USA — Portland, Oregon
Hike the Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls, a moderate 19.3 km round trip in the USA's Columbia River Gorge. This historic route, carved into basalt cliffs, immerses you in a temperate rainforest teeming with waterfalls. Expect stunning canyon walls and a unique walk behind a cascading waterfall on this spectacular day hike.
Distance: 19.3 km
Elevation Gain: 487 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6-8 hours
The Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls is arguably the most spectacular day hike in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. Carved directly into the basalt cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge, this 19.3 km return journey offers an unparalleled immersion into a landscape defined by temperate rainforest, sheer canyon walls, and a density of waterfalls that feels almost supernatural. The trail is a marvel of early 20th-century engineering, featuring sections blasted into cliff faces where hikers grip steel cables for security while peering down into the turquoise pools of Eagle Creek hundreds of metres below. The ultimate destination, Tunnel Falls, provides one of the most iconic hiking experiences in North America: a trail that passes directly behind a thundering 50-metre curtain of water via a hand-blasted rock tunnel. This is a walk that demands a steady head for heights, a deep appreciation for geological drama, and a respect for the power of natural regeneration following the transformative Eagle Creek Fire of 2017.
Located within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, the Eagle Creek Trail is a sensory odyssey through one of the most ecologically diverse regions in Oregon. The trail follows the path of Eagle Creek as it carves its way through layers of ancient basalt, deposited millions of years ago by massive volcanic flows. What distinguishes this trail from others in the region is its relentless verticality and the sheer number of named and unnamed waterfalls encountered along the route. From the moss-draped amphitheatre of Metlako Falls to the perfectly circular basin of Punch Bowl Falls, the journey is a constant crescendo of hydraulic power and verdant beauty.
The landscape is currently in a fascinating state of transition. In September 2017, a human-caused wildfire swept through the canyon, significantly altering the forest structure. While the "emerald cathedral" of old-growth Douglas fir and western red cedar was thinned in sections, the resulting mosaic of scorched snags and vibrant new growth offers a profound lesson in forest ecology. Hikers today witness the resilience of nature: fireweed and elderberry colonising the forest floor, while the towering basalt cliffs—unaffected by the flames—remain as stoic as ever. The trail itself, which was closed for over three years for extensive repairs to bridges and cable railings, has been meticulously restored, allowing safe passage through this rugged terrain.
The experience of walking the Eagle Creek Trail is defined by its "ledge sections." In several places, the path is less than two metres wide, with a vertical rock wall on one side and a sheer drop to the creek on the other. While steel cables are bolted into the rock for safety, the exposure is genuine. This is not a trail for those with severe vertigo, but for the prepared hiker, it offers a perspective on the canyon that is intimate and exhilarating. The culmination of the hike at Tunnel Falls is a bucket-list moment, where the trail disappears into the cliffside, emerging behind the waterfall's roar before continuing toward the equally impressive Twister Falls just a few hundred metres further upstream.
The history of the Eagle Creek Trail is inextricably linked to the development of the Columbia River Highway, the first scenic highway in the United States. In the early 1910s, visionary engineers like Samuel Lancaster and developers like Simon Benson sought to create a "King of Roads" that would rival the great scenic drives of Europe. As part of this grand vision, the United States Forest Service began constructing the Eagle Creek Trail in 1915 to provide recreational access to the canyon's interior. It was the first forest trail in the nation designed specifically for recreation rather than resource management or fire access, marking a pivotal shift in how Americans viewed their wilderness areas.
The construction was an immense undertaking. Workers used dynamite to blast ledges into the vertical basalt walls, and the iconic tunnel behind Tunnel Falls was hand-drilled and blasted through the solid rock. The craftsmanship is still evident today in the stone masonry of the older bridges and the deliberate pacing of the trail's gradient. For decades, Eagle Creek served as the flagship trail of the Pacific Northwest, drawing thousands of visitors who arrived by train or early motorcar to marvel at the "Grand Canyon of the Columbia."
Long before European surveyors arrived, the area was of great importance to the indigenous peoples of the Columbia River, including the Wasco, Wishram, and Sahaptin-speaking tribes. The creek and the surrounding forest provided rich resources, from salmon in the lower reaches to berries and game in the uplands. The 2017 fire, while devastating to modern infrastructure, is part of a much longer cycle of fire and renewal that these landscapes have experienced for millennia. Today, the trail is managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and its ongoing maintenance is a testament to the enduring value placed on public access to these extraordinary natural monuments.
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The Columbia River Gorge creates its own microclimate, often acting as a funnel for weather systems moving between the Pacific Coast and the arid interior of Eastern Oregon. This results in high precipitation and unique seasonal shifts that dramatically change the character of the Eagle Creek Trail.
Spring (March to May): This is the season of maximum hydraulic power. As snow melts in the Hatfield-Jackson Wilderness and spring rains saturate the moss, the waterfalls reach their peak volume. The mist from Tunnel Falls can be felt hundreds of metres away, and the creek turns a vibrant, churning turquoise. Wildflowers, including the endemic Columbia Gorge balsamroot and various species of trillium, begin to carpet the forest floor. However, this is also the wettest time to hike; trails can be muddy, and the cliff sections require extra caution as the rock surfaces become slippery.
Summer (June to August): The most popular time for the trail. The canopy provides welcome shade, and the air temperature in the canyon is often several degrees cooler than in nearby Portland. The water levels drop, making the pools at Punch Bowl Falls popular for a refreshing (though very cold) dip. The risk of thunderstorms is low, but this is the peak season for crowds. Arriving at the trailhead before 7:30 AM is essential to secure a parking space.
Autumn (September to November): As the heat of summer fades, the bigleaf maples and vine maples in the canyon turn brilliant shades of gold and orange. The contrast between the yellow leaves, the dark basalt, and the evergreen Douglas firs is a photographer's dream. Rainfall begins to increase in October, revitalising the waterfalls that may have thinned during the dry summer months. This is arguably the most comfortable time for the long 19.3 km trek.
Winter (December to February): Winter in the Gorge is unpredictable. While the trail is at a low elevation, cold easterly winds can cause "silver thaws"—freezing rain that coats the trail and cables in thick ice. During these periods, the trail becomes extremely dangerous and is often effectively impassable without technical ice gear (crampons and ice axes). However, on mild winter days, the lack of foliage offers clearer views of the canyon's geological structure, and the solitude is profound.
0.0 km to 3.2 km: The Lower Canyon
3.2 km to 7.7 km: The Middle Canyon and High Bridge
7.7 km to 9.6 km: The Ledges and Tunnel Falls
9.6 km to 19.3 km: The Return Journey
Important Notes:
The Eagle Creek Trail is a demanding day hike that requires a moderate level of physical fitness. While the elevation gain is relatively gradual (487 m over nearly 10 km), the total distance of 19.3 km and the uneven, rocky terrain can be taxing on the joints. Hikers should be comfortable walking for 6 to 8 hours and have a steady footing for the narrow cliff sections.
Logistically, the trail is easily accessible from Portland, Oregon. Most hikers base themselves in the city or in the nearby towns of Cascade Locks or Hood River. Because the trailhead parking lot is small and extremely popular, "booking" your arrival time is effectively done by arriving early—ideally before 8:00 AM on weekdays and 7:00 AM on weekends. If the main lot is full, do not park illegally on the entrance road, as towing is frequent and strictly enforced.
This is a day hike requiring no overnight accommodation on the trail itself. Camping is strictly prohibited within the first 12 kilometres of the Eagle Creek Trail to protect the fragile riparian environment and the high-use recreation area. For those wishing to stay nearby, several options exist:
To hike the Eagle Creek Trail, you must have a valid recreation pass displayed in your vehicle. The most common is the Northwest Forest Pass, which costs US$5 for a day or US$30 for an annual pass. This pass covers all National Forest trailheads in Oregon and Washington. Alternatively, the "America the Beautiful" Interagency Pass is also accepted.
Seasonal Day-Use Permits: Due to extreme popularity and the need to manage trail capacity, the U.S. Forest Service has occasionally implemented a seasonal permit system (typically from late May through early September). When active, these permits must be reserved in advance via Recreation.gov for a small processing fee (usually US$2). Always check the official Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area website before your trip to see if a timed-entry permit is required for your specific dates.
Backcountry Permits: If you intend to camp overnight in the wilderness areas beyond the day-hike limits, you must fill out a free self-issue wilderness permit, usually available at the trailhead or at the boundary of the Hatfield-Jackson Wilderness.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Eagle Creek Trail Tunnel Falls (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Eagle Creek Trail Tunnel Falls, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The Columbia River Gorge is a world-class destination for outdoor recreation. Consider these nearby attractions to round out your trip:
Cliff Exposure: The most significant hazard on the Eagle Creek Trail is the sheer drop-offs. In several sections, the trail is narrow with no guardrails, only a cable bolted to the wall. These sections can be terrifying for those with a fear of heights. Always keep to the "wall side" of the trail when passing others, and never run or engage in horseplay near the edges.
Post-Fire Hazards: Although the trail has been cleared, the 2017 fire has left lasting impacts. Be aware of "snags" (standing dead trees) that can fall without warning, especially during high winds. Increased erosion also means that rockfalls are more common. If you hear a loud "crack" or the sound of tumbling rocks, move quickly to a protected area if possible.
Slippery Surfaces: The basalt rock of the Gorge is notoriously slick when wet. Even on a sunny day, the mist from waterfalls can create "black ice" conditions on the trail or make the rocky path feel like walking on grease. Wear footwear with aggressive tread and take short, deliberate steps.
Water Safety: Eagle Creek is fast-moving and cold. While the pools at Punch Bowl Falls look inviting, the current can be deceptive, and the water temperature is low enough to cause cold-water shock even in summer. Never jump from cliffs into the water; submerged logs and rocks shift constantly and have caused numerous spinal injuries and fatalities.
Communication: There is no mobile phone reception once you enter the canyon. If you have an emergency, you will need to rely on other hikers to carry a message out or use a satellite communication device (like a Garmin inReach). Always tell someone your expected return time before you start.
Twister Falls: Located just 300 metres past Tunnel Falls, this is a "must-see" if you have made it that far. The creek makes a sharp 90-degree turn through a narrow flume, creating a unique "twisting" effect. The trail here is particularly dramatic, carved into a vertical wall with a cable handrail.
Punch Bowl Falls Lower Viewpoint: While the main trail stays high, a spur trail leads down to the creek bed. From here, you can see the classic "punch bowl" shape of the falls and the deep emerald pool. It is a much more intimate experience than the high-point overlook, though the trail can be flooded during high water.
The "Potholes": Along the creek, you will notice perfectly circular holes carved into the basalt. These are "potholes" created over centuries by stones caught in eddies, swirling around and grinding into the bedrock. They are fascinating examples of the power of fluvial erosion.
Hatfield-Jackson Wilderness: For those with extra energy, continuing past Twister Falls leads you into the heart of the wilderness. The crowds disappear almost instantly, and the forest becomes denser and more primitive. This is the gateway to the high country of the Columbia River Gorge.
The Eagle Creek Trail is a high-use area that requires every visitor to practice Leave No Trace principles to ensure its survival for future generations. The ecosystem is still recovering from the 2017 fire and is particularly vulnerable to human impact.
Key Responsibilities:
