Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake
Central Gorge, Oregon
alert Trail Alert, Mar 27, 2020: Most trails in the Columbia Gorge are now closed to the public due to the social distancing measures enacted by local and state health officials in Oregon and Washington. Friends of the Columbia Gorge is urging all members of the to public to stay local and give Gorge trails a break. If you can get to a neighborhood recreation spot by walking or biking, even better. Check the U.S. Forest Service, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department or Washington State Parks websites for additional information and breaking updates.

Hike Details
Type:
Out and back
Distance:
26.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:
5310 feet
Difficulty:
Expert
Trail Features
Family Friendly
Family Friendly:
No
Restrooms
Restrooms:
Yes miles round trip
Trailhead Pass
Trailhead Pass:
NW Forest Pass
Gorge Trailhead Passes Guide
Trail Details
WildflowersWildflowersWaterfallWaterfall
Driving Directions
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.

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.