This was my 2nd time hiking Eagle Creek Trail. The first time I went with different friends and we ended up only getting to Punchbowl Falls because they didn't want to continue past the broken down bridge. The bridge is what is scaring people away from this hike right now, but in reality it's really easy to manoeuvre under it and continue on the trail. Around the 2 mile mark into the hike the first bridge was broken down by a fallen tree and no one is sure when it'll be fixed. But if you hike under where the bridge is you can very easily cross a small creek and keep going. My biggest tip after doing this hike is get there VERY early. We arrived around 1:30pm which wasn't a good idea for a Saturday at all. There were so many cars we had to park 1 mile away from the beginning of the trailhead and we still barely found a spot. Also make sure you bring plenty of water and give yourself a lot of time to complete this hike. We hiked all the way to Tunnel Falls which is 12 miles round trip (6 miles to the falls) and it took us about 7 hours total to do it all. This was definitely the longest hike I've yet to do and I sure felt it when I was done. My feet have never been more sore in my entire life. Other than the length of the hike, it was fairly flat. There weren't any killer inclines, you barely even notice you're walking slightly uphill. It's such a gradual incline that you don't realize how high up you are until you've reached the top. It is definitely the most beautiful hike I've ever done. Along the trail as far as we got we passed so many waterfalls big and small. I'd say at least 6. The trail is very mossy, and has a wet rainforest type of feel to it; very gorgeous. The trail conditions vary as you get father into it. You'll cross many bridges and multiple rock build ups where you have to climb around and over large rock gatherings that aren't too bad. It can be slippery at times with how wet it gets along the path so be careful! The hike alone is amazing, but as you continue father you get to see better and better stuff. You reach High Bridge at about 3.3 miles into the hike and you can look down at the gorge.You keep going and you'll eventually reach Tunnel Falls. Let me tell you, that falls is like nothing I've ever seen in my entire life. As you approach it, you see how huge it is. You walk along the path until you reach the carved out cave tunnel that was man-made behind the waterfall. You enter it's mossy wonderland opening and you come out the other end right next to the massive waterfall. Just standing at the tunnel opening you get slightly sprayed by the fall's mist. You can keep going along the slim cliff side trail that's next to the waterfall. It gives you a better view of it and most people like to take pictures at that point. We headed back after our photos were taken there. Anything after that I believe is the backpacking overnight camping part of the trail. This hike was truly beautiful, I'd recommend everyone doing this trail at least once in their lives. Probably not a good hike for young children or pets considering its along cliff sides a good chunk of the time (even though we saw both throughout the hike). Be prepared for a long hike if your destination is Tunnel Falls, and don't forget the camera!! Loved this trail so much!
Comments