Eagle Creek

A hike up Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls, Oregon.

This is one of the most scenic hikes in Oregon and is also the most popular hike in the Columbia River Gorge. It doesn’t take long to figure out why. Due to its proximity to Portland and the abundant scenery you probably will not be alone on this hike. This hike leads from the Eagle Creek parking area up to the 150 foot Tunnel Falls and back.  A $5.00 per vehicle fee is required at the self pay station or a yearly pass must be displayed.

 

Distance: 12 Miles Round Trip

Elevation Gain: 1200 ft

Caution: Much of the trail has many steep drop offs without rails.

Trailhead Parking: N45 38.270 W121 55.226

Eagle Creek Map

Eagle Creek PDF Map Download


View Eagle Creek in a larger map

 Eagle Creek near start

Not far from the Eagle Creek Trailhead, the forest is already deep and thick.

Streams feed Eagle Creek along the entire hike, keeping the forest alive with gurgling pools and cascades.

Streams feed Eagle Creek along the entire hike, keeping the forest alive with gurgling pools and cascades.

Hikers making thier way through a talus field.

Hikers making thier way through a talus field.

A couple hikers getting ready to cross High Bridge, which crosses 150ft above the creek at a narrow gorge cut. The bridge is visible in the background.

A couple hikers getting ready to cross High Bridge, which crosses 150ft above the creek at a narrow gorge cut. The bridge is visible in the background.

Loowit Falls drops about 90 feet into Eagle Creek.

Loowit Falls drops about 90 feet into Eagle Creek.

The trail rounding a turn just past High Bridge.

The trail rounding a turn just past High Bridge.

Beautiful hiking through old growth forest south of High Bridge.

Beautiful hiking through old growth forest south of High Bridge.

A "hidden" waterfall awaits exploration near one of the feeder streams.

A “hidden” waterfall awaits exploration near one of the feeder streams.

The amazing Tunnel Falls.

The amazing Tunnel Falls. The Tunnel behind the falls and much of the trail were blasted through the basalt rock around 1910.

Another view of Tunnel Falls.

Another view of Tunnel Falls.

Narrow trail by Tunnel Falls. Careful footing is a must!

Narrow trail by Tunnel Falls. Careful footing is a must!

A few breaks of blue sky blended nicely with the scenery.

A few breaks of blue sky blended nicely with the scenery.

An area of younger douglas fir in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness area.

An area of younger douglas fir in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness area. This was due to a 1902 forest fire that burned a portion of the older forest.

A bridge crossing near some basalt and moss.

A bridge crossing near some basalt and moss.

The view north from High Bridge. 150 feet above the creek.

The view north from High Bridge. 150 feet above the creek.

Almost back to the car, watching the colors in the evening sky.

Almost back to the car, watching the colors in the evening sky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *