Great hike good views to get to the punch bowl water fall took about a hour and a hour to get back but you can keep walking after that fall if you like longer hikes o recommend going early to find parking read more

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Eagle Creek is now on my top 10 of hikes of all time. SO many waterfalls on one trail :') AND I didn't even get to see all of them! I did the 10 miles round trip to Tunnel Falls, and boy, was it well worth it. It was mostly flat with some twists and turns, gradual inclines, and narrow walkways. Good thing I had snacks, a lunch wrap, and a smoothie because that helped me get through! If you're up for it, this is a MUST! Btw it's salmon spawning season, and you can see all of the salmon swimming upstream at the very start of the trail. So cool! read more

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Summary: Don't skip this one, it's gorgeous. Waterfalls, wildlife, flowers, Rocky scrambles along high ledges, views down into blue pools that will make you wish you were a wild thing of the forest. And now the rest: on September 2, 2017, a 15 year old was tossing firecrackers during a burn ban and ignited a horrific fire here. It burned for 3 months over 50,000 acres. 153 hikers were trapped on this trail and had to spend the night before being led to safety the next day. Oregon wept as our beautiful Gorge was engulfed. As late as May 2018 some areas were still smoldering. I encourage you to read more about the Eagle Creek Fire, it's a sad but important part of this areas history. As late as May 2019 this trail was still closed. I've been watching the status of burn areas in the Gorge, and when I saw that Eagle Creek was open, I knew I had to go. Yesterday I finally followed through on my intention. I was waiting because I knew I wanted to go all the way to Tunnel Falls, and that is 6 miles up the trail. Slightly incline all the way, rocky ground. And then, of course, 6 miles return. That's a lot for me, especially this year while I'm dealing with cancer. There was a synergy here, though - something about perseverance and renewal, growth and time, that kept nudging me and whispering, do it. Do it. I arrived early and was on the trail with the rising sun. Greeted by abundant life at every step. Yes, the trees were burned, black and charred, but they still STOOD! Brown branches with green growth reached up from the crowns of fire scorched pines. Raptors rested there while scouting the deep creek pools for fish. Butterflies, bees, beetles, and many others all had me stopping and reaching for my camera. Ground plants had returned in abundance. The flowers - delicate as rain forest plants are - covered the sides of the steep canyon walls. The trail followed the creek and along the way were several breathtaking waterfalls, cascading into pools. Coming around a corner, I would stop in stunned amazement every time one was revealed. When I arrived at Tunnel Falls, I sat down and simply listened to the sound of the water falling and rushing away. I let the mist dampen my face and thought about how good it felt to be there experiencing this moment. Walking along the high, wet, narrow path then through the tunnel, I noticed everything - the ferns growing on the rock wall, the grooves and channels from uncountable years of carving water, the safety cable that thousands of other people have clung to while leaning forward to look down the waterfall to where it crashes then continues into the creek. Then I had some water, ate some trail mix, and headed back. The trail was starting to fill up with other hikers, as it should. As it must. Everyone should experience this beautiful place if they can. Peace and encouragement to all, but especially to you if you're dealing with some stuff right now. I hope you, too, can find a place with resonance, where you can go to recharge your strength and resolve. Those things that burn us - we can get through them, and bloom again. read more

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Eagle Creek hasa reopened! This crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge has been closed for three years due to wildfire damage, but now it's back. Damaged, forever changed, but dammit... it's back! Here's what you need to know: 1) Yes, there's a LOT of burned out forest and fire damage. It's sometimes haunting to see, but also there's just so much beauty to take in that it doesn't detract from the experience. They've replaced all of the bridges except for one, so you will have to cross a stream, which is pretty easy to do. The forest floor is growing back with plenty of ferns and such, so it's still a very green hike. 2) It's BUSY! We got there on a (rare dry) Saturday morning at 830am and had to park about 1/2 mile away from the trailhead. You'll be running into lots of folks, so come prepared for that. By that I mean with a frickin mask. It was awful to see the number of people who just refused to take community safety into account. 3) It's long. If you go all of the way to Tunnel Falls, you're looking at a 12 mile hike. But trust me, it's well worth it. There's even another fall about 1/3 of a mile after that I suggest you visit. All in all we hiked 14 miles. Thankfully it's mostly flat. 4) There are a LOT of steep cliffs and narrow walkways against rock walls. I don't think I'd want to bring kids, dogs, or anybody too afraid of heights, though I saw plenty of all of them. 5) There aren't a lot of places to sneak off and pee. Just be prepared to hold it. 6) Finally, it's absolutely stunning. I highly recommend visiting in winter when the general PNW wetness means the whole place comes to life with water. My friend counted about 140 waterfalls/wet walls and you will def get wet yourself as you have to walk under a few. But it's stunning. It feels like you're hiking through Fern Gully. I probably won't need to do this again for a few years and will look forward to seeing how it's changed in that time. But it's a truly epic hike, a must do for locals and visitors alike. read more

THANK YOU to all the volunteers and employees who worked to reopen this magical trail. WOW!!!! We passed 22 people total on the trail and they all had masks. Thank you fellow hikers! (Wear a mask please, until we ALL don't need to anymore.) The trail was open under a "soft opening" the week leading up to 12/31/2020, when we completed our hike. The "Trail Closed" signs are all gone. Instead, a lovely sign thanking the volunteers is what greets you at the beginning of the trail. (Update as of 01/01/2021: Eagle Creek Trail officially reopened today and exit 41 eastbound off hwy 84 is also open again.) If you do head out to hike the Eagle Creek trail, a gorgeous journey awaits! The Eagle Creek area remains stunning and the amazing innovations to make the trail safe are impressive: Metal "ropes" to hold while traversing narrow passes, special channels created to redirect water flows, amd new bridges are just a few. Notes: You must walk *through* Sorenson Creek to get to Punchbowl Falls this time of year, so your feet will contact water. Some areas of the trail are very narrow and "cliff-y", so it may not be the best hike for small children and/or some dogs. read more

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This is a fantastic trail. It's long and challenging enough, without feeling like you're just climbing uphill the whole time. Punchbowl Falls at the end is gorgeous, albeit a shorter drop than I envisioned. You can mosey over and sit right by the falls, it is a truly relaxing experience. PS. Don't try to show off and run on this trail. It is rocky and you will regret it (read: I tripped and cracked my phone, whoops). read more

What an amazing experience!! This will probably top my bucket list traveling to Oregon for the first time as I am from So-Cal and came to visit! I definitely recommend this 5 mile hike (2.5 going & back) as it is worth the views, incline, steep cliffs and edges, and gorgeous falls. The hike I would say is moderate but plenty of spots to rest in shaded areas of the forest. I definitely recommend the hike trail down to Punchbowl Falls where me and my bestfriend encountered a hidden gem! My only suggestion is to pack very light but also prepare towels, electrolytes, snacks, and bandaids as well as leaving any valuable items in the car! Happy hiking read more

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It was my first long hike but definitely worth it. Make sure to bring a lot of water and snacks. Wear good hiking boots. read more

Eagle Creek Trail - Falls - Hiking Near Me - Bonneville, Oregon

This is one of my favorite trails. It's a great blend of uphill hikes and flat sections so it always feels like there's a nice break in between any of the challenging portions. There are so many scenic spots along the way that it is hard to keep track. Of course you can't mention scenic spots without mentioning the waterfall at the end. It may not compare in size with the likes of Multnomah falls; but there is something special about Punchbowl. It sits in this almost perfectly circular pool surrounded by a tall alcove of rocks and trees. There is a serene and secluded beauty when you see it in person. You can even swim up to the falls, but the water is almost always freezing. I don't personally have a dog, but I've seen multiple participate; so I can only assume that it is pretty dog-friendly. My only reservations would be to caution against younger children; as there are multiple sections that do include a steep cliff on the sides. read more

Wear comfortable shoes. Best time to go is in the morning. Try to beat the heat. Take plenty of water and enjoy the scenery. read more

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As of 5/26/18, I'm hearing that Eagle Creek Trail probably won't be open this year. Repairs are still in progress. Herman Creek Trail may open the middle of this summer 2018, it has been reported. Still the coolest, most visually exciting trail in Oregon! Too many people, so avoid weekends and holidays. Punchbowl Falls, crazy! It is excellent! Camping quality is better once you are past 7 1/2 mile camp. Tunnel Falls... unbelievable! Don't miss it. See my photos! Don't fall off a ledge! Eagle Creek Trail is not like recreational weed, the high ledges can actually kill you. Many dogs do fall off, so be sure you are careful with your dog on this trail, many have died from falls. A leash is required. Tip: The very earliest parts of the trail deserves your attention, there are lots o' cool places to see just within that first mile or so. So, heavy mileage is not a requirement for enjoying Eagle Creek. PEACE read more

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The Eagle Creek Trail is my favorite trail that I have ever hiked thus far (& there's some tough competition with California and Washington)! My partner and I hiked up to the Upper Falls when we were road-tripping through Oregon. I was tired after several days of hiking and wasn't sure whether I wanted to go all the way up to the Upper Falls (about 12 mi round trip) but I am so glad that I did! The view of the waterfall is absolutely breathtaking. There is something so magical about being able to walk through the small tunnel right under the falls and feel the vibrations and to really appreciate its power. A must see if you are visiting the area! NOTE: I would consider this an easy-intermediate hike. Just wear comfortable shoes and bring hydration/lunch and you will be fine. There is enough daylight to go at a reallllly slow pace if you need rest. There are some narrower parts overlooking steep drops which may be slightly scary for heights-fearing folks but you get used to them really quickly and the steel cables that run alongside the path are comforting if you feel the need to hang on to something. read more

Eagle Creek Trail - teeny little me next to the waterfalls! - Hiking Near Me - Bonneville, Oregon

Best hike. EVER. This gem was exactly what I wanted to see when I trekked to Portland. A beautiful trail, amazing sites, waterfalls and creeks for days, and a customized experience! Choose how far you want to go, the possibilities are endless. We did lower punch bowl, a beautiful destination about 3 miles in, 6 miles round trip. This Gradual trail is a brisk walk and won't be too difficult, even for the most novice hikers. Bring a sandwich or snacks for a lunch at your destination! ***TIPS: - Be sure to check what you punch into your map/gps when heading here. Eagle Creek Trailhead popped up in WAZE at a different location about 25 miles away... Which is not where you want to be. Be sure to head to the one near Multnomah. - Go early and avoid the crowd. We went on a sunny, beautiful day and looked like people we're excited to get out. Our hike up around 9:30 was great. Our way back the trail got crowded. - The road narrows past the suspension bridge, but keep going and there's parking closer to the trail head. - Bring $5 cash for parking! - Don't keep valuables in the car. Although I didn't see any break ins, there are warning signs everywhere read more

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Loved this hike! My first long hike in the PNW and a great one!!! It was absolutely beautiful the entire way. Coming from California, I've never seen a trail so GREEN. Crazy right? Also, even if you can't see it, you can hear the wAter from the trail the whole way. So awesome!!! We hiked to Tunnel Falls and turned around-- from the parking lot it took us 14 miles round trip. We went at a moderate pace with photo stops and a 10 min lunch break... And it took us a little less than 6 hours. Surprisingly, it wasn't that crowded and it was the Saturday of MDW! People are really friendly. Just make sure to pick up after your dogs & move to the side for the faster paced hikers/runners :) The paths aren't as narrow as everyone makes them out to be. I'm extremely afraid of heights but I was able to do the hike with no problem! It's about 2 miles to Punch Bowl Falls then a little more than 4 miles to Tunnel Falls. After Punch bowl, there are 4 bridges and 1 log that you have to cross before you reach tunnel falls. TIP for those who don't really hike: this trail had a few rocky areas, so make sure to wear THICK SOLED SHOES! Hiking boots are recommended! There are some slippery areas and after miles of hiking, walking down/up on rocks are not fun for your feet. If you have enough energy, go a little past tunnel falls for twisted falls :) Make sure to bring cash for your permit as well. They DO check and you WILL get a ticket!!! Also don't park illegally, you'll get a ticket for that too. read more

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45 minutes east from Portland you'll find a trail that will take you to candy mountain. Candy mountain Charlie... Well....no...not really...but still pretty freaking sweet (and at the end, you'll still have your kidney) Eagle Creek is two great water fall hikes in one with great spots for weekend backpacking. 4.2 Miles in will take you to the famous Punchbowl falls Another 8 miles after will take you to Tunnel falls in which you walk behind the waterfall in a.....(you complete sentence here) Great for dogs, dates, and lunch (yes, bring a snack and some water as its a long hike) After getting off of Highway 41, take a right and follow the road all the way up to the trail head (its up a bit, don't park where you come out from the off ramp) Bonus: don't forget to bring $5 or a park pass! Peace read more

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This was a very interesting hike, one of the coolest ones i've been to, I mean hey! have you ever walked behind a waterfall?! First of, I actually talked to someone who's been on this hike before via Yelp and got some advice from her, so if anyone needs any tips for this hike, i will be more than happy to assist you! Anyway, there are LOTS and LOTS of reviews about theft. I was aware and on the look for this but how can you really stop it? Honestly, just don't leave anything in your car and if you have something valuable you should just either leave it at home or carry it with you. don't leave anything even if it's in your trunk, just save yourself just in case something were to happen. We were lucky enough to NOT have our window broken, but i'm sure it's common since the parking spot we snagged had broken glass on the ground. When you first arrive, you will take the exit, and for some reason my GPS told me to take a left, which turned out to be a dead end, so follow the signs once you take the exit, the trail should be on the right. You will then approach a parking lot, there's another parking lot further down and closer to the beginning of eagle creek trail. There are about 20 parking spots? I didnt get to park in the lot, but parked along the trees on the right just after the lot. I was surprised at how full the parking lot was, given we arrived at 0730, but i guess it was because we hiked on a Saturday!! So if you want a good parking spot, go earlier than 0730! I hike about one or two trails a month, ranging from intermediate to difficult. This 12 mile hike was pretty easy, and i was afraid i'd be bored the entire time but there are lots of things to look at, and plus you're flowing the river. You cross a couple bridges, i believe 5? And there were 2 areas you had to walk over water, so bring your waterproof hiking shoes because it saved us a lot of time! Luckily we went early in the morning, on the way up, i believe we only drank a water bottle each, but coming down, it was HOT! coming down we stopped so many times for a break, this hike i'd say is 60% shaded, so make sure you bring lots of water!! I don't think this was a hard hike at all, we didn't stop much, did take a couple pictures but were able to get to tunnel falls within 2.5 hours so it wasn't too bad, hardly any incline at all. We hiked a little further after tunnel falls where we had lunch at twister falls, it's literally like a 7 min walk and it's a nice place to sit and relax, eat and rest before heading down. We ended up hiking down to the bottle of punchbowl falls on our way down, and i am so glad we waited instead of going during the beginning of the hike, because hiking down to punchbowl falls was a challenge. it's worth it, i mean you're already there, might as well get the full experience. There were lots of people down there swimming and just sitting having a good time, there was lots of space for everyone! Going back up to the trail from punchbowl falls wasn't too long, but it's pretty steep, but do-able! Anyway, this was an amazing hike, there are plenty of other hikes as well nearby, so i'm excited to explore more of this area when i get the chance. Eagle creek trail was a great experience, better than i thought, just because it was a 6mi hike, i was expecting to get bored, but you honestly dont! especially if you're with the right people. I would say this trail is pretty easy, just prepare for the sun, bring a sandwich (1 is enough, we brought 2 per person and it went to waste), and some snacks and LOTS of water. read more

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Before visiting Columbia Gorge for the weekend, I asked a bunch of locals what the 'must do' hike was in the area, and everyone came back with this one. The hike isn't hard, it's just steadily uphill, but there is a narrow area or two where you can hold onto big wire cables in the side of the mountain to play it safe. But the scenery is AMAZING. It doesn't feel real, it's almost like the scene out of a movie. It gets crowded, so try and come early or at a off-peak time. I have turn by turn directions on my blog in my profile. Yelp made me take the link out of this post because they said it was 'promotional content' (boo Yelp), but if you visit the URL in my profile, I have free turn by turn directions and full info for the hike. Please vote my review USEFUL if my review helped me out (so that it can help others too!). Thank ya very much! read more

Eagle Creek Trail - The end of the hike, by Punchbowl Falls, is like something out of Lord of the Rings. - Hiking Near Me - Bonneville, Oregon

Eagle Creek Trail is one of the top 10 hikes in the Gorge, me thinks. The trail is relatively flat compared to the normally lung-busting gorge trails. The majority of the trail is on a ledge with the canyon by your side. There are some parts that's not for people who aren't comfortable with heights (they do have metal ropes for holding on in certain sections). Especially the stretch after Tunnel Falls, dubbed the "vertigo mile". You'll see water falls throughout the hike. The first significant one is Punchbowl Falls. The best view is actually from the river, and you need to get your feet wet. The viewpoint from above is slightly obstructed. But I think the must-see destination is Tunnel Falls at the 6mile mark. A tall water fall with a tunnel behind it where you can go to the other side. It's an awespiring sight, especially with a rainbow in view too. Just 0.5mile more, through the vertigo mile section, you'll come across Twister Falls. A very unique twisty water fall that certainly is worth the extra half a mile. There are also a few camping spots along the way. Even in a busy Saturday (in May), there were plenty of spots available. Water is readily available (as in the river next to it, but you still need to treat it). Parking spot can be tricky to acquire during busy summer weekend days, there is an overflow parking 0.5 mile away from the trail head and you're required to have NW Forest Pass ($5/day, cash only) to park anywhere. I probably wouldn't recommend pets and kids because of the cliff next to the trail you hike on. If you've never been, I highly recommend it! read more

Eagle Creek Trail - Tunnel Falls - Hiking Near Me - Bonneville, Oregon

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Of course we have to give 5 to the most popular trail in the Gorge! Eagle Creek drains into the Columbia River. if you travel to the North down the road marked Dead End under the highway, there is a fishing area, even a small beach. Fishing season, it is busy with boats and wader fishers. There is also a primitive boat launch. At the entry to the area to the South of the highway exit is the fish hatchery to the East of the roadway. That hatchery takes eggs from the Bonneville Dam hatchery and grows them to 6-8 inch long fish. The fish are then taken by truck to local rivers to begin their free swimming life cycle. On the West side of the road is a hatchery structure. If you skirt the Southern edge of that and scramble down to the river, you can see salmon in season swimming in the cool waters of glacier-fed Eagle Creek. They are adults who are seeking the 50 degrees temperatures of the creek, to relax, and play mate, before continuing their Columbia journey upstream in 60's even 70's degree water. Those fish are particular. And they are smart, we did not see any being caught in the legal fishing area at the mouth or Eagle Creek on the Columbia! There are a few wily native salmon who get above the dam at the fish hatchery. It's a secret. Now for the trail. There is a $5 self registration fee if you don't have a year recreation permit. Cash drop box. The trail is gentle. It's rocky, which can be good or bad in slippery Winter. In Summer it can be a little dusty, the trail gets mid- late- day sun. There are a few narrow sections with 500 foot plus drop offs. Several have a cable to hold onto on the uphill side. But they are as narrow as 24 inches. The cable is at about 3 feet height, if children are involved, take that into account. Plan your passing. One day we were there, a dog fell off the trail, likely perished. On leash is a must, but we hope you are not pulled off the cliff by the leash attached to your dog! Unfriendly dog to dog interactions are a common cause of dogs falling off the trail to their death. Please do not call 911 to rescue your dog. It is a waste of precious resources and I believe there is a charge in 5 figures for dog rescue or recovery. Contact https://www.oregonhumane.org/services/emergency-animal-rescue/. There are dozens and dozens of dogs on the trail on a busy day. Dog owners: do not leave your poop bags on the trail! Pack that out. Leave only footprints. Hearing what I'm saying? There are several trails to overlooks of waterfalls. A few spots where you could actually get in the water. In Spring, the water levels are much higher and much more dangerous. Even in late Summer that water is cold! There are beautiful native plant communities along the trail. The main trail is 12 miles, so you have a choice of in-out distances or a few loops. If you find a hatchery employee and you are interested in salmon, they know it. If you want to hike follow registration rules and don't fall off the cliff. If you are bringing your dog or children, don't let them perish. Eagle Creek has it all, a creek, a canyon, mature trees, elevations, waterfalls. But it is not for the feint of heart! And don't leave dog poop in bags or other litter!! read more

Being a frequent hiker in LA, I was excited to check out what Portland had to offer. I arrived around noon and there was no parking to be found, I definitely recommend coming earlier in the day to avoid this headache. We ended up just camping out in the main parking lot until someone left. Parking is $5 and you just place the payment in an envelope into their secured box. The hike was quite scenic and we were surrounded by greenery everywhere. Definitely a nice change to the dry dead trees I am use to in LA. The hiking trail can also get narrow at times so you gotta share the road. Once you reach punchbowl falls, you can choose to admire the scenery, take a dip in the water or go cliff diving. I was not prepared to get in the water but I did it anyways for the full experience, wear swimwear under your hiking gear! For safety reasons, I would also recommend wearing water shoes to prevent yourself from slipping and falling in the water since the rocks are covered with moss. It has been 2 weeks since I was in Portland and I still have a huge bruise that has just started to fade. Final Verdict: Thumbs up. read more

Eagle Creek Trail - Hiking Near Me - Bonneville, Oregon

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Hiked 14 miles round trip in 5 hours with multiple stops along the way. 2 miles in is Punch Bowl and is a spot everyone stops at. 6 miles in is Tunnel Falls. If you think you'll be brave, bring/wear your swim wear so you can splash around in the (cold!) refreshing water. Bring plenty of water to drink. There are parts of the trail that lead up a steady incline and can leave you breathless and craving hydration. Always better to have too much water as opposed to not enough. Just because the water in the river looks crystal clear and its refreshingness can lure you in, it doesn't mean its bacteria free- you probably shouldn't drink it. Some parts of the trail appear more daunting than others but it is doable. In some parts, you have to walk on rocks but the trail is already established. Just give yourself plenty of time to walk to the falls and back. Remember, it gets darker faster down in the gorge because the sun doesn't reach there as it sets. Beautiful luscious green and naturey sights and views just 30 mins from the city.... I love Portland! read more

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This nice easy out-and-back is a hike that's good for hikers of most levels. The trail doesn't do much in the way of elevation gain but will take you to some pretty awesome sets of waterfalls. In the summer (on the hottest days) there are some awesome swimming holes, and in the cooler months some very picturesque waterfalls. As others have mentioned, some portions of the trail hug the side of a steep drop, so would not be appropriate for very small kids or anyone unsure of their footing. But a nice guard line along the cliff face provides some hand holds for the more squeamish. Beyond this small stretch, the trail follows a modest rolling up-and-down-but-mostly-flat path from I-84 up toward the wilderness area. You can make it as long or short as you like. Parking is a hassle on heavy days, but who would want to hike a trail on heavy days anyway? Too many peoples. This is a great mid-week hike. Weekends in summers I can imagine it's totally overrun. Day use $5 fee applies. Still, the waterfalls make this a fairly epic hike... especially if you're the kind of person that gets all agog for cascading H2O. read more

Ended up doing 13 miles going all the way to Twister falls and back. Blisters galore. Skipped Punchbowl as we've seen it before. As soon as you get past that, the crowds dissipate immediately. This is one of if not the most popular trail in the Gorge. Come early or expect to park another mile away. Tunnel Falls is as impressive as you've heard. The trail around it, along with the "vertigo mile" will test your fear of heights. If you make it to Tunnel, make sure you continue another 1/4 mile to Twister falls. Many people don't even know it's there! read more

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Incredible hiking from this trailhead! Note, you can only exit off I-84 on exit 41 if you are heading eastbound. So either start your day out here and then continue to other trails east of here or start out west of here and end your day with this one. It's a couple of miles to turn around and head the other way once you realize you've missed the exit and have to do two u-turns. Parking for this trail is pretty limited - there is one parking lot when you first enter and then another one 1/4 mile up. Both were full when we arrived at 11, after stopping at Multnomah Falls and hiking Wahclella Falls. There isn't a marker for where this trail starts so if you park near the entrance, walk up past the picnic area and stay to the right. There will be a bridge on the right side to some non-waterfall trails. If you want to see Punchbowl and Tunnel Falls don't turn off the main path. Walk 1/4 mile (past the second parking area) and this is the true start of the trail. From here it is 2 miles to Punchbowl Falls and 6 miles to Tunnel Falls. The trail is very rocky and requires good core stability and covered shoes as you get to the steep and narrow path alongside the rock cliff on your left -- for those with vertigo or fear of heights there is a handrail along the especially perilous looking part of this hike. Bring ample water and sunscreen as on sunny days you will be getting A TON of sun on the trail. Once you get to 1.7 miles or so there is a split in the trail but no signage. To the left is the trail to Tunnel Falls (4.3 miles or so to go! And Twister Falls an extra 1/2 mile past Tunnel Falls) To the right is lower Punchbowl Falls - 0.3 miles to go or so (where people are jumping in) as well as Punchbowl Falls (you can swim up to them, however the water is very cold (probably around 50 degrees) and the current is very strong up close to the falls -- I was only able to get within 10 ft of the falls before it was too strong for me to egg-beater against. With a swim cap and goggles this would be a good place to do some resistance training! One of my friends stayed on the rocky beach with the majority of the hikers, while the other got in with me. Her lips were definitely purple when we got out to dry off near the falls, but she said it was worth it. This is a true test of mind over matter! If you are planning to get in the water, bring a change of clothes -- also water shoes would be good so you don't stub your toes in the cold water! What a fun adventure! Highly recommend! One of my favorite waterfall hikes to date! read more

Eagle Creek Trail - Refreshingly cold but pristine! - Hiking Near Me - Bonneville, Oregon

Eagle Creek is an amazing hike. That's the good news. The bad news is, pretty much everyone agrees... I've never visited and had the place even somewhat to myself. Don't visit on a summer weekend, it'll just be ruined. Either wait until the winter to go, or skip work and give it a shot then... and still expect to run into people every few minutes as you hike along. All the people aside, this is one of the most gorgeous and unique hikes in the Portland area. From the parking lot, you head into the woods, next to the crystal clear Eagle Creek. As you continue, the trail climbs up the canyon walls, and before long you're a hundred feet above the water and enjoying amazing views of the green wonderland that makes Oregon special. Two miles in, the hike gets really interesting. Punchbowl Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the US, can be seen from two vantage points and makes a great place to stop and take a rest. Continue on, and it only gets better. Cross the creek at High Bridge, but don't look too long over the sides... you're way up there! There is a great campground about four miles up the trail, one of these days I'll pack in a tent and give the place the real exploration it deserves. If you haven't given this trail a go, get out there and do so! Just do yourself a favor and don't go when everyone else does. read more

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Easy hike. Just very long! We arrived here at 10 AM on a Tuesday and left around 4:30 PM. At one point, we had to ask people who were hiking the opposite direction how much further it was until we would reach Tunnel Falls. lol. During our hike in, we did take our time shooting pictures and we took a detour to visit the bottom of Punch Bowl Falls. Once we arrived at Tunnel Falls, we hung out there for about half an hour. Just absorbing in it's beauty. At the end of the tunnel, you will get a little wet due to the waterfalls. The hike out probably took us a little over 2 hours to get back to our car. We had no idea there were parking spots right at the beginning of the trail. This would have saved us a good 20-30 minutes of walking had we known. We parked at the front entrance of the park. So wise words of advice for you is to drive to the front of the trail head before resorting to parking at the front of the park. :) read more

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NOT FOR KIDS. People and dogs have died on this trail.

I am going to give this 5 stars because it is no ones fault other than that little prick that burnt down the forest that we weren't able to fully experience the Eagle Creek Trail. Most of this area is still closed off due to the fires last September, burning nearly 80 square miles of forest. The devastation is still apparent and visible as you drive through the area. It is sad to see but the land is too unstable to open most of it up at this point. I heard that they are not sure when they feel the soil will be safe enough to allow for visitors. What we did get to see was gorgeous and what we couldn't is just sad. Don't play with fire... Its not funny. Its not safe. It's just dumb! read more

Amazing hiking through diverse terrain from foliage, trees and rocky mountain trails with the sound of water most of the way to Tunnel Falls. We would have preferred to start the hike in the morning. The trees, foliage and mini streams made it a pleasant experience. The highlights: - Punch Bowl is 2-miles from the trailhead with a quarter of a mile hike down to Lower Punch Bowl. Bring water shoes if you plan to take a dip and dive! Highly recommended even if you just want to splash around as the river bed is filled with slippery rocks. - The highlight of the trail is Tunnel Falls 6 miles into the trail. Simply incredible! - There are great spots for camping. If you plan to hike all the way to the Lake while taking a leisurely hike plan on bringing overnight provisions read more

Eagle Creek Trail - Punch Bowl Falls from upper Punch Bowl - Hiking Near Me - Bonneville, Oregon

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This trail is absolutely gorgeous. I went on a sunny, perfect Sunday. Yes, it was packed. Yes, parking was tough. But working through the crowd was definitely worth it! The traffic definitely thins out once you get past Punch Bowl Falls and keep hiking toward Tunnel Falls. Dogs are allowed, which is awesome, and my large, clumsy husky loved it. I definitely would not take small children on this hike. It can be slippery and the path gets very narrow with steep, steep drop-offs. I'm not a super avid hiker, but I'm in good general shape. The 12 mile total of going to Tunnel and back felt like a good work out for me. I did a mix of walking and running. Overall: amazing hike. Do it. read more

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**TRAIL CLOSURE** Went here the weekend of 2/19/16. Beautiful hike but couldn't make it all the way because the bridge after Punchbowl is out due to a recent storm. I couldn't find any other information on when it's expected to be back up. read more

Eagle Creek Trail - Us and the downed bridge. - Hiking Near Me - Bonneville, Oregon

We did the 4 miles RT to Punch Bowl. Reviews said the trail is sketchy due to run offs but i thought it was fine and safe. A little muddy due to the rain so wear waterproof shoes. I love this trail during rainy season because the trees were coveted in moss! Due to the rain fall there must be at least a dozen little waterfalls and creeks along the way. Punch Bowl Fall wasn't so much a fall today because the water level was almost to the top. We got here at 9am, there were about a dozen of us, even on Thanksgiving and drizzle. On the way back, we passed by at least another dozen people. I bet it's crowded during the summer! Trailhead is easy to find, just right off the fish hatchery. Elevation gain is only 500 so easy peasy. read more

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Absolutely beautiful! It can be a bit strenuous for those that do not normally hike long distances. We did almost 15 miles at a slow pace (2.5 mph) which took about 6 hours; that was starting from the parking area and going to Twisted Falls and then on the way back detouring down to Punchbowl Falls. Make sure to bring lots of water and snacks. Also proper footwear is important. There are lots of pointy, slippery rocks that you really feel through thinner soled shoes. Also, a camera is a must! Well worth it if you have a couple of hours to spend there. read more

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Easy hike. Elevation change isn't much. There are some narrow spots that if you're scared of heights, it might scare you. But wasn't really bad at all. Only made it to lower punch since we started late. Really bummed didn't get to the tunnel falls but I would definitely love to come back to PDX to do this whole hike. Beware, saw a car that got broken into. It was right by the trail entrance. I noticed it was a car of backpackers so maybe their car was there overnight or have been there for more than few nights. Portland, I'm jealous you have this beautiful place. I'll be back. read more

This iconic trail in the Columbia Gorge is fantastic. Winding thru and up a canyon, you can follow Eagle Creek 7 miles one direction. Along the way you have dramatic vistas of the creek and waterfalls. Unfortunately this trail was devastated in the late summer and fall of 2017 by a horrific fire. This trail will remain closed for at least a year or more as the dangerous conditions are assessed and remediated by hard working trail crews. read more

I did this hike yesterday (didn't have enough time to make it all the way to the tunnel, sadly) and it is hands down one of the most beautiful trails I've hiked, now my absolute favorite next to Silver Star. Make sure to get there in the morning! Parking space at the trailhead is VERY much limited, so you'll have to park way up by the hatchery if you get in too late. read more

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I hiked this trail many a time in my youth, and it was one of my favorites! It was the perfect distance for a kid - 4 miles out and back to Punchbowl Falls. The trail may continue on past the falls, I'm not sure because I've never ventured that far. The other main attraction growing up was that you could jump into the falls pool at the end! Now they have no cliff jumping signs everywhere, but that doesn't seem to be stopping people. Most of the trail is in the shade, although there are a few exposed bits that can get hot if it's a warm day. A few parts of the trail are along the gorge cliff with no railing on the outside, so if you're afraid of heights, keep this in mind. There's a cable along the inside though, so if you're freaked out just hold on! Overall this is a really great hike, but the huge downside is that everyone knows it. It's way too popular! Don't come here if you want the trail to yourself (which is always my preference). Also, there are dogs allowed, so expect to encounter quite a few of them as you hike. read more

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Wish we had more time to see the other trails but the the 4mi round trip hike to Punchbowl Falls was nothing short of amazing!! The hike itself is beginner-intermediate because there are some narrow parts but they really weren't that bad (trust me, I'm afraid of heights and I did fine). Not too much incline but I still worked up a good sweat so I thought it was perfect (lol I suck at inclines). The Punchbowl itself was super gorgeous!! It's very chilly down there and the air is fresh and crisp. It's such an amazing treat after a hike. There were even some people cliff/log jumping to the bottom of the falls. Or you can also go down and swim in the Punchbowl. The water was pretty cold!!! I'd say the day we went it was probably around in the 50sF. But your body gets used to it (kinda) haha. I looooved taking a dip! Some ppl swim up to the falls in the back, I kinda wish I just went for it. But I was too cold haha. I really hope I come back here someday because the hike & the Punchbowl is beautiful. One of my favorite hikes to date. The greenery is so lush and plenty and the scenery is breath-taking if you're brave enough to look over the cliffs. Be careful though! On our way back, they closed the trail bc search and rescue had to go look for someone who fell off a cliff "/ I hope they're alright. Oh PS, you need a $5 parking pass! read more

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Damn that water is ice cold!!!! Walking in the stream is not the brightest idea in the dead of winter but I really wanted to see Punch Bowl Falls. Hiking back 2 mi. with wet socks and shoes was somewhat worth it. Rewind 2 miles to the trailhead where there's a small parking lot. It's honor system parking so you just put the $5 in the envelope and slip it into the box. Place the permit in your car and you're ready to go. The trail is easy and has some small inclines but nothing that will make you huff and puff. Along the way, there is a waterfall cascading into the stream. Beautiful scenic views of mossy trees and rocks, ferns and the stream is filled with crystal clear water. Good enough to drink....seriously there's your Dasani right there. When you finally get down to Punch Bowl Falls, the only way to see it from the end of the trail is to walk across the vast rocky stream and wah-la - there she is straight ahead! A beauty indeed. However, I highly recommend wearing waterproof boots or waders! I had my gortex hiking shoes on but the water went inside my shoes....Brrrrrrr!!!! The water is frigid! Be careful - the rocks are slippery as well. Luckily, I only got water in my shoes and I didn't fall into the stream! read more

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I wake up early. Really, really early. Many of my Yelp reviews are written between 3 and 6 in the morning. This early-rising skill comes in handy when I want to hike some of the more popular trails in the Gorge. Eagle Creek is one of the most popular trails in the Gorge, and when it's super crowded, it can be a bit difficult to hike because there are stretches of the trail that are barely wide enough for two people, have nothing but cliff drop-off on one side, and a cable railing system on the other side. I'll be damned if *I'm* the one who is going to let go. In the morning, that life or death (slight exaggeration) decision of do-I-or-don't-let-go is non-existent. Admittedly, I've only been as far as High Bridge, but it was a beautiful hike on a fabulous sunny day. This trail is breathtaking. Punchbowl falls was exactly what I hoped it would be. read more

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