LENGTH
13 miles round-trip
ELEVATION
1,600 feet
DIFFICULTY
Hard
SEASON
Year-round
PERMITS
Northwest Forest Pass
TRAILHEAD
If you're local to NW Oregon, the Eagle Creek trail almost needs no introduction. This trail is well-known for its many waterfalls,
towering basalt canyons, and scenic views. The main draw of the Eagle Creek trail is Tunnel Falls, a 172-foot waterfall with an enclosed passage behind it.
The Eagle Creek trail is a staple hike for those exploring the Columbia River Gorge or visiting Oregon. Even if you don't make it all the way to Tunnel Falls, there are still countless other waterfalls to see along the way. I've hiked the Eagle Creek trail at least a dozen times during every season of the year, and it never disappoints!
The photos in this post are from an early-March trip, when the trail had some snow and ice.
The Eagle Creek trail is a staple hike for those exploring the Columbia River Gorge or visiting Oregon. Even if you don't make it all the way to Tunnel Falls, there are still countless other waterfalls to see along the way. I've hiked the Eagle Creek trail at least a dozen times during every season of the year, and it never disappoints!
The photos in this post are from an early-March trip, when the trail had some snow and ice.
Getting There and Parking
The trailhead is located about 45 minutes east of Portland on I-84, between Bonneville Dam and Cascade Locks. The following pin shows the trailhead's location
in the Columbia River Gorge.
A Northwest Forest Pass or day use permit is required for parking at the trailhead. $5 Day use permits can be purchased on-site before your hike.
The Eagle Creek trail can get very busy, especially during Spring and Summer. If you're planning to hike on a Summer weekend, I recommend getting to the trailhead by 8:00 AM to claim a parking spot. The majority of the available parking is over 1/2 mile from the trailhead, so arriving early can reduce extra walking along the access road. Alternatively, consider hiking off-season or midweek to reduce the crowds.
The Eagle Creek trail can get very busy, especially during Spring and Summer. If you're planning to hike on a Summer weekend, I recommend getting to the trailhead by 8:00 AM to claim a parking spot. The majority of the available parking is over 1/2 mile from the trailhead, so arriving early can reduce extra walking along the access road. Alternatively, consider hiking off-season or midweek to reduce the crowds.
Hike Details
The Eagle Creek trail begins in a basalt canyon, following the creek. The trail can be rocky at times, and there is a sharp drop-off on the right-hand side.
The first two miles of trail are particularly scenic, with lush moss and small to medium sized waterfalls including Wauna and Metlako Falls. If there has been heavy rain recently, expect to see a multitude of ephemeral waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls.
1.4 miles from Punchbowl Falls is High Bridge, which spans a steep and very pretty section of the canyon. On the way to High Bridge, look to your right for the two-tiered Loowit Falls.
Continue along the trail for 1.1 miles past High Bridge, crossing over 4 1/2 Mile Bridge. Unsurprisingly, this bridge is 4 1/2 miles from the trailhead!
It was snowing hard at this point during my last trip, and I decided to stop to put on my microspikes.
Two more miles of hiking, and you'll arrive at Tunnel Falls. Tunnel Falls is an absolutely spectacular 172-foot waterfall with a man-made tunnel passing behind it. I consider this to be the main destination on the Eagle Creek trail, and most hikers who aren't backpacking turn around here.
The first two miles of trail are particularly scenic, with lush moss and small to medium sized waterfalls including Wauna and Metlako Falls. If there has been heavy rain recently, expect to see a multitude of ephemeral waterfalls cascading down the canyon walls.
After 2 miles, you'll reach Punchbowl Falls. If you're up for a shorter hike, this is a good turnaround point and/or lunch spot. During the Summer, Punchbowl and Lower Punchbowl Falls
are popular with swimmers.
To get down to Lower Punchbowl falls, look for a side trail slightly before Punchbowl Falls. This will takes you down to a rocky bar alongside Eagle Creek, and is best used during Summer.
To get down to Lower Punchbowl falls, look for a side trail slightly before Punchbowl Falls. This will takes you down to a rocky bar alongside Eagle Creek, and is best used during Summer.
1.4 miles from Punchbowl Falls is High Bridge, which spans a steep and very pretty section of the canyon. On the way to High Bridge, look to your right for the two-tiered Loowit Falls.
Continue along the trail for 1.1 miles past High Bridge, crossing over 4 1/2 Mile Bridge. Unsurprisingly, this bridge is 4 1/2 miles from the trailhead!
It was snowing hard at this point during my last trip, and I decided to stop to put on my microspikes.
Two more miles of hiking, and you'll arrive at Tunnel Falls. Tunnel Falls is an absolutely spectacular 172-foot waterfall with a man-made tunnel passing behind it. I consider this to be the main destination on the Eagle Creek trail, and most hikers who aren't backpacking turn around here.
The trail passes behind the falls, and was a little icy at the time. The buildup of hanging ice from the fall's spray added a layer of beauty to the scene.
If you've got the energy for it, I recommend continuing 1/2 mile beyond Tunnel Falls to Twister Falls. There's a gorgeous, steep trail before Twister Falls, and the falls themselves are interesting to see.
I didn't notice any tracks in the snow past Tunnel Falls, and continued on. Mind the drop-off here!
Twister Falls spirals down through a narrow chute next to the trail, creating a lot of spray. Thick ice had formed over the trail, and I decided to turn around after checking out the falls.
On the way back, it started snowing heavily again, and there was almost no one on the trail. If you plan on hiking this trail in the Winter,
be sure to bring microspikes.
If you like waterfalls and canyons, consider this hike a must-do for any trip to Oregon. The only drawback is the crowds, which can be worked around (or joined).
If you like waterfalls and canyons, consider this hike a must-do for any trip to Oregon. The only drawback is the crowds, which can be worked around (or joined).
Other Tips
If you hike the Eagle Creek trail during winter or early spring, be prepared for moderate to heavy snowfall and the possibility of deep stream crossings.
- Bring spikes for traction on snow and ice. I like the Black Diamond Spikes, having used them for 100's of miles.
- Pack extra food. During colder temperatures, our bodies need more energy.
- Be ready to get wet. Winter and spring often mean rain/snow, and deep stream crossings.
Still have questions? Send me a message over email to connect. Happy Trails!
