A picture, taken by Rhonda herself and sent to her brother, shows red marks left from an alleged physical encounter with Nichols. "Up until that point she's the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. Is that what you're trying to do? All rights reserved. He said, 'She -- she fell. My name is Rhonda.' Tenas camp doesn't really exist anymore. But Rhonda didn't have to say a word to make an impression. Arnold wants to know what hard evidence led to Nichols' arrest. Even in the places that are burned and the impact is clear the burn scar is not overwhelming for much of the hike. By the time we were done people were parking a half mile away and walking in. One of the most popular backpacking trails; there are multiple camping sites along the trail. He was completely broken up. Download a Trail Description and Map (pdf). Wow what a gorgeous hike! "I wasn't sure how to react. Arnold has some questions about the scientific rigor of DeHaven's tests, including laughter in the background: Michael Arnold: Was that person laughing part of the scientific experiment? If you are nervous with heights think twice about this trip. "She said he'd been kinda buggin' her to go hiking for like two or three weeks--like a month," Simmons said. 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. 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. Mike Arnold: And he wanted a conviction of Mr. Nichols? Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Ask the next question, please. "One time she got really mad at him. 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. More:Trapped by the Eagle Creek Fire, Salem teenagers survive night in the wild. Rating as moderate is perfect! People think of all the days, why would you choose that day to hike?" "No one else knew why we were laughing, but we did.". Julia Simmons [looking at document]: Well, I see it here, so I must've done it. ( 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. But every now and again you hear it the loud crack and crash of a fire-weakened tree splitting and plummeting down the canyon. But there's a problem -- something that could throw the entire case into doubt. Make sure you show up first thing in the morning or later in the day if you want to ensure a place to park. She remembers her best friend as simply irreplaceable. Just last week, Judge John Olsen denied the defense's motion to dismiss. Generally considered a moderately challenging route. Later, the trail enters forest that has been more severely burned. Very icy and there were some sketchy parts but nothing too overwhelming. "She got treated badly, and he tried to cheat on her several times," Julia Simmons alleged. 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. As Rhonda and Nichols made their way up Eagle Creek Trail, they had some challenges. Nichols' attorney is Mike Arnold, who recently made headlines representing Ammon Bundy, the leader of the armed occupation of Oregon's Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Until the last portion to the lake. "this was a tragic accident. "Rhonda's family claims that you were not grieving," Van Sant noted to Nichols. Indeed, even after Eagle Creek Trail officially reopened last year, it has been closed or blocked multiple times by landslides. "I went over to Julia's room and I'm like, 'Your daughter is just incredibly beautiful.' This is still the same scenic trail it has always been - all the same waterfalls! That's something that can't be outlawyered, it can't be confused with rumor and innuendo," he continued. Then, he and his now-motherless daughter moved across the state to live with his family. Asked what he was sensing from Rhonda, Nichols told Van Sant, "I felt she was into me, too. "She says, 'He's either gonna give me a ring or he's gonna throw me off the cliff.'". So this will need to be a regular hike. They had started a family, but hadn't quite made things official. Luckily, several hikers happened by. I dont recommend this trail in potentially icy conditions. This is after you pass Tunnel falls and Twister Falls. Restroom at Eagle Creek Trailhead and Day Use Area. website belongs to an official government organization in the Mike Arnold has another surprise. Trail has some narrow sandy spots to be careful on past mile 9, otherwise solid. Some berries along the way. Arnold has tracked down a witness that investigators and prosecutors overlooked: John Whaley, the last person besides Stephen Nichols to see Rhonda Casto alive: Mike Arnold: So do you recall hiking up Eagle Creek Trail back on March 16th, 2009? Wild flowers and butterflies. Popular trail. Despite its moderate grade, the Eagle Creek Trail can be dangerous due to the steep cliff sides without railings and water crossings. This is one of the most popular trails in the Columbia River Gorge and can be a crowded experience on summer weekends. Most hikers either turn. 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. Mike Arnold: And what's the potential crime for which you believe he's a suspect? But Rhonda also had a sense of humor, so I, I really--I don't know," said Nichols. Colburn introduced Rhonda to another friend, Brandi Arneson. "They adored each other," Stephen Nichols Sr. said. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Carrie Rasmussen [reading]: "With all this being said perhaps it is time to see what a panel of citizens will decide. You'll get a view to Grand Union Falls down on Eagle Creek; these falls are just below the confluence of the East and West Forks of Eagle Creek. The trail enters a lovely amphitheater, dripping with moss and maidenhair fern, where Tunnel Falls plunges 175 feet to a shallow pool. Van Sant asked Arnold. After you walk between two large Douglas-firs, you will see up the narrow gorge to the lower horsetail of 100-foot Sorenson Falls splashing off the east rim. And she goes, 'I told you.'". That's what responsible parents do. Mike Arnold: What is your opinion about whether or not Miss Casto was pushed? there are some very high cliffs and if you are afraid of heights or afraid of falling just be a little cautious. And Arnold says accidents like Rhonda's are more frequent than people realize. "I saw something pop up on my phone. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Because there's someone else in the courtroom who Arnold believes is the real reason prosecutor Carrie Rasmussen charged Nichols with murder. Gerry Tiffany: Pretty much the next morning. You'll know when you are getting close when you pass by a section known as "the potholes" which look like smooth steps carved into the trail by an ancient waterfall. Northwest Forest Pass Required May 15-Oct 1 2016 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. Hikers were out on a soggy Monday, excited to explore. "We know people fall every day in their homes. Take a right at the end of the off ramp and follow the signs to theEagle Creek Trailhead/Picnic Area. "I liked China. Loved it. I made that very clear. To top it all off, Nichols met Landy Yin Yan and after about a year of dating, he proposed. Standing on the High Bridge, you can see down the narrow gorge and also up the creek to small cascades. Whaley tried to share his story with a deputy at the scene but was brushed off. 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. KATU NEWS REPORT: A man hiking with Rhonda Casto says that she fell off a cliff last night. At this hearing, she doesn't want to talk to Mike Arnold, either: Carrie Rasmussen: Sustained means sustained. Its also a great place to see the way wildfires impact different patches of forest at different severity. 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. Eagle Creek Trail In a nutshell: One of Oregon's most scenic trails, located in the Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks. "And who's the beneficiary of that?" This waterfall is what makes this hike absolutely amazing! The next 6 to the lake was nice but lower payoff. Get in the right lane before entering the tunnel. "He goes, 'Rhonda's dead.' Nicely groomed. You'll reach the location of Tenas Camp, the first area of permitted camping on the Eagle Creek Trail (but campfires are not allowed). It is also a popular alternative route to the Pacific Crest Trail. "You felt a connection right away," Van Sant commented. Cliff jumping off of Punch Bowl Falls is not permitted. But Simmons says that doesn't really sound like her daughter. The hole is about 10-12' long and the full width of the trail, with a cliff just below. And they were fighting really bad and" Simmons said. Beautiful hike! Deputy DeHaven admits in six different attempts, they could not get the dummy to land at the spot they believed was Rhonda's final resting place. DO NOT try and use the trail by WyEast as a way to loop it back. Not suitable for young children. Van Sant asked Simmons. ", "I'm the most non-violent person you will ever meet," he said. The trail passes behind the 172-foot plunge through a tunnel carved into the rock, emerging beside the spray on the other side. 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. Not a good one if you are scared of heights!!! "She just looked at me, and she said, 'Your daughter's gone,'" said Simmons. Natural hazards: Downed trees and landslides may be possible on the trail. Dozens of search and rescues are done every year. Enjoy this 41.5-km out-and-back trail near Cascade Locks, Oregon. In 2008, three years into their relationship, the couple became parents when their daughter was born. What changed?" After the devastating 50,000 acre 2017 fire that swept the gorge, Eagle Creek Trail . Suddenly, disaster struck. Gorgeous falls. I love Rhonda. Travel east approximately 1 mile on Interstate 84 to exit #41 which is just past the Interstate tunnel. Gerry Tiffany: No, it was there when I left. (7mi in) Many people stop here to take photos of the falls and their cool, refreshing amphitheater. But I just think that she's just absolutely beautiful," Julia Simmons said of her daughter, Rhonda. Looking for the best hiking trails in Eagle Creek? "And it was probably 45 feet long.". Eagle Creek Trail, in the Columbia River Gorge near Cascade Locks, features waterfalls, autumn colors and high bridges. There is more snow the further in you go, but we didn't need spikes even though we brought them. "She asked him to leave the bar, she said, 'Maybe I'll just leave you,'" Sconce said. 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. She's quite beautiful.'". Investigators believe that's not true. Got there early and the parking lot was already almost full. Lot empty at 7 on a Friday. "For about three months after Rhonda died I completely shut down," he said. 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. Trail conditions were fantastic. The Eagle Creek Trail is a GREAT hike. 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 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. One of the cliff sections: these may be unsafe for small children (Jeff Statt) The Eagle Creek Trail to Punch Bowl Falls and Lower Punch Bowl Falls. Deputy DeHaven: I believe that it's most likely or most probable that she was pushed. Distance: 6.8 miles round-trip to the Eagle Creek Riverside Camp. All along the trail, there's water runoff and lots of moss, which is very slippery, making its way down to the trail where there's muddy footing. Table Mountain Trail via Pacific Crest Trail, Aldrich Butte Trail Via Pacific Crest Trail, Gorge Trail 400: Bridge of the Gods Trailhead to Wyeth, PCT: WA Section H - Cascade Locks to Highway 12 (White Pass), Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail, Greenleaf Falls Trail Via Pacific Crest Trail, Washington Backcountry Discovery Loop Route, Munra Point via Gorge Trail #400 [CLOSED], Ruckel Ridge and Ruckel Creek Loop Trail [CLOSED], Benson Plateau Trail to Wahtum Lake Loop [CLOSED]. Length 4.8 miElevation gain 1,020 ftRoute type Out & back. But what if, as Rhonda's family and friends believe, it wasn't an innocent fall? Lovely, beautiful trail. Very popular. The incline was nice and gradual. "Have you done anything wrong?" I was looking for a place, a room to rent," said Simmons. The PCTA (Pacific Crest Trail Association) has done a magnificent job in restoring the trail, and the tread is in excellent shape. 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. 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. And I think she was attracted not so much to his looks, but to his what he had. Some brave trail runners present! End Point: Eagle Creek Ford. The negative, mostly rocky, little shade due to the burn, and tons of mosquitos the last 3 miles to Wahtum lake. "To me the evidence, the physical evidence and the science shows us it's an accident," said Arnold. The U.S. Forest Service has also posted a sign at the Eagle Creek Trailhead with a reminder that face coverings are mandatory when hikers cant stay at least six feet apart, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. She was taking Tae Kwon Do. The mountainous, wooded wilderness soaring above Oregon's Columbia River Gorge draws thousands of hikers every year to trek along its narrow trails. Arnold, having obtained the video through discovery, hopes to use their own demonstration to turn the tables on the prosecution. 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. Norfolk Southern train derails in Springfield, Ohio, At least 12 dead after winter storm slams South, Midwest, Trump speaks at CPAC after winning straw poll, Grizzlies star Ja Morant to miss at least 2 games after alleged gun incident, How Paul Murdaugh testified "from the grave" to help convict his father, Man charged for alleged involvement in 2 transformer explosions, Promising drug could provide alternative to statins, new study finds, Iran to allow more inspections at nuclear sites, U.N. says, NTSB to investigate in-flight turbulence that left 1 passenger dead, Eagle Creek Trail high above Oregon's Columbia River Gorge, Friends: Rhonda Casto was beautiful "inside and out", Rhonda Casto and Stephen Nichols with their daughter, Friends make emotional return to Eagle Creek Trail. "He wanted to be with my other daughter and he wanted Rhonda out of the picture," Julia Simmons told Van Sant. ", Asked if she enjoyed hiking, Nichols told Van Sant, "She loved it. Van Sant asked. But now, on the stand, Mike Arnold puts her credibility under the microscope: Julia Simmons: Are you just trying to badger me? Celebrate and remember the lives we have lost in Eagle Creek, Oregon. "They were a delight together. Combine that with human error, as I witnessed, and its pretty dicey. Arnold spells out "the Jackson connection" by calling Deputy District Attorney Carrie Rasmussen to the stand, stunning the courtroom. Those looking for extra mileage can continue down the trail, though a 14-mile round trip hike should be enough adventure for most. The trail was the site of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, leaving burn scars throughout the hike. Many months, the fog hangs low in the canyon, blocking your view of the sheer basalt walls towering above you. Fair amount of people at Wahtum Lake, but it was a weekend so that was expected. On Thursday, all parking areas around the trailhead filled up by 9 a.m., as people took advantage of a break in the rain. The September 2017 fire that swept through the Columbia River Gorge temporarily closed 10 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail and a popular PCT alternate route, the Eagle Creek Trail. 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. As the name implies, your path with pass through a tunnel behind the falls about midway up the drop. Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Office Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps. After all these years, friends Jessica Colburn and Brandi Arneson finally find the courage to visit, for the first time, the spot where Rhonda fell from that trail. 2.4M views 5 years ago Join us on this amazing backpacking trip into the hills bordering the Columbia River Gorge! Arnold says there was no murder and that he can prove Rhonda's death was an accident. Numerous camping spots. Imagine adding exhaustion and weather to that situation. The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burned hot in this section of the gorge, so you will be constantly reminded of that conflagration. Heavy winter storms have saturated the Columbia Gorge this winter, which could make hiking a miserable experience for those caught unprepared. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23.
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