Young Creek

Be aware: Young Creek was hit by a spot-burn from the Eagle Creek wildfire in Sept 2017 and was closed for a significant period of time. Caution is recommended on the approach. Young Creek is located just west of Bridal Veil in the Columbia River Gorge. The Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH) crosses the creek on a beautiful high bridge built in 1915. Signs denote this as “Shepperds Dell". A short paved trail leads down to the top of one of the waterfalls (R4). However, there are two more big falls just upstream and another waterfall under the bridge. The bridge is conveniently located for assessing the flow on the creek prior to committing to the canyon. The canyon sees substantially higher flow in winter and spring.

Take I-84 to exit 28 (Bridal Veil). Turn right on the Old Columbia River Hwy and continue 1.7mi to a signed pullout for Shepperds Dell. From the pullout, cross the bridge and continue west along the road a hundred yards to the next obvious drainage on the south side. Leave the road and follow a dirty user trail upward about 200ft. It's steep, but goes quickly. Helmet recommend per loose rocks. Head for the obvious notch above, avoiding thickets of briars and poison oak. Once through the notch, the terrain abruptly flattens out. Follow the bench left (east) until you reach the creek, now deeply entrenched below. Looking down, you should be able to spot the top of R2 where the creek abruptly plunges into a slot. It might be possible to shuttle up Alex Barr Road and hike/bushwhack north from the obvious switchback, staying on public land. Eventually, meet the classic route and follow it to the creek (~3mi, losing some 600ft of elevation).

Like most of the Columbia Gorge, the rock quality in Young Creek is poor. Inspect all bolts carefully before use. A short downclimb exits the narrows. Make your way downstream to the railroad tracks.