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Just head down the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon and you will find the Eagle Creek Trail. This impressive trail passes numerous major waterfalls in less than 6 miles. No matter what season, you will be impressed with the breathtaking views and awe-inspriring vistas.

The trail is carved into vertical rock faces in many places with sheer drop-offs (sometimes 200' or more) over the trail edge. Although some areas are augmented with cable hand holds, this trail is not for the faint hearted or small children. It is also a good idea to keep your furry friend leashed up in these areas for safety.

The sounds of water are heard through most of the trail. Within a mile of the trailhead you begin to pass several seep areas where the water drips out of the overhanging rock and rains on the trail. Such spots often take the form of enchanted grottos lined with maindenhair fern.

Punchbowl Falls is the special bonus along this trail. After about 1¾ a side trail leads to Lower Punchbowl Falls--a short steep trail takes you down to the river and a spectacular view of the falls as the rushing water forces its way down a wavy, moss lined chute into a collecting pool. After you return to the trail less than ½ mile further along the trail leads you to the spectacular view of the falls from above.

Head further up the trail after Punchbowl Falls and the gorge steepens as the patch crosses two side creeks spanned by wooden bridges. Eagle Creek canyon slopes down to a narrow slit, with perpendicular walls rising 50 feet above the water. The slit is sinuous at first, then becomes an arrow straight crevice ending at High Bridge (3½ from the trailhead).

From the High Bridge span (150 above the creek) you look northward toward the narrow crevice and to the south, the canyon forms a steep walled grotto. Magical views everywhere you look. From here you can continue on another 3 miles to Tunnel Falls. But that is another trip.

Click on the map to see the route to this great hike from the Portland area.

 
Length: 7 mi r/t - Difificulty: Easy to Moderate
 
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Last modified: 9/14/03