Arrived at Eagle Creek Campground Friday night and set up overnight camp. Left campground at 0900 Saturday morning. Hiked to 7.5 mile camp, stopping at Metlako Falls, Punchbowl Falls, High Bridge and Wy-East Camp for Pack off and water breaks. Had lunch at about the 4.5 mile bridge. Crossed under Tunnel Falls and enterd the Hatfield Wilderness area about 1300. Reached 7.5 mile camp about 1430. Set up camp sites and explored area, refilling water bottles at creek. Trip was cool but dry with partly overcast skies and only an occasional sprinkle to cool us off. Several campers were already set up in Tenas, Wy-East and Blue Grouse camp sites when we went past. There were also several other campers spread around in the area at 7.5 Mile camp. Our party was about 12 Boy Scouts >14 years and 5 adults. Trail was not too busy Saturday on the way in but much busier on Sunday as we were hiking out. Lots of hikers with dogs but very few on leashes. Great hike!

When I lived in Alaska a co-worker of mine told me about hiking this trail when he was a kid. Ever since he described this wonderful place, I've had it on my MUST DO list. This weekend the fates were in my favor, since a dear friend of mine had to cancel her trip last minute up north. So I headed south for one last outdoor adventure before she moved out of state. The trail is very popular, and I can see why. The trail has an easy grade, is well maintained and has great campsites. Oh and don't forget the waterfalls! We never made it to Tunnel Falls but did see Metlako, Loowit, High Bridge, Wy'east, and of course the infamous Punch Bowl Falls (Some say it is the most photographed waterfall in the entire Pacific Northwest). If you plan spending a weekend checking out waterfalls on the Columbia Gorge, make sure this hike is on your list! ^_^

Sunday photo trek: Started at Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge, then on to the Eagle Creek Trail. An overcast day, the rain held off until mid-afternoon. The first mile of Eagle Creek is fairly steep with cables attached to the cliff for a 1/4 mile where the trail is carved out of the cliff with an interesting ravine to avoid. Beautiful Metlako Falls view point is at mile 1.25 where we stopped for photographs. Punch Bowl Falls is at mile 2.0. We descending a steep trail down to the river and waded into the river for our photos. Punch Bowl is somewhat hidden from view unless you're willing to wade about thigh-deep into the center of Eagle Creek. Punch Bowl is the most photographed water falls in Oregon and the beauty is enchanting -- well worth the hike and wet feet. I hiked in waders which was an experience. The others in hiking boots. Stayed dry but tired. As the rain started we hiked back to the trail head. What a beautiful hike. Enjoy the photos.

This was a fantastic, easy 12-mile round trip along a moss and fern draped gorge with multiple waterfalls as reward. We started from Eagle Creek trailhead off exit 41 from I84 east of Portland. Get off the highway, go right past the large parking lot to road end where there is another big lot. The trail is well marked at the end. The trail is wide and very well maintained. It starts out in forest with a steep drippy cliff face to the left, and climbs gradually through forest with the chuckling creek to your right. Soon you find yourself walking a narrow path cut from the cliff face while the creek is down a mossy gorge far below. Punchbowl Falls is the first major falls along the way ($300 fine to jump in, I wasn't tempted anyway! Quite aways down.) - very pretty. At 3.3 miles you cross the creek at High Bridge with steep cliff walls lined with moss constantly streaming water and the creek way down below. At 4.5 miles there is a bridge and a nice spot to dunk feet in the creek. Frot there it's only another mile and a half - rounding a corner clinging to the cliff (there are cables to hold if you're nervous) are some interesting bowl-shaped rocks on the trail called the "Potholes", after which you curve to the right and suddenly the huge cascade of Tunnel Falls is before you. There is a mossy tunnel that goes a short ways behind the falls (be prepared to get sprayed with mist) and out the other side, tumbling into a large amphitheater below. It's quite worthwhile to continue on another half mile to the aptly named Twister Falls, above which is a nice flat area for a nibble before turning back. For more photos go to https://picasaweb.google.com/110493044163422783956/EagleCreekToTunnelFalls62812?authuser=0&feat=directlink

A four mile hike along the spectacular Eagle Creek Trail on the Columbia River Gorge. From Portland, Drive East on I-84 to the Eagle Creek exit, number 41. An easy hike featuring incredible water falls. The first major water is Metlako Falls, located two miles from the trailhead. Shortly after Metlako, the Creek takes another plunge, Punchbowl Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Oregon (and probably the world). A half-mile trail leads down to the valley-bottom for an eye-level view of these falls. Perfect hiking and shooting weather. The sun lit-up the mist from the falls and the autumn foliage was most colorful. Standing in the river shooting Punchbowl, one expected a hobbit to peek out around the canyon walls at any time.