Craving an off-season hike? The Gillette Lake to Greenleaf Overlook trail is a great option if you don’t mind a little mud. You can shorten or extend the route to suit your preference (you can really make it a long one by picking up the Pacific Crest Trail from here), or try our version which easily fits into your weekend plans.

Quick facts

Starting point: Bonneville Trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 6.9 miles
Route type: Out-and-back
Elevation gain: ~1,165 ft
Trail surface: Dirt and rock
Wheelchair accessible: No
Open: Year-round
Dog friendly: Yes, on leash

Keep an eye out for poison oak growing along the trail. | Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

Brief overview

There’s a large parking lot at Bonneville Trailhead with two vault toilets. Pay the $5 parking fee or bring a Northwest Forest Pass. You’ll follow Tamanous Trail for ~0.7 mile (it starts uphill and can be very muddy), then keep left at the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. You’ll hike beneath dense forest canopy interrupted by clearings and logging roads with views of the Gorge and Table Mountain. Descend to Gillette Lake, which is stocked with trout and home to ducks, beavers, and native Western pond turtles. Continue on, taking a footbridge over a creek, before turning around at Greenleaf Pond.

Several clear-cut areas offer good views of the Oregon side of the Gorge. | Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

Why you should try it

Like many trails along the Washington side of the Gorge, this route is ideal for hikers looking for a less trafficked experience without sacrificing many of the area’s popular draws (though there are no waterfalls on this trail). It’s a solid workout but not a constant uphill climb.

Pro tips

Download a map from an app like All Trails. When you’re done hiking and feel delightfully dusted, kick the mud off your boots and drive four minutes to Trailhead Taproom. Order a beer, cider, or hard seltzer on tap and something to eat, then relax on the heated patio — you deserve it.

You have less than a mile to go after crossing the footbridge over Gillette Creek. | Photo by Cambrie Juarez, PDXtoday

Let us know

Did you try this hike? Do you know of one we should check out? Send us your thoughts and recommendations — or check out our other monthly hiking guides.