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Eagle Creek — Jul. 24, 1999

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - OR
Brian and Ann
 
Wonderful deep woods hike past many waterfalls- the punchbowl is probably the best known. This trail is just east of Multnomah Falls. You take Interstate #84 on the Oregon side of the Columbia, out of Portland. It is in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic area. The exit is near that to Cascade Locks and is marked. The trail actually connects to the PCT after 14 miles if one wants to do that, but at 6 miles goes under Tunnel Falls and then shortly to an area where the river flatens a bit for a scenic stopping point. this is at 6 plus miles. Quite a popular trail but nice woods and a lot of first class river front! Quite a few camps available once in about 3.5 to 4 miles. One is soon in the Tom McCall Wilderness. Some of the trail is along cliffs and steel cable is provided if needed- to grab. Not really dangerous except with unpredictable children or dogs! Not a bad choice for those of us seeking a hike in this difficult year!!

Eagle Creek — Jun. 6, 1998

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - OR
Mark
15
 

enson trail up from the Eagle Creek trail - Oregon - Snow is mostly gone from the Benson Plateau. The trails are in pretty good condition for the most part; Ruckel Creek is still steep! There are about 20 trees of varying size across the Eagle-Benson connecting trail. From the bottom, near the first creek crossing, the path is not real obvious on the other side. I heard from others that they had actually turned back because they did not see the way on. Simply look to your right and you will find the trail again as you cross the creek. Otherwise for the amount of traffic that is on the trail, thee trail is reasonably in shape and not too overgrown. Saw two couples on this trail and no one on the plateau until I descended Ruckel Creek. An envigorating and nice way to spend a Sunday. 16.7 mile loop out of the Eagle Creek trailhead with about 4000 elevation gain.