Oregon · Hiking · Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness

Ridge Cut-Off

1.2 mi
round trip
425 ft
climb
2,920 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Oct
best months

Is Ridge Cut-Off open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists an alert for Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

As of · Source: USFS · Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Ridge Cut-Off is an easy out-and-back hike of about a mile and a quarter, set in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail crosses wilderness boundaries as well as the scenic area's. The route starts around 2,727 feet and climbs to a high point of about 2,920 feet, with a total gain and loss of roughly 425 feet for the round trip. The steepest stretch comes early, near the start, with a grade of about 24%, though the overall climb is gentle enough to make it a quick, low-commitment outing. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station run to highs around 80°F and lows near 49°F in July and August, with only a couple of wet days a month. That station sits well below the trail, so temperatures on the ridge run cooler. The closest neighbors are the Nick Eaton hike and the Deadwood Trail #422, both about half a mile away. Wyeth Campground lies about 1.4 miles off, and Windy Slab, a climbing area, is roughly 2.5 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Oct

    Best time to visit Ridge Cut-Off

    Best months: May–October. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      40° / 27°

      16 wet

    2. Feb

      44° / 28°

      13 wet

    3. Mar

      51° / 32°

      14 wet

    4. Apr

      57° / 35°

      13 wet

    5. May

      65° / 41°

      10 wet

    6. Jun

      71° / 45°

      6 wet

    7. Jul

      80° / 49°

      2 wet

    8. Aug

      79° / 49°

      3 wet

    9. Sep

      73° / 43°

      5 wet

    10. Oct

      60° / 36°

      11 wet

    11. Nov

      46° / 31°

      17 wet

    12. Dec

      38° / 27°

      17 wet

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Parkdale 1 Nne, OR, 14.4 mi away at 1,520 ft. The station sits about 1,400 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. This station doesn't record snowfall. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

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