Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls - Member Hike

Hike Name: Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls
Country: United States
State: Oregon
Nearby Town: Portland, OR
Rating: 4 stars
Directions: This fall is located along the Eagle Creek trail in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic area. Driving east along Interstate 84, exit at the Eagle Creek exit, one mile past the Bonneville Dam exit (immediately after a short tunnel). The parking area is only accessible to eastbound traffic (if you are driving west, exit and turn around at Exit 40 (Bonneville Dam), then to return to your westbound direction, do the same at Cascade Locks). Turn right at the first stop and proceed to the trailhead in about 1/2 mile. Park and begin up the very creatively constructed trail. In places, the cliffs have been blasted out so that the trail could bypass several deep canyons. At about 1.7 miles, the Lower Punch Bowl Trail branches off to the right (a short distance passed Sorenson Creek). Follow this moderately steep trail down for 1/5 mile to the rocky beach between Punch Bowl and Lower Punch Bowl Falls. To see the classic view of the falls, head to the far end of the rocky beach, and wade out into the creek, looking up the narrow gorge to the falls. For a view from the upper viewpoint, return to the main trail, and continue for about 1/10 mile to the fenced viewpoint high above the creek.
Total Hike Distance: 4.00 miles
Hike Difficulty: Easy
Permit Required: No
Hike Type: One-Way, Shuttle Hike
Hike Starts: Trail Head
Hike Ends: Trail Head
Trails Used: Trail
Backcountry Campsites: No
Backcountry Water Sources: Rivers
Management: None
Contact Information: Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls
Best Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Users: Hikers
Road Conditions: Primary Paved Roads, Secondary Paved Roads
Hike Summary: This is a very popular place to go so just be prepared for that. If you are looking to be alone this probably isn't the hike for that. Since it is so close to Portland many people do this hike. The hike to Punchbowl Falls gently climbs along the Eagle Creek Trail. The hike climbs up above Eagle Creek, then you descend down to the falls. And there you will see the falls and punchbowl like effect which I always love to see. The water in the punchbowl is just so powerful that I really think it is a site to see. Enjoy the hike out and back style and say hello to other fellow hikers!

Map:

Hiker:

CarleyLouWho


7,750 points


Recommended


Trip Reports

There are no Trip Reports yet.


Comments

There are no comments yet.

Leave a Reply