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It was along the Eagle Creek trail that Rhonda Casto, a 23-year-old mother of a nine-month-old girl, set out with her boyfriend, Stephen Nichols, back on March 16, 2009. Van Sant asked. "A little over two months and she was fluent in Mandarin She had dance lessons. What changed?" There were showers from time to time and the trail was damp. Detectives from Hood River County, where Eagle Creek Trail is located, began investigating Rhonda's death. Hikers will find four primary waterfalls along the first seven miles of the trail though during the rainy season dozens of seasonal waterfalls flow off the cliffs into Eagle Creek. Tunnel falls did not disappoint. A stumble here can lead to a deadly freefall. The trail crosses scree slopes that bloom with stonecrop in late spring. 2023 www.statesmanjournal.com. Arnold questions the man who organized the dummy experiment, Deputy Daniel DeHaven. It is not safe to pass at this time. Otherwise, hikers can simply continue along the trail with no concern of getting turned around. Then you'll get a view up the West Fork to the lowest tier of 148 foot tall Twister Falls (sometimes called "Crossover Falls" or "Eagle Creek Falls"). Many people stop here to take photos of the falls and their cool, refreshing amphitheater. It was a chaplain sent by the local fire department. "March 16th, 2009. Past Tenas Camp, the forest was heavily burned in the 2017 fire. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors. Trail was great. In August 2015, Stephen Nichols was in court for a bail hearing. "No. I was literally floored," Nichols said. We hiked out expecting to stay there, but we had to hike back because the site wasn't viable. Mike Arnold: What is your opinion about whether or not Miss Casto was pushed? Scary parts: If exploring makes you nervous, this might not be the hike for you, as parts of the trail scale rocky cliffs high above the creek below. "I spend probably 80 percent of my waking hours just reading. Hood National Forest. --Jamie Hale; jhale@oregonian.com; 503-294-4077; @HaleJamesB. "So we're at an outcropping here at Eagle Creek," he said. The next 6 to the lake was nice but lower payoff. I wanted to lose weight. Please stay inside the guardrails. See the other AllTrails of Eagle Creek to Wahtum and many people will report the same. Print/PDF map. If you are there in the spring with snowmelt or on a rainy day keep an eye out for smaller falls emptying into Eagle Creek below. From Portland, OR: Travel east on Interstate 84 to exit #41 which is just past the interstate tunnel. I love you. KATU NEWS REPORT: A man hiking with Rhonda Casto says that she fell off a cliff last night. "So I tried to call her, and I got no answer," Julia Simmons said. Simmons moved into Nichols' Portland, Oregon, condo. Thankfully, in some sketchy areas a cable has been bolted to the cliff wall to hang on to while hiking. 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. "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. "I kept calling and asking why anything -- nothing was happening," said Simmons. And I'm like, 'Yeah, that's -'". It's like a mini trial, with witnesses called. Thank you. This is still the same scenic trail it has always been - all the same waterfalls! Expect to wear your masks throughout most of your hike. United States. The hike was beautiful though. Next, you'll see the mouth of Opal Creek, which flows steeply down from the bowl below Tanner Butte. The small oaks on this steep slope were burned but are coming back from their bases. Trail was in good shape. The Eagle Creek Trail is one of the best known Oregon state trails,. "There's nothing about her face that's just not pretty, everything is pretty.". "I was tongue tied. After you pass through the tunnel, you'll see yellow-blooming streambank arnica clinging to the cliff face. Beyond, the next 3 miles to Tunnel Falls do have some landslides that make for tricky hiking, and at least one semi-difficult creek crossing, but it does remain open and doable. And she goes, 'OK, well, you're missing out. His father, also named Stephen Nichols, remembers it as a happy time. In 2008, three years into their relationship, the couple became parents when their daughter was born. Van Sant asked Arnold. Mike Arnold: And did you have a suspect in those criminal acts? Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps. End Point: Eagle Creek Ford. Eagle Creek Trail, in the Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks, features waterfalls, autumn colors and high bridges. Please check the Mt Hood National Forest and Columbia River Gorge National Forest Closures for the latest information. Van Sant asked. From this area, you can get a view back to a pinnacle formation on the west side of the Eagle Creek Gorge; this needle had been concealed by tall conifers before the Eagle Creek Fire. Unable to come up with the money, Nichols returns to jail. "Once you start getting really high up, there is a very -- a narrow part of the trail that -- there's kind of, like, a rope or a chain on the inner cliff edge that you have to hold onto 'cause it's just barely wide enough for one person to walk all around the ledge," said Colburn. At an exposed cliff viewpoint, you can see across to Loowit Falls splashing in a thin pretty veil down to a pool with a final short drop to Eagle Creek. A spur leads down to some campsites, and the view up the creek is of a lush green canyon with living trees! Stephen Nichols will stand trial for the murder of Rhonda Casto. "Then I turn around and I look at her and my tongue pretty much hit the floor," he told Van Sant. If you still feel like you still have some energy, the last two major waterfalls, both on the West Fork Eagle Creek, can be seen in the next half mile. You take it one day at a time," said Nichols. Yesterday, ice was melting in the sun, dripping down, and freezing again below on narrow rocky ledges hikers must cross. nothing too crazy nothing steep very easy straightforward incline definitely the most gradual 5000 ft of elevation I've ever done. "The last time I saw Rhonda was at Boston's Grill," Jen Sconce, a friend of Rhonda's back in 2007, told "48 Hours." A slip and fall on a dangerous trail.". Make sure you allow as much room as possible when letting people pass. This trail offers some of the most spectacular scenery of any trail in the Gorge, including at least 5 waterfalls. "Absolutely not," he replied. Just a half mile past Tunnel Falls is the fascinating Twister Falls, where the water contorts on its way down. ", "I'm the most non-violent person you will ever meet," he said. Start by hiking up the Eagle Creek Trail 13.3 miles to Wahtum Lake. Everything's gotta be just so," said Simmons. Eagle Creek Trailhead approach and fee station information board. So sad now its burned. And I told her, 'I am going to propose to you.' "They were a delight together. This area was affected by a massive forest fire in 2015, but many of the trees are still green and even though trees have charred trunks, they are not dead. Please enter valid email address to continue. very easy extremely well-maintained trail. "I sort of wanted a fresh start," he said. Certainly finished soaking wet, but that's to be expected on a rainy day in January. St. Helens upon dying. "You seemed unmoved by Rhonda's death.". "And as their relationship evolved, honestly, did she love Stephen more for what was inside him, or what was in his wallet?" "That was part of her modeling portfolio. Some visitors leave their cars parked illegally along the roads around Eagle Creek, which poses both a danger for pedestrians and a problem for emergency vehicles that may need to reach the trailhead. Now retired, Tiffany was the lead detective following Rhonda Casto's death in 2009. "Physical evidence disappears, particularly in a rainy state like Oregon. "He wanted to be with my other daughter and he wanted Rhonda out of the picture," Julia Simmons told Van Sant. Bring sunscreen and bug spray! Mike Arnold: And what's the potential crime for which you believe he's a suspect? Given the narrow trail and the crowds, theres simply no way to hike Eagle Creek without coming within six feet of another person. And it was precisely in that very spot that Rhonda Casto went off Eagle Creek trail, falling over 150 feet to her death. One of the most popular trails on the Columbia River Gorge has reopened! Stephen Nichols' defense attorney, Mike Arnold, knows about the dangers of the Columbia River Gorge firsthand. DO NOT try and use the trail by WyEast as a way to loop it back. They brought with them two crash test dummies, the same size and weight as Rhonda, to prove their theory she was pushed. Eagle Creek Trail Moderate 4.5 (800) Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Photos (5,435) Directions Print/PDF map Length 25.8 miElevation gain 4,829 ftRoute type Out & back Explore this 25.8-mile out-and-back trail near Cascade Locks, Oregon. And thats likely to happen again. Read the regulations carefully and attach the permit visibly on your backpack. About 3 miles up, hikers will encounter the aptly named High Bridge, which traversesa narrowgorge150 feet above the creek. But COVID changed all that. Those looking for extra mileage can continue down the trail, though a 14-mile round trip hike should be enough adventure for most. Gerry Tiffany: No, it was there when I left. "Because he had an inkling that Rhonda was gonna leave him, and he didn't wanna pay child support," she replied. "And if it was not an accident, then what was she thinking when she went down -- that the person that she thought loved her could have done this to her?" "Do you think that's a true statement?" Simmons says that Rhonda and Stephen's relationship had been stormy for years before that fateful hike. Any further questions hit me up on @ Prodigallad on Insta. 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. (CASCADE LOCKS, Ore.) - Deputies say a 23-year old Portland woman died Monday afternoon after falling from a popular hiking trail west of Cascade Locks. First published on March 5, 2016 / 11:16 PM. You'll reach the top of Twister Falls, with its necktie "crossover" of two streams of water. Even in the places that are burned and the impact is clear the burn scar is not overwhelming for much of the hike. He was completely broken up. Some brave trail runners present! Stephen Nichols says this is how the tragedy unfolded: they're heading down the trail. "She says, 'He's either gonna give me a ring or he's gonna throw me off the cliff.'". Melanie declined to speak with "48 Hours," and Nichols says allegations of statutory rape, or any relationship, are false. Explore one of 2 easy hiking trails in Eagle Creek or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Recreation Map Then came the time for that hike in March 2009. It's just the way I deal with pain," he replied. Watch your step as you're hiking, the rocks on the trail are slippery and losing your footing or stumbling is not a good idea on a narrow trail with a long drop to the creek bed. The primary parking area is at the trailhead itself, with room for about two dozen vehicles. That's why we're here," said Jackson. When I'm really, really sad, I just -- I close down. Tiffany has not been charged with any crime. AMENITIES: Portable toilets, parking lots. After the devastating 50,000 acre . The caveat is that the trail in many sections was blasted out of the basalt cliff faces by the 1915 crews that constructed it in conjunction with the work on the Historic Columbia River Highway. About 6 miles from the trailhead, hikers will reach Tunnel Falls, the most impressive waterfall on Eagle Creek, and one of Oregons best. Many shivered through a hungry, exposed night outdoors and shared afterwards that they learned why it's so important to pack overnight essentials, even for a short day hike. Longitude: -121.91970. Waterfalls were amazing, trail is well maintained. ", Asked if she enjoyed hiking, Nichols told Van Sant, "She loved it. Beautiful hike! The trail turns into a gully and passes over the Fern Creek Bridge, one of two bridges on the trail that had to be replaced after the fire. "He couldn't write a book until the case was solved," said Tiffany. It is not recommended for children or those with accessibility issues. After crossing the High Bridge, walk high above the creek to get a good view, more open since the fire, of 50-foot Skoonichuck Falls, which plunges in two big tiers below a 400-foot cliff. Meaning, Arnold contends, that Rhonda slipped feet first, because if she'd been pushed, she would have tumbled head over heels, sustaining injuries over her entire body. But I've never physically hurt anyone.". In January 2016, in Hood River, defense attorney Mike Arnold plans to put the prosecution's case on trial at a hearing to have all charges against Stephen Nichols dismissed. As the name implies, your path with pass through a tunnel behind the falls about midway up the drop. Please also be mindful of your pets and be sure to wear proper footwear. At the next scree slope, you should hear the alarm calls of the resident pikas, who survived the fire huddled in cool crevices below the surface. I was looking for a place, a room to rent," said Simmons. Simmons became suspicious when she learned that Nichols had taken out a million-dollar life insurance policy on Rhonda just months before her death. Many have referred to this stretch of trail as the "Vertigo Mile". Print/PDF map. In addition, two bridges, the Fern Creek Bridge and the High Bridge, had to be replaced because of fire damage. Hope you get out to, Soakin up those bluebird days at @mthoodmeadows, The fall colors are beginning to pop at Multnomah, A tranquil fall evening at Lost Lake, captured by, On these cooler fall nights, cozying up in front o, Who else is getting excited for the fall colors to, Hiking the Eagle Creek Trail to the Punchbowl waterfall, Important notes about the Eagle Creek Trail, The incredible Wahclella Falls trail in Oregon, The waterfalls in Starvation Creek State Park, Oregon, The stunning Dry Creek Falls hike near Cascade Locks, Oregon, What to do in Smith Rock State Park, Oregon. Ever. All rights reserved. This is an amazing gorge hike with several beautiful waterfalls, including one that users can walk behind. "I think there's a lotta times that she thought I was going to propose. The PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) has done a magnificent job in restoring the trail, and the tread is in excellent shape. All that moisture also makes mud, and theres a lot of it along the trail, made messier with the recent crowding. on official, secure websites. "There's one universal truth out there, and that's physics. He also was ordered to write apology letters to 152 people trapped on the Eagle Creek trail because of the spreading flames, the city of Cascade Locks, the Forest Service, Oregon State Parks, the. Cars were forced to turn around upon arrival, while some parked in precarious places beside the roads around the area a decision that risks towing, ticketing and endangering public safety. He does something "48 Hours" correspondent Peter Van Sant has never seen. The trail was the site of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, leaving burn scars throughout the hike. "Steve, you have been accused of a despicable crime, that you pushed your girlfriend -- the mother of your daughter -- off of a cliff. (541) 308-1700 There is a hole in the trail approximately 1 mile from the trailhead, just past the first cable section. Day passes can be purchased on site for $5 per vehicle. Sconce says Stephen Nichols thought Rhonda was acting flirtatious toward others in the bar. But Simmons says that doesn't really sound like her daughter. But Rhonda also had a sense of humor, so I, I really--I don't know," said Nichols. Gradual incline. Here there is the first set of handrail cables, one of several along the trail. But by the time Stephen Nichols and Rhonda Casto headed back down the narrow path, the weather had turned. Nicely groomed. Suite 200 Lovely, beautiful trail. But I just think that she's just absolutely beautiful," Julia Simmons said of her daughter, Rhonda. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service/Bureau of Land Management: National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required; fee kiosk at the trailhead, Restrooms, picnic tables, information kiosk, nearby campground, Limited parking; if lot is full, go back to the. Respond to that," said Van Sant. Plus cold weather gear "I always believed, you know, he pushed her," said Gerry Tiffany. Arnold wants to know what hard evidence led to Nichols' arrest. The route up Oneonta Creek, typically taken in summer, was closed along with most other trails burned during the 50,000-acre Eagle Creek Fire of 2017. To maintain an easy grade through this rugged canyon, the builders blasted ledges out of sheer cliffs, bridged . "I'm confident that he would be found guilty.". Rating as moderate is perfect! Two years into their stormy relationship, the couple allegedly had a shouting match one night in a bar that a witness says quickly escalated into a shocking threat. Immediately off the exit at the stop sign, take a right and continue down Eagle Creek Lane past the Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery, keeping right down Eagle Creek Loop which ends at the trailhead. Even though its been five years since the fire, there is still a lot of danger or at least things to look out for especially after big storms., More:Oregon's 'Green Friday' brings free fishing and state parks entry, waterfalls, tree cutting. Arnold isn't buying the timing of the grand jury: Judge John Olsen: Miss Rasmussen, you can't object. The route of the Eagle Creek Trail to Wahtum Lake (not a GPS track) (bobcat) Courtesy: Caltopo/USFS Start point: Eagle Creek Trailhead End point: Wahtum Lake Trail Log: Trail Log Hike Type: In and out or loop Distance: 26.1 miles (in and out) Elevation gain: 3610 feet High point: 3,725 feet Difficulty: Difficult Seasons: Summer into fall Restroom at Eagle Creek Trailhead and Day Use Area. Penstemon, arnica, monkeyflower, and saxifrage cling to the rocky fastness. He told the operator that Rhonda had been acting high, being silly and running on the slippery trail before she fell. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. While there isnt much elevation gain, weve rated this trail moderately difficult for some tricky crossings over streams and around landslides, and for the generally treacherous terrain. I hope that someday, justice will be served.". Gerry Tiffany: Pretty much the next morning. Hikers were out on a soggy Monday, excited to explore. "To me the evidence, the physical evidence and the science shows us it's an accident," said Arnold. Narrow trail with anchored cables into rock in some areas to hold onto for support away from cliff edge. If youre heading out to hike Eagle Creek whether its your first time or your 50th there are a few factors to consider and some preparations to make (including packing the essentials) before leaving home. But as the night wore on and Stephen had more drinks, he became a little bit aggressive and rude.". Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. At this hearing, she doesn't want to talk to Mike Arnold, either: Carrie Rasmussen: Sustained means sustained. "Everything about her was impressive. Only after you pass the 7 and 1/2 mile camp will you enter an area where most of the trees are truly dead. Travel east approximately 1 mile on Interstate 84 to exit #41 which is just past the Interstate tunnel. This trail is truly one of the most beautiful and well maintained in the northwest. The bridge was damaged in the Eagle Creek Fire, with its floorboards completely burned, so it was replaced in October 2019, with the new version being airlifted in by helicopter. Rasmussen told "48 Hours" she will not discuss this case until it goes to trial. Elevation gain: 2360 feet. That objection is overruled. The best months to see wildflowers are April, May, and June. "It turns out the reason that indictment came up is because of pressure from a book author!" One of the most popular backpacking trails; there are multiple camping sites along the trail. This spectacular cliffsidehike passes through a forested basalt cliff overlooking Eagle Creek. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h . Arnold claims Simmons would do just about anything for money, including a despicable crime: cashing her granddaughter's monthly death benefit check from the government despite never having custody of her. Van Sant asked Arnold. The trail is also something of an engineering marvel. "She just looked at me, and she said, 'Your daughter's gone,'" said Simmons. Whaley tried to share his story with a deputy at the scene but was brushed off. The vast majority of trees that were killed in the fire are still standing with weakened root structures that means they do fall over pretty regularly, said Karen Davis, spokeswoman for the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Metlako Falls comes first after about 1.5 miles, though after the waterfall viewpoint washed out in 2017, the view is distant from the trail. Distance: 15.4 miles round-trip to the Eagle Creek Ford. I will always love Rhonda. Mike Arnold: You weren't asked a question, ma'am. There is a tunnel behind the 175ft falls that was dug out (with great effort) around 1910. But Rhonda's mother says she knows what happened and why: Nichols' huge losses in the stock market. Suddenly, a startling new chapter in this case begins as the motion to dismiss hearing continues. There are moments on the Eagle Creek Trail when you completely forget that it was the birthplace of one . Crowds also pose problems on the trail itself. "He pushed her down on the stairs and left bruises on her back," said Simmons. Then 82-foot Metlako Falls spouts on Eagle Creek itself, where it makes a tight turn east. In total, the effort brought in an additional $149,000including $30,000 donated by Friends on behalf of its membersfor Gorge trail repair and restoration efforts. It affords spectacular views of the creek's slot canyon, where acool, ethereal fog offers a reprieve on a hot summerday. "The science you believe is on your side in this case?" He passed the couple on the trail possibly minutes before Rhonda's fatal fall: Mike Arnold: And what did she look like? Browse the most recent Eagle Creek, Oregon obituaries and condolences. The trail was the site of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, leaving burn. Pretty falls. And its still one of the best hikes in Oregon, especially among those that usually stay open through the winter, with the exception of a few low-elevation snowstorms and the aforementioned landslides. Pass along another cliff face to reach Four and a Half Mile Bridge, only the second time you'll cross Eagle Creek. Then came a knock on the door. "When I look at Steve Nichols, I see an innocent man falsely accused that's grieving over the loss of Rhonda," said Arnold. This is one of the most popular trails in the Columbia River Gorge and can be a crowded experience on summer weekends. Here you will cross a high bridge just past Loowit falls and just over 3 miles into the trip. If it's a hot day take the time here to cool down and relax a bit before continuing on the the gem of the hike! "I saw something pop up on my phone. "One time she got really mad at him. 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? Length: 4.4 miles round-trip to Punchbowl Falls; 6.6 miles to High Bridge; 12 miles to Tunnel Falls. Hikers have been rediscovering the beauty of Eagle Creek since it reopened on Jan. 1, more than three years after closing due to the Eagle Creek fire. "I don't even know who Jen Sconce is," Nichols laughed. GoalTechHikes Eagle Creek 1/2/21 - Post Fire Opening, Eagle Creek Trailhead & Trail (#440) (USFS), Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Hike (Muddy Camper), Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls (Friends of the Columbia Gorge), Eagle Creek Hike to Tunnel Falls (Outdoor Project), Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls (Hiking Project), Tunnel Falls @ Eagle Creek (Kristi Does PDX), Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls (Must Hike Must Eat), "New bridges installed on Eagle Creek Trail, but hiking remains off-limits" (Oregon Live), "A massive rock slide and the effort to reopen the Eagle Creek Trail" (Pacific Crest Trail Association), "What you need to know before hiking the reopened Eagle Creek Trail" (Oregon Live), Sorenson Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Metlako Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Punch Bowl Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Loowit Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Skoonichuck Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Wy'east Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Grand Union Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Tunnel Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Twister Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), Sevenmile Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey), "Now 100 years old, Eagle Creek helped revolutionize camping in the 20th century" (Oregon Live), https://www.oregonhikers.org/w/index.php?title=Eagle_Creek_to_Tunnel_Falls_Hike&oldid=112641. This two-tiered waterfall tumbles 200 feet in total to the canyon below twisting around basalt cliffs as it does so. Eagle Creek Trail, Oregon (Photo: Chris Ebarb Photography/Moment Open via Getty Images) Reach the first campsite, Tenas Camp, at mile 3.7, after passing 50-foot Skoonichuck Falls. What really happened to Rhonda Casto? Bring your raincoat. Just looking at Rhonda, being transformed," he said. Carrie Rasmussen: Right. Their romance quickly blossomed, and before long, Rhonda joined her mother in the condo; not as a roommate, but as Nichols' girlfriend. "I never really knew that they went hiking," she explained. Nobody southbound but multiple groups of PCT through hikers that deviated from the PCT via Indian Spring Trail. "She wasn't afraid to say things that she felt or wanted to say or do," Arneson recalled. 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 used to be an absolute paradise. - Must haves for this season: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Mike Arnold: Did you steal ___'s Social Security benefits?