Wrote a great report, then hit the wrong button and lost it. so here's the condensed version Drove down from south of Seattle. set up camp at Beacon Rock State Park Campground. Got to the trailhead area noonish. Parking was a nightmare, trail loaded with hikers on lower portion, thinned out a bit after Punchbowl, but still lots of trail traffic (many with no idea of trail etiquette). Hit the trail at 1pm. 3 water crossings, each worse than the last. Trail gone in a few areas, one was a 4 ft drop into a muddy mess, but passable. Lots of downed trees and debris in the unmarked camps and on the trail. passable but challenging at times. Wildflowers going spring-wild across the sun-facing slopes. Delphinium, shooting star, mimulus, yellow avalanche lollies etc. Took our time getting to Tunnel Falls. (Not enough time left to get to Twister and back before dark.) Ate lunch next to a talus slope and headed back at 5pm, making it to the car at 7pm, well before sunset. Had time to get back over the bridge of the gods to our camp, start a campfire, eat dinner and set camp before it got dark. The trip was worth the effort. 14 miles RT from our car to Tunnel Falls. Next time, we plan to backpack it. FYI Note: This trail, in its current condition, is not for the very young or the infirm.

Got to the trailhead at 1:20 pm and began hiking. Though rain was forecast, there were only light sprinkles and we didn't need rain gear. Metlako Falls viewpoint is closed because of a landslide and signs threaten fines for trespassers. We took the Lower Punchbowl detour (right fork), which was beautiful, but in hindsight it wasn't worth the energy if you intend to keep hiking. Lower Punchbowl seems to be the turnaround point for most people so it was the most crowded viewing area. Also, the 1/4-mile climb down to the river is steep and easily the hardest portion of the hike when coming back up to the Eagle Creek Trail. There were lots of wildflowers and majestic views along the way - leave lots of time for pictures. The dirt trail winds along the edge of the mountains with a wire handrail along the more dangerous portions. We brought our dog and a leash and harness were ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL. My dog is good about staying right next to me on hikes so I usually let her off-leash if there aren't a lot of people, but she almost walked right off the edge of the trail twice. If she wasn't leashed, she'd be dead. There was one somewhat challenging stream crossing and many downed trees once you enter the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. One of the trees required we remove our packs to go under, but the rest were only mildly annoying. We camped at 7 1/2-mile camp, which isn't amazing, but has water access and is the last camp for miles. No facilities or bear boxes are offered at any of the sites along way, so make sure you prepare adequately. We arrived at camp at about 3:45 pm and were not able to start a fire because the wood was too wet. There was only one other camper we saw and though the sites are close together, it felt like we were completely alone. We packed up and headed back around 9 am and again, it was an amazing and scenic hike. I highly recommend doing this hike at least to Tunnel Falls. I also suggest doing it before peak season or when the weather isn't perfect as this is a very popular destination for both Portland and Seattle.

Wonderful spring hike. It is 12 miles round trip but without any significant elevation gains. Their are ropes for the narrow sections and it never felt unsafe.

A must hike in the PNW (but not for people scared of heights). This hike was a stunning trip, with waterfalls around every corner. The trail was in pretty good condition, although there were multiple fallen trees and difficult river crossings, along with one twenty foot section with deep mud due to a small landslide. All in all it as a great trip and proved to be a perfect spring hike. Although we had a beautiful sunny day it would still be a great hike for an overcast/drizzling day. We continued for another quarter mile after Tunnel Falls to reach an equally impressive waterfall named Twister Falls.