Authorities declined to declare the death an accident, but Stephen Nichols was not charged with any crime. This page has been accessed 718,151 times. Area. Be very careful when passing others on the trail here. Eagle Creek Trail In a nutshell: One of Oregon's most scenic trails, located in the Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks. Celebrate and remember the lives we have lost in Eagle Creek, Oregon. 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. The two first landed in San Francisco, where Stephen was stunned to be met by authorities and arrested. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h . "A little over two months and she was fluent in Mandarin She had dance lessons. Van Sant asked Jackson. "Magical moment. Lots of rocks so wear good shoes and bring poles! ) or https:// means you've safely I love Rhonda. Wild flowers and butterflies. John Whaley: She was quite an attractive gal estimated to be in her younger 20s. Everything was perfect.". Either way, it's a wonderful thing to return to Eagle Creek Trail. For many of them are not accessible and you only see them from the trail that sometimes is far above the river. "'Cause now the most important thing was her daughter.". Thank you. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Dec. 18th 2022 to Tunnel Falls Some poison oak but you can avoid it.. Mike Arnold: So it was a cause and effect? (The Eagle Benson Trail, which rises 2,900 feet to the Benson Plateau, has not been maintained since the 2017 fire.). The hike was beautiful though. I was looking for a place, a room to rent," said Simmons. "I spend probably 80 percent of my waking hours just reading. It's like a mini trial, with witnesses called. What you need to know before hiking the reopened Eagle Creek Trail It's just the way I deal with pain," he replied. Every year, there is a story about someone falling from this spot and injuring themselves. Beautiful hike this morning; passed some others but trail not overly crowded. Will do again! This isn't the best trail for dogs or kids. It took four years, but in 2013, Nichols was ready for a new chapter in his life. Elevation gain: 2360 feet. One amazing waterfall after another while you hike a long a trail that, at many sections, has been hewn out of the side of the gorge's rocky walls. Only after you pass the 7 and 1/2 mile camp will you enter an area where most of the trees are truly dead. A second parking area has room for about a dozen cars along Northeast Eagle Creek Loop, the road that leads from Interstate 84 to the trailhead, though parking is prohibited along most of the road. Most hikers either turn around at Twister Falls about seven miles in, at High Bridge after 3.6 miles, or at Punch Bowl Falls only two miles from the trailhead. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock On many sections, there is a steep cliff to one side of the trail. "I first met Stephen Nichols through the Internet. Heavy rains only compound the issue. Print/PDF map. From Cascade Locks, OR: Travel west on Interstate 84 approximately 3 miles to Bonneville Dam exit #40 (there is no westbound exit #41). 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. "To me the evidence, the physical evidence and the science shows us it's an accident," said Arnold. Besides life insurance money, the prosecution will argue yet another potential motive for murder -- a love triangle -- claiming that Stephen Nichols was in love with Rhonda's younger sister, Melanie. Here is the story: A 23-year-old Portland woman died Monday 3/16 after falling 100 feet down an embankment on the popular Eagle River trail, west of Cascade Locks, Hood River County authorities said. A. Wilderness Permits are required when entering Mark O Hatfield Wilderness. 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. The Statesman Journal covered the story of the escape from the Eagle Creek Fire which you can read at StatesmanJournal.com. Ten months later, Nichols and his daughter decided to take a trip back to Oregon. 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. Ever. "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. 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. Certainly finished soaking wet, but that's to be expected on a rainy day in January. Simmons moved into Nichols' Portland, Oregon, condo. In autumn the canyon is ablaze in golden color as waterfalls drip down cliff walls from every direction, reminding hikers why this has long been considered one of Oregons five best hikes. Mike Arnold has another surprise. Very popular. Julia Simmons [looking at document]: Well, I see it here, so I must've done it. Not suitable for young children. Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Hike - Hiking in Portland, Oregon and "I don't know," he replied. Stephen Nichols will stand trial for the murder of Rhonda Casto. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. But Simmons says that doesn't really sound like her daughter. Van Sant asked Arnold. Lot empty at 7 on a Friday. Some brave trail runners present! Around milepost 5, hikers must register and issue themselves a permit. 2016 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Looking for the best hiking trails in Eagle Creek? "Everything about her was impressive. Mike Arnold: You weren't asked a question, ma'am. It was. Dozens of search and rescues are done every year. See the other AllTrails of Eagle Creek to Wahtum and many people will report the same. Kayakers take the plunge through some rapids far below. I just said, 'What happened?' The PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) has done a magnificent job in restoring the trail, and the tread is in excellent shape. It was heavily forested and gorgeous! All dogs must be on leash. Be careful with dogs or small children on the Eagle Creek Trail. It is quite popular with easy vehicle access at the trailhead, so plan to see a lot of other hikers and is part of the Pacific Crest Trail. 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"). Here you will cross a high bridge just past Loowit falls and just over 3 miles into the trip. A slip and fall on a dangerous trail.". Beautiful hike! Also loop opportunities with other Gorge trails abound. Many months, the fog hangs low in the canyon, blocking your view of the sheer basalt walls towering above you. Fires not allowed within 100feet of the trail during other times of the year. Perfect day. But Rhonda's mother says she knows what happened and why: Nichols' huge losses in the stock market. Northwest Forest Pass Required May 15-Oct 1 "I went over to Julia's room and I'm like, 'Your daughter is just incredibly beautiful.' Start point: Eagle Creek Trailhead. "She asked him to leave the bar, she said, 'Maybe I'll just leave you,'" Sconce said. "I think it's one of the best things you can do is just to go on a long hike. Standing on the High Bridge, you can see down the narrow gorge and also up the creek to small cascades. "She said he'd been kinda buggin' her to go hiking for like two or three weeks--like a month," Simmons said. ", Mike Arnold: "Perhaps it's time to see what a panel of citizens will decide?". Trail of Tears - CBS News That's all he could say. But as the night wore on and Stephen had more drinks, he became a little bit aggressive and rude.". The trail is also something of an engineering marvel. Within this corridor, theres only one side trail to worry about: a short trip down to the water between Punch Bowl Falls and Lower Punch Bowl Falls. He said, 'She -- she fell. Check out this 4.8-mile out-and-back trail near Cascade Locks, Oregon. I wanted to lose weight. "That being said, I'm not perfect. "I had been there before," Nichols replied. You'll encounter eight major waterfalls along Eagle Creek and its tributaries, with lots of smaller and seasonal falls in-between. Human caused fire. And thats likely to happen again. One key to the prosecution's case will be the credibility of the woman making so many of the accusations--Rhonda's mother, Julia Simmons: Mike Arnold: What do you do for a living, ma'am? From there, head to another bridge over Eagle Creek (passing a nice swimming hole for hot days, with a cobbled beach to dry out on). While beautiful, the trail is also one of the most treacherous in the Columbia River Gorge a problem compounded by landslides, narrow paths and the enormous crowds who flock to see it. According to court filed documents, Melanie Casto will allege she began having sex with Nichols when she was just 15. There are no guardrails to speak of. "They were a delight together. The grade was easy after the first mile. That's argumentative and leading. Mike Arnold: And was there a man following behind her? The Eagle Creek recreation area and trail was closed for more than three years after a teen threw a firework that caused a nearly 49,000 acre wildfire in September 2017. "I wasn't sure how to react. The trail passes the boundary sign for the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness and enters a shady defile to cross Wy'East Creek. Nobody southbound but multiple groups of PCT through hikers that deviated from the PCT via Indian Spring Trail. "Um, when we started off, it was actually a very nice day," he replied. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Within days, Rhonda's loved ones held a memorial where her mother says Nichols was acting strangely. Also, you'll notice blackened conifers from the 2017 fire almost immediately, and most of the maples went up in flames but are vigorously sprouting back from their lignotubers. 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. Tunnel Falls is amazing view with the ice and snow just be prepared to cross a creek with no dry crossing. A spur leads down to some campsites, and the view up the creek is of a lush green canyon with living trees! 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. "I'm positive that he killed her," Simmons said. "48 Hours" caught up with one hiker who has a terrifying tale to tell. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. 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. / CBS News, Produced by Susan Mallie and Leslie Neigher. Plus cold weather gear But as the majority of trails have reopened . 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. Heavy rains also mean an increased danger of landslides, which were common along Eagle Creek before the 2017 fire and are even more likely now. I -- I can find someone on my own.' Around mile 5, you enter Wilderness where a free permit is required (available at the wilderness boundary). Hikers pass through a rock tunnel behind Tunnel Falls on the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, as the trail reopens more than three years after the Eagle Creek fire.Jamie Hale/The Oregonian. 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. "I could hardly understand what he was saying he was crying so hard," Stephen Nichols Sr. said. What really happened to Rhonda Casto? 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. But what if, as Rhonda's family and friends believe, it wasn't an innocent fall? Fairly low people count, especially after Punch Bowl Falls. Want to report conditions for this trail? A user trail takes you through high brush to the top of Skoonichuck Falls. Got there early and the parking lot was already almost full. It is also a popular alternative route to the Pacific Crest Trail. But I just think that she's just absolutely beautiful," Julia Simmons said of her daughter, Rhonda. Past Tenas Camp, the forest was heavily burned in the 2017 fire. Distance: 15.4 miles round-trip to the Eagle Creek Ford. Eagle Creek to Punchbowl Falls. 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. From attacking Nichols' character -- "Stephen Nichols is a sociopath and a murderer" -- to accusing him of killing for cash, to allegations involving Rhonda's younger sister, ironically, it is Simmons -- the woman who had wanted Stephen Nichols to meet her daughter all those years ago -- who has led the charge against Nichols for years. However, as you enter the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness beyond Wy'East Camp, you'll encounter larger stands of intact canopy where the fire was less intense. There are already a few small slides on the trail, some of which require tricky crossings. Then, he and his now-motherless daughter moved across the state to live with his family. Hiking the Eagle Creek Trail - Backpacker Indian mount summit was worth the day hike for the views of hood. And Arnold says accidents like Rhonda's are more frequent than people realize. Please remain silent Judge John Olsen: Hold on we all know what sustained means in this courtroom. "She'd call me, or she'd be over at my house.". The trail is easy to follow with large stretches of snow and ice. "No, I did not. To maintain an easy grade through this rugged canyon, the builders blasted ledges out of sheer cliffs, bridged . "Yes, we were very good buddies," she replied. Heavy winter storms have saturated the Columbia Gorge this winter, which could make hiking a miserable experience for those caught unprepared. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Van Sant asked Simmons. The falls convey the East Fork Eagle Creek from the bluffs above to the creek bed below, and then downstream into the main Eagle Creek run. Read the regulations carefully and attach the permit visibly on your backpack. Spend some time here and take some photos. What Ive always appreciated is how it can perfectly set up the type of day that you want to have. It is not safe to pass at this time. Penstemon, arnica, monkeyflower, and saxifrage cling to the rocky fastness. Rounding a corner at a rocky viewpoint, you can see ahead to the High Bridge, which spans a spectacularly narrow sheer-sided gorge. Just past Twister Falls is a sloping rocky bank that makes a great place to rest. "I was tongue tied. Those looking for extra mileage can continue down the trail, though a 14-mile round trip hike should be enough adventure for most. Any further questions hit me up on @ Prodigallad on Insta. Please also be mindful of your pets and be sure to wear proper footwear. Van Sant asked. Then 82-foot Metlako Falls spouts on Eagle Creek itself, where it makes a tight turn east. The climb out from eagle creek Trail on Indian springs Trail is no joke, very steep.
