Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake

Central Gorge, Oregon

Eagle Creek (photographer: Michael J Horodyski)

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 to Wahtum Lake. 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.

Begin this hike at Eagle Creek Trailhead and climb steeply up to Wahtum Lake over two days. The first eight miles follows scenic Eagle Creek, coming to a great camping spot. On the second day, the steep trail climbs up to Wahtum Lake, elevation gain 2300'. Camp at Wahtum Lake, then return the way you came.

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

- Hike descriptions were collaboratively written with the generous support of oregonhikers.org. + Read More

Trail Details

Type: Out and back
Distance: 26.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 5310 feet
Difficulty: Expert
Family Friendly: No
Restrooms: Yes
Trailhead Pass: NW Forest Pass
Gorge Trailhead Passes Guide

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Driving Directions

Eagle Creek Trailhead: raveling 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