One Of The Best Hikes In Oregon Climbs Dizzying Cliffs To Spectacular Waterfalls

If you're only going to do one big hike on your trip to Portland, why not go for one of the most beautiful hikes in Oregon? On the Eagle Creek Trail, you'll experience the soaring majesty of the scenic Columbia River Gorge's dramatic basalt cliffs by clinging to them on a trail that was blasted out of the rock in 1915. Don't worry; the Eagle Creek Trail is more awe-inspiring than scary, with numerous waterfalls to look forward to.

The trailhead — around 45 minutes from downtown Portland — is surrounded by pretty picnic areas and a shady campground. The drama begins almost immediately, as the first section of the trail is carved out of those black basalt cliffs, with a sheer drop-off that plunges into a leafy green abyss. Chain link hand railings are set into the rock wall, but you're better off clutching your hiking poles for balance and choosing your footing carefully over the rocky, uneven path, which is plenty wide for safety, so long as you take care not to take a wild tumble. Needless to say, this isn't a hike to attempt when there's morning frost, and it definitely is not the best hike for children.

The devastating 2017 Eagle Creek Fire was started here by a teenager playing with fireworks. The trail reopened in 2021, and today, it's remarkable to observe how nature has come roaring back to life in full force, blanketing the steep canyon in fresh green foliage, the spindly black spires of burned Douglas Fir trees the only indication that this area was once more densely forested.

The Eagle Creek Trail climbs consistently, never steep enough to be lung-searing but still enough to experience a continuous sense of effort. This only makes the sights all that much more rewarding. The waterfalls you'll see along this hike are so numerous and varied that it's impossible to name-check all but the greatest hits. After 2 miles (and climbing over 500 feet), you'll arrive at the trail junction for Punch Bowl Falls. Although there's an overlook up ahead, it's worth taking the short, steep spur trail down to the water. It's a place to while away an afternoon, and not so far that you can't carry in a few toys, like a book, a picnic blanket, and a fancy lunch — these ultralight Platypus flexible wine bottles are fantastic for packing a whole 750ml of your favorite vintage along for the adventure.

If you're moving on, pack light, as it's another mile and 400 feet of elevation to the next awe-inspiring trail feature — High Bridge (you'll have peek-a-boo glimpses of other falls along the way, too). This narrow bridge with a reassuringly high railing looks straight down the narrow canyon at the roiling creek flowing 120 feet below you. After High Bridge, you'll see campsites on either side of the trail; you're now entering overnight backpacking range.

Four and a Half Mile Bridge crosses Eagle Creek at a lovely swimming hole, and if the water at Punchbowl Falls seemed too cold to brave, you might be warmed up enough now to join the bathers sunning themselves on the small rocky beach. By now, you'll likely see more backpacks than daypacks, as this is one of the best weekend backpacking trips in the Beaver State.

After 6 miles, you'll reach dramatic Tunnel Falls, which plunges 172 feet over a sheer basalt cliff. The constant mist from the falls feeds an electric green vertical garden of moss and ferns, forming a brilliant amphitheater around the roaring white froth. A tunnel passes behind the falls, and the best views are to be had on the other side.

Tunnel Falls is the hardy day hiker's turn-around point. However, you can make a blissful overnight backpacking excursion out of this trip. Up ahead, after a couple more picturesque waterfalls — one with an inviting, sun-warmed slab you'll want to stretch out on — you'll reach Seven and a Half Mile Camp, a series of campsites in a creekside wooded fairyland, where you can pitch a tent or string a hammock up between the trees. In the morning, you can continue up to Eagle Creek's headlands at jewel-like Wahtum Lake and the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail. When you arrive mid-day, you'll have hiked 12.75 miles from the trailhead and gained around 5,000 feet, so congratulations are in order. The trip down will make for an easy third day, with time left to explore the rest of the Columbia River Gorge's waterfalls. You deserve it.