Spectacular warm day at Eagle Creek last Sunday. Surprisingly not too crowded but be aware the EC exit is closed for construction. We came from Portland and took Exit 40 and drove to the Tooth Rock TH. Well, actually we parked about 1/2 mile from the TH since the exit road was full of cars with one leaving when we pulled in. So we parked there and began the trek the the Tooth Rock TH and then on to the Eagle Creek TH after a stop at the portable toilet at the Fish Hatchery.
When we arrived at the TH we were surprised to see 5 vehicles parked there, hmmmm how did they get here. We finally surmised they drove up the exit ramp but turns out someone moved the barricade at the EC exit so they actually drove in the normal route.
We've been to EC many times but not the past few years so we had forgotten how beautiful it is in there, especially on a warm, sunny day in the spring. Everyone we met had a smile on their face and were very friendly.
The trail work that has been completed was very well done, some amazing walls installed on the canyon side of the trail that must have taken some nerve to repel and do that work - many thanks to those who rehabbed the trail.
The creek war running a little high and there were waterfalls all along the trail, mostly on the opposite side of the canyon. The evidence of the burns and slides is very visible but so are the trees that weren't seriously burned and the grass and shrubs regrowth. It was like an emerald carpet at a number of places.
We made it up to Upper Punchbowl Falls and had lunch then trekked up to High Bridge which was so beautiful from every angle we viewed it including the verdant green walls.
Our photographer had a camera malfunction so attached are a few of my cellphone photos, just doesn't do justice to the beauty we saw.

The only exit for this hike is closed. You can not get to the trailhead unless you park at an exit before or after which will add 4+ miles to your hike. It looked like there was road damage but I would check an Oregon hikers website to find out when the exit will reopen. Could be 6 weeks or more.

First time seeing the Eagle Creek trail since the devastating fire in 2017. I was happy to see that in spite of the damage done , it is still an amazing and beautiful place. Fire damage is variable with many areas still sporting a good number of live trees. The ridge tops didn't fair as well as the valley bottom. 

The is definitely one of the best hikes on the planet for seeing waterfalls. On the way out we counted 52 legit waterfalls!

If you have the energy, I highly recommend the 6mi one way treck to Tunnel Falls. It's an amazing experience walking behind the falls and getting a really up close view of this powerful force of nature. Keep going another 0.2 to see unique Twister falls which is a unique experience. 

RT 12.4 miles, 1000 ft (All Trails was way off this time)

Hiked the shortest segment of the Eagle Creek trail system, from Eagle Creek to Punchbowl. Trail was very gradual and easy to hike. There were a few small wildflowers blooming, but overall, the reason to go is for all the wonderful waterfalls both large and small along the way. One part of the trail went behind a small waterfall which was fun. Have good hiking shoes since much of it is rocky. There is one section of the trail that has a cable to hold on to since the drop off into the gorge below is very steep.

The parking for the trailhead is a little confusing. There is parking at the beginning of the foot bridge which takes you along the highway trail and the Columbia River. The Punchbowl trailhead is about a half mile past the bridge and you can drive there and park. There are reasonably clean porta potties and garbage cans there.

The return to Eagle Creek. 

I don't know when we last hiked Eagle Creek, but it was well before the fire in 2017.  With a weekday off, we figured it was our best chance to check the post fire-scene.   

As might be expected there is a lot of fireweed, and various green understory reclaiming the area.  Surprisingly, for the most part it really looks the same.

Thank you for all who worked so hard to allow us all back to Eagle Creek.