Eagle Creek Wildfire

Eight years ago a large, human-caused wildfire was started in the Eagle Creek Drainage in the Columbia River Gorge. The Herman Creek drainage lies to the east of Eagle Creek. It also incurred much damage from the 2017 wildfire.

In early August, curiosity got the best of me. I decided to hike four miles up the east side of Herman Creek and see how much wildfire damage remained. 

Casey Creek Camp

There were many charred trees along the trail, both standing and fallen. I give much credit to the crews who had rid the trail of most of the fallen trees.

Many of the mature standing Douglas firs appeared to be in relatively good shape, and there was already green undergrowth everywhere. Some of it was over my head and much was growing into the trail. It made for a robust hike given the temperatures were in the 80s and the trail was covered in small rocks.

As always, life goes on.