Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls

Central Gorge, Oregon

Hiking behind Tunnel falls (photographer: Debbie Asakawa)

Trail Features

Wildflowers
Waterfall

Trail Description Driving Directions

Trail Alert, Jul 6, 2017: July 6, 2017: A wildfire in the Upper Eagle Creek area has closed the Eagle Creek trail (#440) starting at the boundary with Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness (to the north) and extending south to its terminus at the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. This includes a portion of the trail leading Tunnel Falls. The Forest Service's Alerts & Notices page has up-to-date information about the closure.

May 11, 2017: This is not a dog-friendly trail because of steep cliffs. Two dogs have died here recently so please keep your dog at home.

As the name implies, your path will pass through a tunnel behind Tunnel Falls. Consider as you enter the tunnel, the work required to build this. The path was completed in the 1910s and has been virtually unchanged since! The falls drop from the bluffs above to the creek bed below, then downstream into the main Eagle Creek run. The years have carved out a striking amphitheater here. It is a breathtaking area, and easily the climax of your trip.

This trail enters the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness at approximately 5 miles south of the trailhead. Wilderness restrictions apply. + Read More

Trail Details

Type: Out and back
Distance: 12 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 1640 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Family Friendly: No
Restrooms: Yes
Trailhead Pass: NW Forest Pass
Gorge Trailhead Passes Guide

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Driving Directions

Eagle Creek Trailhead: Traveling eastbound on I-84, take Exit #41. At the bottom of the ramp turn right. Go about 1/2 mile to the end of the road. You will go past a footbridge (that takes hikers up to Wauna Viewpoint) as the road narrows to one lane. Continue a short ways to a large parking lot; park only in designated spaces. NW Forest Pass required. Coming from the east, there is no westbound exit at Exit #41/Eagle Creek. You must continue on I-84 and get off at Exit #40/Bonneville Dam, get back on the interstate and head east for one mile to Exit #41. At the bottom of the ramp turn right. Go about 1/2 mile to the end of the road. You will go past a footbridge (that takes hikers up to Wauna Viewpoint) as the road narrows to one lane. Continue a short ways to a large parking lot; park only in designated spaces. NW Forest Pass required. + Read More

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