Built in 1915, the Eagle Creek Trail opened in conjunction with the Historic Columbia River Highway. The trail leads through one of the most sensational canyons in the entire Columbia River 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 chasms below. The trail is well kept, often wide, and gently graded, making it a great option for novices. 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 proceed with caution. 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 Columbia River 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.
Distance: 4.2 miles out and back to Punchbowl Falls; 12.5 miles out and back to Tunnel Falls; 13.5 miles out and back to 7 Mile Falls
Difficulty: Easy to difficult
Trail surface: Hard-packed dirt; duffy, rocky
Hiking time: 2 to 8 hours
County: Hood River
Land status: State park
Seasons: All. Though some portions of the trail have a propensity to get icy in winter, particularly the sections with the most exposure. Exercise caution and come prepared.
Fees and permits: Northwest Forest Pass or day-use fee
Trail contact: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, (800) 551-6949; oregonstateparks.org
Maps: Oregon Road & Recreation Atlas: Page 37, E8
Finding the trailhead: From Portland, 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 (GPS: N45° 38.208' / W121° 55.175'). If that parking area is full, park back at the parking area near the front of the park.
The Hike
As with many out-and-back hikes, you have options with regard to how long you want your outing to be. And based on how tired or spry you’re feeling, you can always call an audible. The three recommended options are a 4.2-mile stroll up to Punchbowl Falls, a 12.5-mile hike to Tunnel Falls, or a 13.5-mile trek to 7 Mile Falls. You can take 0.5 mile off the last two options if you cut out the side trips to Metlako and Punchbowl.
From the trailhead hike 1.5 miles to a junction with a side trail on the right leading down to a viewpoint of Metlako Falls. After the falls continue another 0.3 mile along the main path to the junction with the Lower Punchbowl Trail. Take this trail down 0.25 mile to Punchbowl Falls and Lower Punchbowl Falls. This is the turnaround point for the 4.2-mile hike option.
To get to Tunnel Falls, return to the main path and continue to High Bridge. From there hike another 2.7 miles, passing several nice lunch spots and small, scenic cascades before arriving at Tunnel Falls. This one-of-a-kind 120-foot cascade features a tunnel chipped through solid rock that goes literally behind the falls. If you’ve made it this far, I highly recommend that you continue to the two waterfalls after Tunnel. In addition to bonus waterfalls, this final 0.6-mile stretch is some of the most scenic of the hike. Just 0.3 mile past Tunnel Falls waits the aptly named Twister Falls. Just above Twister Falls is a great area for lunch or a snack break. Another 0.2 mile later you’ll arrive at 7 Mile Falls and the official turnaround point. Head back the way you came.
Miles and Directions
0.0 Start at the trailhead and follow the trail up the east side of Eagle Creek. Look for a spur trail (N45° 37.627' / W121° 53.816') to the Metlako Falls viewpoint (N45° 37.637' / W121° 53.856') at the 1.6-mile mark.
1.8 Arrive at a junction with the Lower Punchbowl Trail. Make a right here and hike steeply down to the water and Lower Punchbowl Falls (N45° 37.382' / W121° 53.716') and a view of Punchbowl Falls (N45° 37.340' / W121° 53.677'). Back at the main trail, continue to the right, passing an upper viewpoint for Punchbowl Falls as well as Loowit Falls (N45° 36.522' / W121° 53.073') just before arriving at High Bridge.
3.7 Arrive at High Bridge; continue along the trail.
6.5 Reach Tunnel Falls (N45° 35.118' / W121° 51.140'). Continue another 0.3 mile to Twister Falls (N45° 34.922' / W121° 51.161').
6.8 Reach Twister Falls. Continue 0.2 mile to 7 Mile Falls (N45° 34.692' / W121° 51.128').
7.0 Arrive at 7 Mile Falls. Head back the way you came.
13.5 Arrive back at the trailhead.