Tunnel Falls is a popular destination for hikers in Oregon along the Eagle Creek Trail. After the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire the trails have been restored and making a comeback. After reading this blog post you will feel confident going into the hike, where to stay, and what to expect.
Where Is Eagle Creek Located?
From Portland: 40 minutes
From Seattle: 3.5 hours
If you’re visiting Portland the Columbia River Gorge is bound to be a part of what you will want to see. Most visitors will stop and see the infamous Multnomah Falls and won’t want to hike as long as Tunnel Falls in Oregon.
Do I Need A Permit?
In 2022 the state of Oregon requires a permit for the Columbia River Gorge area, which does not include this trailhead. However, many people want to see multiple waterfalls in one day so be sure to buy a permit online ahead of time for $2. These can be reserved up to two weeks in advance and are required in the summer months.
For this trailhead a Northwest Forest Pass is required or you can pay $5 in cash at the trailhead.
The trailhead parking lot is limited at Tunnel Falls Oregon. We arrived at 8:30AM on a Friday in mid-June and had no issues with parking. However, when we got out of the hike there was no parking available in the lot so many people were walking to the street where they had to park.
What To Expect
When visiting this area you will find that many hikers come to hike 2 miles to Punchbowl Falls and go home. Many hikers will not want to hike 12 miles to see Tunnel Falls in Eagle Creek. My visit was intended to see the iconic Tunnel Falls, which is 6 more miles to see .
Milage: 12 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,070 Feet
If you’re afraid of edges, this hike may not be for you. There are many steep cliffs edges. While there are railings that have been built to assist hikers, it is essential you’re aware of this prior to committing to the hike. Especially the Tunnel Falls portion, there are drop offs a couple hundred feet and a very narrow trail. As hikers pass through this section it is imperative that you wait for others as I observed many people uncomfortable with this portion of the trail and there is only room for 1 hiker at a time. Moreover, be cautious, be respectful, and remember that hikers hiking uphill have the right of way!
Hiking In a Burn Area
The Pacific Crest Trail Association did a beautiful job at restoring the trail. We particularly loved the bridges on this trail that were high above the rushing waters of Eagle Creek.
Since the Tunnel Falls in Eagle Creek burned in 2017 that is why you will notice charred trees amongst new fauna below. The forest has made a beautiful recovery, abundant with wildflowers and ferns nearly as tall as me. With that being said, the area still has landslides and changes that may happen, so it is important that you check before you go with local rangers to ensure the trail is open, safe, and accessible for your visit.
In total, this hike took us 6 hours to complete. This is with stopping for lunch at Twister Falls, and stopping to take videos and photographs along the way. It is important to note that good hiking boots are essential for this hike as there is a lot of loose rock. Towards the end of the trail there is a river crossing that would be made easier with trekking poles.
Where To Stay?
If you’re looking to camp, there is a campground right next to the trailhead called Eagle Creek Campground. You’re able to book ahead of time or stay at one of the first come first serve spots.
I stayed in Portland when I was there for this hike as I wanted to visit a new neighborhood. If you’re staying in Portland, that is what I suggest you do as it is a pleasant way to experience the city. I stayed at this Airbnb in Northeast Portland. I was solo traveling so I felt safe and was walking distance to dinner and coffee shops. Lastly, BlueFin Sushi nearby was a great place to have happy hour. Looking to stay in a cabin, visit my blog post with additional ideas to create your perfect PNW adventure!
What To Pack When Hiking Tunnel Falls
This is a long and strenuous hike, so you want to be prepared for anything while your out here! Depending on the time of year that you partake on this hike, that will change what you want to wear.
Hiking Shoes
My go-to hiking boot for all season in Oregon is the Danner 600 Hiking Boot. However, if it is very wet and muddy on the trail I would opt for something more waterproof like the Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GORE-TEX Hiking Boots. Wearing over the ankle hiking boots is essential to have proper support on a long hike like this.
Hiking Socks
Having the right breathable hiking socks for this adventure is essential! Pro tip: pack a clean pair for your backpack so you can put your toes in the water at the top! I love these from Smartwool if your hiking in the spring and summer months. If you hike Tunnel Falls in the late fall and winter I suggest a thicker sock like these Merino Wool Lightweight hiking socks from REI.
The Outfit
Starting with bottoms, I always like to hike in leggings during spring, fall, and winter. Leggings that I like to wear on hikes like this are from Smartwool; breathable and comfortable. On a warm day I prefer hiking in Biker Shorts-keeps me cooler and is great to sweat through! On a rainy day I never leave home without my REI GORE-TEX rain paints!
Trekking poles are wonderful to have depending on your preference! There are quite a few inclines and declines on this trip-I wish I would have brought mine for the trip on the way back to the car.
Jackets
In Oregon fashion, 9 months of the year it is likely that you will encounter rain on the trail! The REI Co-op Rainier Rain jacket is a great shell to wear over your layering systems. If you hike Tunnel Falls in the wintertime, you will want to layer with something warmer like a Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. If it is not raining, I love wearing a fleece pullover to keep me warm-but not too hot!
Backpacks
On this hike, I like to wear a bigger backpack so that I have room to stash my layers, carry a hydration vessel, and pack a lunch. As a photographer I also have camera gear that I like to hike with. At least a 30 liter backpack is preferred for me for a hike like this. The Gregory Packs Jade 33L is my go-to bag. The Gregory Jade 28L pack is also a great alternative-both have pockets for hydration.
Hydration
Having ample hydration for a long hike like this is essential. It is possible to fill up water on this hike, so if that is what you prefer don’t forget to pack your Katadyn Be-Free! If you don’t want to fill up, bring at least 3L of water for a long hike like this. Hydration Reservoirs make drinking water hands free, and easier!
Emergency Devices
Considering the rating on this hike on All Trails, and the duration-it is great practice to be prepared in case of an emergency. There is not cell phone service so keep that in mind! As always, tell somebody where your going before you leave. Having an emergency device such as this one can provide you with satellite service in case of an emergency. Be sure to have an emergency kit in your backpack too!
Sunscreen and Sun Protection
After the Eagle Creek fire, it means a lot of this trail is quite exposed. On sunny days be sure to pack a proper sun hat for this hike. Cotopaxi is my favorite brand of hats to wear in the summer months. They are breathable, don’t hold smell, and you can get them wet. I either opt for a bucket hat or baseball cap! Dont’ forget to pack sunscreen to layer on-I love anything from Kinfield.
Camera Equipment
Don’t leave home without your camera for this hike! It’s truly one of a kind and if photography is your think like it is for me; you will want to have your camera! I’ve got a full list of what I use to get photos like I did on this blog, and for social media.
Inspiration For Future Travel
- Hiking Silver Falls State Park
- Ultimate Guide For Visiting Tillamook
- 29 Adventurous Things To Do In Bend Oregon
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