Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,640.00 ft (499.87 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
11.80 mi (18.99 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Eagle Creek Hike to Tunnel Falls is closed indefinitely as a result of the Eagle Creek Fire.

Perhaps one of the most famous hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, Eagle Creek boasts all of the iconic features of the region: big waterfalls that shoot from eroded basalt cliffs, deep river pools, gnarled old-growth forest and colorful, exotic wildflowers.  Most folks hike only as far as picturesque Punchbowl Falls, a 4.2 mile round trip, and miss the turnoff to view Metlako Falls along the way. Keep in mind that these two falls are only the beginning of what this long and deep valley has to offer.  At the very least, make your way to High Bridge, a steel structure 300 feet above a narrow basalt chasm that is reminiscent of the Oneonta Gorge.  If your day allows for it, or if you have the luxury of spending the night in one of the campsites, hike through this Douglas fir and western red cedar forest to all seven waterfalls. Your efforts will be rewarded as you walk behind the 160-foot Tunnel Falls and the dramatic Crossover Falls .25 miles farther up the trail.

Note:  Overnight camping is only allowed past High Bridge, and campfires are not allowed during the peak summer months. If you are hiking with children and dogs, use caution. This hike contains narrow paths that are cut into basalt cliffs over precipitous drops.  During the winter months, large icicles may form on the cliff walls and fall onto the trail.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Seven waterfalls. Old-growth forest. Backcountry campsites. Swimming holes.

Cons

Dangerous cliffs. Trail may be challenging for dogs and people afraid of heights.

Trailhead Elevation

130.00 ft (39.62 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Wildlife
Big vistas
Old-growth forest
Wildflowers

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Comments

01/03/2021
The trail is open again. View a video I made of the hike here: https://youtu.be/aXegd6OWerc
07/29/2017
The trail is closed about 5 miles in due to wildfires in the area. Cannot get to Tunnel falls, but a beautiful hike nonetheless.
06/30/2017
What an incredible hike! I had printed a few options for hikes from Outdoor Project for my time in and around Hood Wilderness. So glad we chose this trail from them all (though I suspect I'd say that about most the others as we discovered this whole area is incredible!) If we had only gone as far as the Punchbowl, it wouldn't have been enough to satisfy my soul, but we decided to go further only to discover, the further you travel along this trail, the further you want to continue. You'll know you are at the punchbowl because it's a bit of a hangout/chill/sunning spot. Go to the far end and wade out in the water - the falls featured above is through that gorge.
So, once you spend all your time at the Punchbowl, you'll want to be crazy like us and continue down trail. The whole trail is lovely. I'm so glad I continued to Tunnel Falls (the distance is well worth it. The falls will change your life!). I wish I would have noted that crossover falls was only .25miles further. I would have absolutely gone that little bit more - guess it is my token to visit again! Bring snacks and lots of water or a filter (or drink from the stream at your own risk). The trail does get quite warm in the summer in some parts.

TRAIL NOTE: the trail to Metlako Falls is closed (landslide I think I remember reading)
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