gorgeous hike! Deputy DeHaven: I believe that it's most likely or most probable that she was pushed. "It's been really hard, just having no closure and not knowing what happened," friend Jessica Colburn said. However, recovery efforts from the 2017 Eagle Creek wildfire are still underway on some of these multi-day loop trail opportunities (Ruckel Creek #403, Tanner Butte #401, Eagle-Tanner #433, and Tanner Cutoff #448 trails remain closed). Hikers should stay away from the edges of the trail, where possible, and should avoid leaving the trail for any reason. John Whaley: She was quite an attractive gal estimated to be in her younger 20s. Print/PDF map. Jackson says his email to the prosecutor is something any journalist might do. This isn't the best trail for dogs or kids. Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. All dogs must be on leash. Plus cold weather gear Stephen Nichols' defense attorney, Mike Arnold, knows about the dangers of the Columbia River Gorge firsthand. Van Sant asked Arnold. "We know people fall every day in their homes. Meads headed out on a Gorge hike in May 2015, that soon became a struggle to survive. "She was super protective and just -- like a new mom, you know? Be careful with dogs or small children on the Eagle Creek Trail. Cliff jumping off of Punch Bowl Falls is not permitted. Many have referred to this stretch of trail as the "Vertigo Mile". Some brave trail runners present! Take I-84 and turn off at Exit 41, which is a 30 minute drive from Hood River and about 50 minutes from Portland. "It turns out the reason that indictment came up is because of pressure from a book author!" Hood National Forest. As the hour grew late, she got increasingly concerned. Bail was set at $2 million. They brought with them two crash test dummies, the same size and weight as Rhonda, to prove their theory she was pushed. Ten months later, Nichols and his daughter decided to take a trip back to Oregon. But COVID changed all that. You're a witness. The fourth cabled section of the trail takes you along a cliff 120 feet above the creek. What a pretty hike! In 2017, more than 150 hikers had to be rescued from the Eagle Creek Fire by emergency personnel who assisted them up the remaining 12 miles and 3,000 foot elevation gainto the Wahtum Lake Trailhead. I will always love Rhonda. "I feel like there is enough evidence to convict him," she continued. Why? As ever, there are a million things to appreciate about the trail, including the autumn colors, walking the edges of high cliff faces and views of the endless waterfalls Punchbowl Falls chief among them. One of the cliff sections: these may be unsafe for small children (Jeff Statt) The Eagle Creek Trail to Punch Bowl Falls and Lower Punch Bowl Falls. "Rhonda's family claims that you were not grieving," Van Sant noted to Nichols. There are six sections where cable handrails will give you a sense of security as you pass above vertical drops. Longitude: -121.91970. Van Sant asked Simmons. "I think there's a lotta times that she thought I was going to propose. We intended to hike to the campsite at mile 4 on the All Trails map, only to find this area no longer exists, so we hiked to 5.5 and found a couple of spots. This was one of Oregons gems, it was almost too sad to do the hike. "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. "I liked China. Stephen Nichols will stand trial for the murder of Rhonda Casto. We hiked out expecting to stay there, but we had to hike back because the site wasn't viable. Watch social media channels from the U.S. Forest Service Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The Eagle Creek Trail is one of the best known Oregon state trails,. Arnold says there was no murder and that he can prove Rhonda's death was an accident. "Accidents happen, and you wanna leave your family better off if you pass unexpectedly. Mike Arnold: And was there a man following behind her? Tenas camp doesn't really exist anymore. From Cascade Locks, OR: Travel west on Interstate 84 approximately 3 miles to Bonneville Dam exit #40 (there is no westbound exit #41). But not everyone knows the story of the 150 hikers who were trapped by the fire including nine Salem teenagers and forced to spend a night in the forest before hiking out the long way. I want to warn people that this beautiful hike is quite dangerous in certain weather conditions. There are rock benches on the stream here where you can take a break, and small drops above on the creek where there are swimming holes. The steep slopes above you are composed of conglomerates from the Eagle Creek Formation, sedimentary deposits laid down by the ancient Columbia River millions of years before the Columbia River Basalt Flows. To be honest, initially I didn't know if she was serious or if she was actually afraid," she replied. Later this month the judge will consider reducing Nichols' $2 million bail. Everything was perfect.". "Must've been so horrifying. He does something "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant has never seen. Van Sant asked Arnold. With dozens of waterfalls, rocky cliffs coated in moss and a crystal-clear creek that runs through it all, the Eagle Creek Trail is one of the most majestic natural attractions in Oregon. It is also a popular alternative route to the Pacific Crest Trail. There are a couple of small sloping campsites below the trail. "To me the evidence, the physical evidence and the science shows us it's an accident," said Arnold. Norfolk Southern train derails in Springfield, Ohio, At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, Grizzlies star Ja Morant to miss at least 2 games after alleged gun incident, How Paul Murdaugh testified "from the grave" to help convict his father, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Promising drug could provide alternative to statins, new study finds, Iran to allow more inspections at nuclear sites, U.N. says, NTSB to investigate in-flight turbulence that left 1 passenger dead, Eagle Creek Trail high above Oregon's Columbia River Gorge, Friends: Rhonda Casto was beautiful "inside and out", Rhonda Casto and Stephen Nichols with their daughter, Friends make emotional return to Eagle Creek Trail. One of the most popular backpacking trails; there are multiple camping sites along the trail. Given the narrow trail and the crowds, theres simply no way to hike Eagle Creek without coming within six feet of another person. Tiffany has denied, under oath, that he ever intentionally destroyed anything: Mike Arnold: Do you know what happened to the hard drive that those files were on? Suite 200 Email, https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/crgnsa/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=29912&actid=50, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Aircraft/UAS/drone takeoffs and landings are prohibited, Effective Oct 20, 2022: Closure Update: Eagle Creek Fire, Drones prohibited in wilderness and select recreation sites, Klickitat Mile One Overnight Use & Large Boat Launch Prohibition, 11/7/22: Restroom closed for the winter; portable toilets available. About 6 miles from the trailhead, hikers will reach Tunnel Falls, the most impressive waterfall on Eagle Creek, and one of Oregons best. This 60ft waterfall is a tributary which tumbles into a round pool below before cascading into Eagle Creek Below. In fact, you'll soon pass a large fossil tree stump, now much diminished because of the depredations of decades of souvenir snatchers. Only after you pass the 7 and 1/2 mile camp will you enter an area where most of the trees are truly dead. So sad now its burned. Kayakers take the plunge through some rapids far below. They quickly made an improvised lifeline, made literally from the clothes off their backs. And thats likely to happen again. 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. "They'd go to a movie or they'd go play Frisbee golf. There are moments on the Eagle Creek Trail when you completely forget that it was the birthplace of one . Suddenly, a startling new chapter in this case begins as the motion to dismiss hearing continues. There are three parking lots on-site including one for larger trailers, and a valid recreation pass or day use fee is required. Make sure you show up first thing in the morning or later in the day if you want to ensure a place to park. Distance: 15.4 miles round-trip to the Eagle Creek Ford. I have never done anything to harm her," Nichols replied. Even in the places that are burned and the impact is clear the burn scar is not overwhelming for much of the hike. Most of this hike is burned up and the sun glares on you. Some poison oak but you can avoid it.. It was about 40 degrees and the weather was spotty. Start point: Harvey Road Trailhead. This will be your best sighting of Metlako Falls as the former overlook, on a now abandoned spur trail off the trail ahead, disappeared in a landslide in December 2016. (This is a section of trail sometimes called the "The Potholes".) Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Urness is the author of Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon and Hiking Southern Oregon. He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or 503-399-6801. Get in the right lane before entering the tunnel. "And who's the beneficiary of that?" "and you know, somebody that's really nice. Difficulty: moderate to difficult Length: 4.4 miles round-trip. "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. No shade on most of the trail since all the trees are burned. Print/PDF map. But at least for now as of November the route is clear for the spectacular 3.3 miles to High Bridge. Rhonda Casto fell down the cliff early Monday evening, according to information from a man who was hiking with her at the time. A stumble here can lead to a deadly freefall. From Portland, OR: Travel east on Interstate 84 to exit #41 which is just past the interstate tunnel.