The second of 2 hikes I did in the Columbia River Gorge area on Saturday the 24th of April 2010.
So at this point I decide to drive over to the little town of Husum, WA to try to find the Weldon Wagon Trail. I ended up driving right to it. You have to appreciate good directions. This little trail was once a wagon road that was used to deliver goods to the town of Husom from the surrounding areas. The trail crosses over the 315 acre White Salmon Oak NRCA which holds one of the last remaining stands of Oregon White Oaks in Washington and represents a look at what the landscape may have been like before settlers arrived. The trail is uphill all the way if starting from Indian Cemetary Rd and is only a couple miles to the top. I was lucky that the Balsamroot was in all its glory. About halfway up I am walking and I look down to see a little snake laying on the trail. I see no rattles so I figure it must be a gopher snake. The whole time I am hiking, the wind is blowing and I could see rain coming in from across the way. I even get rained on a little but nothing to be too excited about. I get up to the top where the trail intersects with Sandborn Rd and there is a bunch of rusty old farm equipment that I decide is worthy of some photos. After a couple pictures I'm heading back down the hill towards my car and I realize that I don't wish to stay at a campground or hike any more this weekend so I make the decision to head back home. I did a whole lot of driving for these 2 little short hikes, but even so, I still feel rejuvenated by getting outside for a bit. Before long I am in my car and on my way home.
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Hi Jay, great Pictures! Im hoping you can help me, I am looking for info on how to get to that old graveyard by Weldon Wagon trail. You mentioned you drove by there in a portland Hikers thread ( the one with same pictures posted as here) last year .I went there a few years back as well as Weldon Wagon trail…and wanted to go back for some photos. I remember it was really wierd… but cant find any info on it at all. Where is it exactly.. or do you know the general area/road?
Hi Ryan. I couldn’t remember so I had to look it up. It is described in Sullivan’s 100 Hikes In NW Oregon and SW Washington. Take I84 to Hood River Bridge exit 64. Cross river and turn L onto Hwy14 for 2.5 miles. Just before White Salmon River Bridge Turn R on Hwy 141, following a “Trout Lake” Pointer. After 2.2 miles you’ll have to veer left at a dangerous intersection. Then continue 4 miles. Just before the Bridge in Husom, turn R on gravel Indian Creek Rd for 0.6 mile and then fork onto Indian Cemetary Rd. When rd crests in another 0.4 mile you’ll reach a grassy parking pullout on the left for the trail. If you were to drive another 0.4 of a mile past the trailhead, the rd ends at the cemetary.
I hope this helps.
Happy Hiking
Jay Thompson
I have lived here in the Gorge most my life and have never heard of Weldon Wagon Trial until now in a running group. When I did a google search I came upon your blog. really nice pictures!! Yes it rains and is windy here a lot so we are used to doing all activities in it LOL
I’m excited to go run that trail now after seeing your pictures. I love history mixed in with beauty of a hike !
Glad you liked the photos. Springtime in the Gorge is my favorite time of year. I love when the yellow balsamroot flowers make an appearance, they are so pretty. I imagine the White Oaks will be nice to see with their fall foliage. Enjoy!