Eagle Creek — Saturday, Feb. 26, 2000

Oregon - Columbia Gorge Vicinity Eagle Creek (USGS Bonneville Dam, Tanner Butte, Whatum Lake) We were staying in Troutdale, Oregon on a short winter break. Saturday was a nasty, wet day, but Sunday looked like there would be a short break between storms. We decided to go for a day hike. My friend, Bruce, had long wanted to show me the Eagle Creek Trail, located just off the famous Columbia Gorge, about a 45-minute drive from Portland. Eagle Creek, according to write-ups, is second only to Multnomah Falls in popularity, but it was hard to tell that when we arrived at the parking lot. There were only three cars. Going on a cool winter day or midweek during the summer seemed to be the best way to beat the reputed crowds. This hike is renowed for its waterfalls and it proved to be quite an experience. There were at least five major (two similar to height and power as Comet Falls, Mt. Rainier Park) waterfalls and numerous smaller ones, as well as beautiful cascades, deep colorful pools and lively rapids. The first falls, Metalko, is only a 1.5 mile hike, but one that involves some exposure and a narrow trail blasted out of a volcanic rock cliff. The construction work on the trail was extraordinary; the maintenance, great. At 2.1 miles, there was Punch Bowl Falls, a short falls that plunges into a deep blue pool. At 3.3 miles, we reached High Bridge, well-named as it soars above a very deep slot canyon, through which the ""creek"" plunges. Eagle Creek has similar size and volume to Ingalls or Index creeks. At about 4.5 miles, there is another bridge, much lower above the river. We couldn't help wondering as we gazed upon some sizable log jams nearby why the bridge had escaped destruction. The next big falls was Tunnel Falls. The trail curves around the headwall of a side canyon and goes behind the falls through a tunnel. The ground was trembling and spray covering everything with a fine, cool mist as we ducked through the tunnel and clung to the protective cabling lining the damp, rocky path. Then, about a quarter mile further, we reached Criss-Cross Falls and another unnamed falls above it, to find a lunch spot at a vacant campsite. There were numerous good camps along the way, especially above High Bridge. Besides the large spectacular falls, there were numerous falls plunging over the basalt walls on both sides of the canyon. In some areas, the falls consisted of dripping water gardens with ferns, moss and other plants clinging to the wet rock. It's a good idea to carry raingear if going in cool weather, because we got ""rained"" on by the dripping water. Note: This is not a hike for children or those with a hardy fear of heights. I'm an experienced hiker and was suitably intimidated by a few of the rocky stretches. The path, while high above the creek in some areas, is safe and well-maintained and fairly level. It climbs gradually over its full length. We probably gained about 1,500 to 1,800 feet over 6.5 miles. The trail passes through a wonderful forest of mixed dedicious and conifer. I noticed some Pacific Rhododendrons, as well as azaleas. There were numerous ferns, mosses, club moss, lichens and evergreen shrubs (mostly Oregon Grape and salal). I think I saw some oak trees, as well as cottonwood, maples, alder and wild cherry. My friend told me that the canyon is full of flowers in the spring. I want to go back. The cliffs are colorful and impressive, pillow lava and basaltic columns. If you do have children, there is a salmon hatchery and picnic area located near the trail head. The trailhead can be accessed from I-84, eastbound, just past the turn-off to Bonneville Dam. To return to Portland, you must drive east to Cascade Locks where there is a turn-around available.