We did a 11 mile in and out hike to Tunnel falls which are the most beautiful waterfalls we have ever seen. Hike is not that bad with some steep sections. The Tunnel falls have a small tunnel behind them which you can pass thru which makes it one of a kind waterfall in the world. The falls are lush grren with a lot of foliage and fern around them.
This was a 12 mile hike (round trip) through beautiful country, winding along or above Eagle Creek. There were lots of waterfalls, bridges, and rocks. I loved it! I had read most people turn back after Punchbowl Falls which is 2 miles in but there were a lot of fellow hikers on the path to Tunnel Falls. Punchbowl was beautiful. We didn't swim up for a closer look but I would of liked to. We went on July 4th and it was crowded, we had known it would be, everyone was friendly and moved around so we could all photograph it without people in the shot. The next few miles go through such different terrain. At times its so lush you feel like you might need a knife to cut a path, then its steep rocks above & below the path it gives you vertigo, then your crossing a bridge high above the creek. There were lots of waterfalls off the path, places to sit for a water break and cool flowers to admire. Soon we were exhausted walking over the rocks and it felt like we were never going to make it and then we saw Tunnel Falls! So amazing, being able to walk through behing the waterfall was awesome. I have no fear of heights so I didn't hold on the chain on the other side. But the path is wet from mist from the falls. The hike back was much faster and I felt accomplished when we got back to our car. Awesome hike!
I have seen a lot of natural falls, even Niagara Falls, and in my mind these falls have to be one of the prettiest falls I have ever seen! A must see, as if your in the area, and if your not, these falls are well worth the trip!!
I have done this hike many times and each If yotime it takes my breath away. It is 6+ miles (one way) to Tunnel Falls which is an amazing tunnel behind a breathtaking waterfall. There are several other waterfalls on the way to Tunnel which families and non-hikers can enjoy. Sadly, this trail is over-loved. WAY too many people on the weekends. The trail has spots which are VERY narrow with a sheer cliff on one side. I do not bring my dog with me because of the hordes of people who bring their unleashed dogs which are aggressive/bad mannered. Every year, dogs fall off this trail. People too. Lots of broken ankles every summer. It can be VERY SLICK and the walking surface can be very rocky and uneven. If you are going all the way to tunnel falls, you will cross several creeks, so be prepared to balance on rocks/logs to get across. Please, if you are going to do this trail, please come prepared. Bring water, wear hiking shoes, etc. Even though the parking lot is jam packed, it doesn't mean this trail is safe for everyone.
The Eagle Creek Trail is a GREAT hike. Eagle creek has many wonderful waterfalls. So this will need to be a regular hike. The water flow changes during the seasons so each bridge or walk-over rocks present excitement each time you visit. Wear some good shoes, hiking boots are best if you are walking more than 1 mile. Going to Tunnel Falls takes about 3 hours so do not be discourages. Many people were turning around after the High Bridge but another 45 minutes should let you reach tunnel falls. I like to take a walking stick if I hike past High Bridge. The walking stick(s) make the trip down less stressful on your toes. Some parts of the trail are on rough volcanic rock but consider the color, shape, and formation of this natural material - it changes consistently on the Eagle Creek Trail.
We hiked to the high bridge, about seven miles if you make a drop to the bunch bowl falls, which you should. Countless waterfalls and a very gradual grade. My second favorite in the nw, next to skyline ar mt ranier.
Went up Eagle Creek with my sister and brother-in-law to show them some of the best that the Columbia Gorge has to offer. We hiked the whole thing, past waterfall after waterfall, about 15 miles total counting the side trips. In some places, the trail is narrow and cut into nearly (or truly) vertical rock walls. If you "don't do edges" (as one guy said), there isn't anything for you past the first half-mile. But the first half-mile had a beautiful creek and eagle family feeding young ones! We went on a sunny Saturday in August, so the crowds were as memorable as the views.
Whether you want to hike the full length of the trail, or just hike to Punch Bowl (which is what I usually do) this is one of the more lovely trails in the Columbia River Gorge, though I'd have to say there are many. I would call this a moderate trail. It's not easy, but not difficult either. There is one part where you have to hold on to a chain fastened to the side of the trail to walk around it - at one time I thought it was scary, but no more, and I'm a lot older now. Check it out on one of the many on line trail guides and see what you think. I would not recommend swimming in Punch Bowl unless you really like feeling like a Popsicle, but you will see a few idiots jumping from the top into the bowl. There are occasional drownings there also so be aware and be smart!
I hiked there last week, the view is amazing and the trail is epic, I hiked to Punch Powell waterfall the lower part and the top part, i wouldn't recommend taking children with you on this trail because it gets narrow next to a steep fall, all on all i would hike there again in a blink of an eye
You can customize this hike to be as long as you want as it's an out and back. We went all the way to Tunnel Fall and our GPS said we hiked 15.5 miles RT. The hike itself was easy. Not a lot of elevation gain. There were places where the trail was slick and there were steep drops, but they had ropes in those sections to hold onto. It was worth going all the way to tunnel fall. You can walk behind the falls and it's the largest fall on the trail. We went after a large rainfall and there were a number of stream crossings, so I would recommend you take your poles and gaiters to stay dry.