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.