Walk through a mystical, moss covered cave behind a gushing waterfall. You need to add the Tunnel Falls Trail in Oregon to your bucket list! Transport to the heart of the Columbia River Gorge and you’ll feel like you’re starring in “The Last of the Mohicans” as lush forests and waterfalls surround you.
I’ve had Tunnel Falls on my list for many years now and I finally got to accomplish this trail. I knew that this waterfall would blow me away, 🤯 but I didn’t expect the entire hike to be so dreamy! As we went, we counted the waterfalls along the creek and we ended up losing count.
If you are in the Portland area or spending some time in the Columbia River Gorge, then you need to do this hike!
I’ve created this post so that you are prepared for the hike to Tunnel Falls. It has everything you need 📝 including what to expect, when to go, and how to get there. You’ll be ready to hit the trails in no time!
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Table of Contents
Planning Your Hike At Tunnel Falls
Quick Hike Info
Distance: 12.2 miles
Elevation: 2100 feet elevation
Type: Out and back
Length: 5.5-7 hours
Difficulty: Hard (long trail with steep drop offs)
Tunnel Falls Location
Tunnel Falls is conveniently located at just 40 minutes from Portland, Oregon in the Columbia River Gorge scenic area or 3.5 hours from Seattle . If you are visiting this area, then you may want to stop and see other falls as well.
I recommend doing the waterfalls along the gorge like Multnomah or Latourell on a different day. If you intent to hike all the way to Tunnel Falls, then it will take you around 6 hours or more to complete!
What to Expect
🔥 Eagle Creek was home to a large wildfire in 2017. The Pacific Crest Trail Association worked to restore this area as it’s home to part of the larger thru hike. That being said you will still see burned trees among the bright green trees.
😬 If you have a serious fear of heights you may want to avoid this trail. There are narrow pathways along steep cliffs. You have to pass people on these narrow portions. That being said, my husband has a fear of heights and he did not find it hard.
🪨 This area also has frequent landslides. One happened while we were out on the trail! So, be careful and check for trail closures.
🥾 That being said, lots of the rocks can be slick and slippery. So, make sure to wear good shoes for the hike through the forest.
👣 Although this trail is long it isn’t particularly steep. But, just know it will take a long time and you should be reasonably fit.
How to Get to Tunnel Falls Oregon
Luckily, it’s very straightforward to get to the Tunnel Falls trail, because it’s located right off of i-84, the highway that follows the Columbia River. You may want to leave yourself more time if you’re visiting on a beautiful day, because this road can get heavily trafficked.
If you’re using GPS, you will plug in “Eagle Creek Trailhead” and then follow the directions from there. 🗺
Take i-84 East from Portland about 40 miles. Then, you’ll see exit 41 for the Fish Hatchery/Eagle Creek. Take that exit and then turn right on NE Eagle Creek Lane where you will see numerous parking areas for the Eagle Creek Trail. 🅿️ The one at the end of the road is closest to the start of the hike, but any of them will work.
Things to Know Before You Go
💵 Parking at the Eagle Creek trailhead is $5 per vehicle a day. you can also use an interagency pass like the America the Beautiful Pass or a Northwest Forest Pass.
🌧 This area is frequently rainy. Make sure to bring waterproof clothing and be careful when walking. The trail can get slippery in places, which is why they have chains you can hold onto.
⛺️ There are multiple backcountry camping locations along the Eagle Creek Trail. You will need to get a wilderness permit, which are self issued at the boundary for this wilderness area.
🐻 There are mountain lions in the area and there was even warning about a recent sighting when we hiked this trail. So, be vigilant and watch out for wildlife.
🦮 Pets are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. Because of the steep cliffs on this trail, dogs fall every year.
⚠️ This trail is open year round, but because it’s so rocky there are possible landslides. There was a landslide that happened while we were hiking, which was crazy to see! So be very careful.
🍃 Remember to follow the Leave No Trace Principles. As always, you want to leave nature looking better than you found it.
Best Time to Hike Tunnel Falls
Tunnel Falls is wonderful year round. However, most people hike this trail from spring through fall when temperatures are higher. Just know that it does get very crowded on weekends in the summer.
Hike this in the late spring or early summer to see the waterfalls gushing. 💦
Start early in the day to avoid crowds and get parking! ⏰ When we got there around 10 am, people were circling the parking lots to try and find a spot.
What to Pack for Your Hike
It’s important to wear good shoes and waterproof clothing for your hike to Tunnel Falls in Eagle Creek. This trail gets a lot of rain 💧 and the rocks can be incredibly slick. You’ll want good shoes that have traction.
Also, pack all of your safety gear like a first aid kit ⛑ and satellite phone, just in case. While we were out on the hike, a landslide happened on the trail! At the end, we had to walk over the fallen tree. It was a reminder that emergencies do happen, so it’s best to be prepared.
Tunnel Falls Packing List
- Comfortable Hiking Boots
- Day Pack
- Hiking poles
- Water Reservoir
- 2-3 Liters of Water
- Lifestraw
- Snacks and Food
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen
- Bug Spray
- Rain jacket
- Base Layer
- Hiking Pants/Bottoms
- Satellite phone
- Portable Charger
- Camera Clip
- Downloaded AllTrails Map
Backpacking at Tunnel Falls & Eagle Creek
We saw a number of people headed out to backpack Eagle Creek while we were hiking. I totally understand why people camp there. ⛺️ It’s a wonderful forested area with a number of spots that would be very peaceful places to stay the night.
You can camp along this trail as soon as you pass High Bridge at 3 miles in. Lots of people stay at various spots along the way. At around mile 5, you will enter the Mark O Hatfield wilderness and you will need to get a free permit at the trailhead.
I hope to return one day and backpack here, because it seems like a wonderful place to spend the night.
Detailed Tunnel Falls Oregon Hike Guide
Walking along the Eagle Creek trail felt like we were walking through an enchanted forest. With moss covered cliffs 🌱 and endless waterfalls. That being said, the trail is narrow, rocky, and can be slippery. If you bring kids or a dog, take extra care to keep them on the path!
Punchbowl Falls
Eagle Creek trail follows the left side of a cliff through what feels like a magical landscape. ✨ This path is fairly narrow, so you’ll want to stick closer to the mossy walls and there are various areas that have chains and rails for your extra safety.
Along the way, you will see plenty of gorgeous waterfalls. They vary from small little trickles to thunderous cascades that flow into the creek below. It seriously feels like there are countless falls!
After a little over 2 miles in, you will see Punchbowl Falls below to your right. This waterfall is a destination in itself. It falls into a round bowl with deep turquoise waters and is a gorgeous spot. 😍 It’s a great place to take a break before continuing on!
Through the Tunnel
Continue following the path, where you will cross the creek a couple of times. Both spots have bridges that are well made and are stunning areas that allow you to see down the walls through the creek. I was mesmerized by the water under us.
Again, you will pass a number of falls and will truly feel like they never end! At 6 miles in, you will finally see Tunnel Falls. 🙌🏻 This cascade roars over a mossy cave that you can walk behind. You’ll feel as if you’ve entered an enchanted world.
There may be a few other people at Tunnel Falls, but you will still have plenty of space to enjoy the falls and the cave. I walked through it a handful of times, because I could not get over the unique formation!
Twister Falls
You can turn around at Tunnel Falls, but if you continue on just a little further, you’ll see another fantastic waterfall- Twister Falls. The path to Twister Falls follows a cliff again on a narrow ledge. So, take your time and go slowly to this spot.
Different streams of water seem to twist over each other, which is probably where it gets its name. I loved this waterfall and was super happy to have continued on! It’s also a great spot for a lunch break.
From there, you just turn back the way you came to go back to the start.
Final Tips on Hiking Tunnel Falls
It’s important to know what you’re getting into before you attempt to hike Tunnel Falls Oregon. This trail has narrow paths, steep drop offs, and is fairly long at 12 miles total. So, if you are not in condition to do this hike, then you may want to just do Punchbowl Falls and back.
However, if you feel up to it, then pack plenty of water and be prepared for rain. It’s one of the most unreal hikes that I’ve ever done. 🤩 You’ll fall in love with this beautiful waterfall and trail!
Let me know if you enjoyed this trail guide in the comments!
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Great guide! Another waterfall that’s been on my list for awhile. Also, Twister Falls looks so cool!
Since I don’t live out that way, do you have any other trail recommendations in the area?! I’d love to make a long weekend trip out of it.
Yes there are so many! First of all you can do all the waterfalls along the waterfall corridor including Multnomah Falls, Latourell, and Bridal Veil. Then, you can cross the river and do Panther Creek Falls and Fall Creek Falls or go a little further to do Tamanawas Falls. Hope that helps!