Photo by Adam Sawyer
Built in 1915, the Eagle Creek Trail opened in conjunction with the Historic Columbia River Highway. The trail leads through one of the most dramatically beautiful canyons in the entire Columbia Gorge. Along the way you’ll travel a path that was blasted out of basalt cliffs, visit numerous waterfalls, and cross bridges that offer spectacular views of the chasm below. The trail is well kept, often wide, and gently graded, making it a great option for families. There are, however, a couple of sections where the trail is narrow and exposed. Cabling is provided in these sections to help ease your mind, but you still might want to keep the young ones close where the ledges narrow.
As an added bonus, October and November are prime times to watch salmon making their way upstream to spawn. Eagle Creek is one of the premier spots in the Gorge to witness this marvel of nature. Some of the best viewing is available at the trailhead and along the creek’s first stretch of hiking.
From the trailhead you have the choice of two classic day hikes. A 4.2-mile, 400-foot-elevation gain stroll up to Punchbowl Falls, or the epic 12-mile, 1200-foot-elevation gain hike to Tunnel Falls; a one of a kind 120-foot cascade, with a tunnel path chipped from solid rock that goes literally behind the falls. Both hikes are of the out-and-back variety and mileage given is for the round-trip.
Photo by Adam Sawyer
To get there take I-84 east to exit 41 and turn right at the bottom of the exit. Travel 0.6 mile along a narrow road to the parking area and trailhead.
Hike 1.5 miles to a side trail on the right leading down to a viewpoint of Metlako Falls. Continue another 0.3 mile along the main path to the junction with the Lower Punchbowl Trail. Take this trail down 0.2 mile to a pair of falls that include a classic view of Punchbowl Falls. This is the turnaround point for the four-mile hike option.
To get to Tunnel Falls, return to the main path and hike 1.2 miles to High Bridge. From there, hike another 2.7 miles, passing several nice lunch spots and scenic cascades before finally arriving at Tunnel Falls. Head back the way you came.
-Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
Photo by Adam Sawyer
