Eagle Creek — Saturday, Mar. 21, 2015

Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - OR

This is one of the most spectacular hikes in the Northwest. This popular Columbia Gorge trail is well known to Portlanders but perhaps not so well known for Puget Sounders. It is the ultimate waterfall experience. We counted 21 separate waterfalls along the 12.6 mi round trip to Tunnel Falls. The trail itself is a something to marvel. It was built in 1915 by Italian engineers. Much of the trail was carved out of the basalt cliffs high above the river. There are many areas with scary exposure but the trail is always wide and sturdy. Not a place for wild kids or dogs. People have definitely fallen to their death on this trail. There is even a cable to hold on to if you get vertigo. I would not go if there is any chance of ice. The trail only gains 1200 feet in 6 miles. The first 4.5 miles also traverses beautiful old growth forest. Beyond that the forest if second growth regenerating from a fire from 1902. A shorter 6 mi RT to Loowit Falls would make for a great short day hike. The long haul to Tunnel Falls however is definitely worth it for the unique up close waterfall experience. The trail traverses a short tunnel that goes right behind this powerful falls.