Oregon Tails

About Eagle Creek Trail

The Eagle Creek Trail is a popular hiking destination located in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Oregon. Stretching for about 13.1 miles (21.1 km) one way, this trail offers breathtaking views of lush forests, waterfalls, and towering cliffs. The trailhead is easily accessible from Interstate 84, making it a convenient choice for hikers from nearby Portland and surrounding areas.

One of the most famous attractions along the Eagle Creek Trail is Punch Bowl Falls, a stunning waterfall plunging into a crystal-clear pool below. The trail also features other notable waterfalls such as Tunnel Falls and Twister Falls, each offering its own unique beauty and photo opportunities.

While the trail provides an immersive experience in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, it’s important to note that certain sections can be narrow and steep, with exposed cliffs and drop-offs. Hikers should exercise caution, especially during adverse weather conditions, and be prepared with appropriate gear and footwear.

How to Get to Eagle Creek Falls

1. Portland to Eagle Creek Trailhead: The Eagle Creek Trailhead is located off Interstate 84 (historic Columbia river highway) in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The trailhead is accessible from both eastbound and westbound lanes of I-84.
2. Parking: Once you arrive at the trailhead, find parking in the designated parking area. It’s advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak seasons, as parking can fill up quickly.
3. Hiking the Trail: Begin your hike along the Eagle Creek Trail. The trailhead provides access to various destinations, including Eagle Creek Falls. The hike to the first falls is approximately 1.5 miles one way from the trailhead.

Waterfalls at Eagle Creek

This scenic gorge hike offers a multitude of stunning waterfalls, including one where you can stroll behind the cascading water (tunnel falls).

1. Metlako Falls: This picturesque waterfall plunges over a sheer cliff into a turquoise pool below. Its graceful descent amidst the lush greenery of the gorge makes it a favorite among hikers.
2. Punch Bowl Falls: One of the most iconic waterfalls along Eagle Creek Trail, Punch Bowl Falls cascades into a large, bowl-shaped pool, creating a mesmerizing sight. Many visitors enjoy swimming or cooling off in the pool beneath the falls during warmer months.
3. Twister Falls: Named for the swirling currents created by the waterfall’s descent, Twister Falls offers a dynamic and energetic display of water as it tumbles over the rocky ledge.
4. Loowit Falls: This lesser-known waterfall along the trail showcases a more delicate and graceful cascade, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and ferns, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
5. Skoonichuk Falls: Nestled amidst the dense forest of the gorge, Skoonichuk Falls offers a secluded and tranquil setting, with its veil-like cascade adding to the natural beauty of the surroundings.
6. Tunnel falls: Tunnel Falls along the Eagle Creek Trail is a breathtaking waterfall where hikers can pass behind the cascading water through a tunnel carved into the rock face.

Eagle Creek Trail Map

The trail is massive at 25.8-miles. It begins at the Eagle Creek Campground and concludes at Wahtum Lake, this trail boasts captivating scenery of waterfalls, ferns, and rocky formations, making it an enjoyable out-and-back excursion.

Due to its easy access from the trailhead, the hike is quite popular, so expect to encounter numerous fellow hikers. This hike is particularly delightful in the spring or early summer when the waterfalls are at their most picturesque.

Popular Hiking Routes

Assuming you aren’t treking through the whole 26 miles to Wahtum lake from Eagle Creek parking lot you’ll likely want to plan to stop at one of the waterfalls. Here are the most popular ways to hike the trail wether you are looking for an easy stroll or a challenging climb.

1. Eagle Creek Trail to Punch Bowl Falls

Length	Elev. gain	Difficulty
4.09 mi	906 ft	Moderate

During a significant portion of this hike, you’ll go along a narrow trail winding along towering basalt cliffs that overlook the narrow canyon below. If you’re uncomfortable with heights, it’s advisable to reconsider this journey. Fortunately, in certain precarious sections, a cable has been securely attached to the cliff wall to provide support while hiking. The trail leads through a temperate rainforest, and during spring snowmelt or rainy days, be sure to watch for smaller waterfalls cascading into Eagle Creek below.

Following approximately a mile and a half of trekking and ascending onto the steep canyon walls, you’ll encounter the side trail leading to Metlako Falls. About two miles into the trail, you’ll arrive at the stunning 33-foot Punchbowl Falls, cascading into a large pool amphitheater below.

2. Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls

Length	Elev. gain	Difficulty
11.92 mi	2110 ft	Hard

The Tunnel Falls has significantly more elevation gain along the main trail but this is worth it! If you’ve seen pictures or video of people walking behind a waterfall on this trail, it’s this waterfall. The round trip ticks up from about 4 miles to 11 miles by going this far so be prepared.

Things to Know Before you Go

Trail passes are needed on this trail to park; a Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass). There’s also a drop box available at the trailhead for purchasing day passes. Amenities include restrooms, a picnic area, and an information kiosk, with a nearby campground available. The parking area’s designated spaces tend to fill up quickly.

For Geology Nerds: The numerous layers of columnar basalt visible in the cliffs along Eagle Creek originated from immense lava flows that covered approximately 50,000 square miles across Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, and Idaho around 10 to 17 million years ago. These volcanic eruptions formed thick layers of basalt, reaching depths of up to a mile. The molten rock inundated the landscape, including the area surrounding the ancient Columbia River, redirecting the river’s course northward to its current location.

Gear for Hiking the Eagle Creek Trail

This hike is a bit wet and wild so grab the right gear. Bring good boots, waterproof pants, a jacket, hiking poles, etc. It’s very misty around the falls, and you’ll want to be as dry as possible if you are going the distance. It’s also a bit cooler than you might expect.

If you are camping overnight, make sure to bring a rain fly to your tent. It weighs your chances at finding water in an inflatable tent and the weight and space benefits compared with sleeping bags. Throughout this route plenty of water can be collected, so bring a filter to reduce packing size.

Warning: Eagle Creek is Dangerous

This is a truly great trail and one of my favorites in the Columbia River gorge, but the Eagle Creek trail can be quite narrow at times, making it barely safe for two strangers to pass each other. Despite this, I’ve heard many people bring their dogs on the trail, forcing other hikers to navigate around them, and in some cases, dogs have fallen off the edge.

As an FYI, people have fallen on this trail and died. Some people even have intentionally jumped at Punch Bowl Falls Overlook, with predictable results. The bottom line is this isn’t the kind of trail where you can or should bring a doggo and maybe not even small children, unfortunately, and you should use discretion if you have a fear of heights (like me). Your blood pressure will rise at parts of the trail. If you aren’t a strong hiker, don’t push yourself to do more than you ought to – it’s not worth it. End of PSA.

FAQs About Eagle Creek Trail