Eagle Creek — Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021

Eagle Creek and Tunnel Falls are open! It's only been three days but the word is definitely out, as there were hundreds of people on this sunny --in Portland- day. I lucked out and grabbed a parking spot just before the half mile road walk to the trailhead. There is parking there, but it's limited and it's a long drive back to turn around especially with hikers walking in the road.

There is tons of mud on the trail right from the beginning, boots are a must. There is very little elevation gain the whole way as you traverse the canyon alongside the river, twisting and turning and crossing creeks over newly installed bridges. The foliage is beautiful; the green new growth stands out against all the burned trees still remaining. There are waterfalls around every corner. I was absolutely baffled by how many people went off trail or stood on ledges to get a better view of the river: just because this area is newly safe to hikers does not mean it's not still a landslide deathtrap!

There is still a trail down to lower punchbowl falls but a massive boulder that fell in a landslide blocks the view completely. I heard this from another hiker, who said it was still pretty and very loud, just no falls. Keep walking and a little bit further there is full view of the upper punch bowl anyway, very impressive! A massive tree now sticks out of the punchbowl like a charred ladle. There is evidence of the fire everywhere you look, and so much new life! There were some trees down across the trail that were big, but easy to get over or under if you don't care about getting dirty. You've encountered enough mud at this point that it won't matter.

In the last mile to Tunnel Falls, there is a tricky water crossing with no bridge. I got invaluable advice from hikers I passed who advised to go up stream, hikers left, and cross by holding on to the small branches. I'm 5'6" and the water came just above my knees, and it was VERY fast! If not for those branches I would have definitely been swept off my feet. I think I was the only person who received this priceless gift of info because all the other groups who were still testing how to cross just stared the whole time. I have some experience with water crossings but I think that was probably the most swift so far. If you have never crossed water before, this would not be the best place to start. 

There is some elevation gain up to Tunnel Falls, and then the trail keeps going to 7 mile falls and then further. Most people including myself turned around at Tunnel Falls after getting sweet pics for the gram. It lives up to the hype! There were so many people that it took 3 hours to go the 6 miles with all of the pulling over and waiting behind people. That's the price you pay on a Sunday.

The way back only took 2 hours. Mask use was only half, which is concerning on a trail of this popularity that is so narrow it's impossible to distance while passing. 

Infinite thanks to those who risked their lives to fight this fire and for those who dedicated countless resources to recover this beloved area

I'm unable to upload pics, I have a few on instagram @cassassin77