elizabethadventuresblogTunnel Falls is without a doubt the most beautiful, otherwordly waterfall in Oregon’s Columbia Gorge. It is a 172 foot waterfall that plunges into a large bowl-like amphitheater below. The rock walls are covered in lush moss and ferns, giving a beautiful pop of green around the falls. The Eagle Creek trail has dozens of other small waterfalls to enjoy along the trail to Tunnel Falls, making it that much more magical. In this guide I’ll be sharing everything you need to know about hiking to Tunnel Falls from an honest view of the cliffs you walk through to the best time to go. Tunnell falls is the most unique waterfall you will hike, but you need to know what to expect before going.
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Things to Know About Hiking to Tunnel Falls
- This trail has extreme cliffs and drop offs. This hike is not for anyone with major fear of heights or children. There are no railings along the cliffs edge, so be extremely mindful of footing and cautious if its wet out. There are sections with a chain you can hold on to. Take your time and be kind and patient to your fellow hikers also trying to navigate the narrow cliff trail. This mean staking turns letting others pass when necessary.
- Eagle Creek and Tunnel Falls are within a recovering burn area. In 2020, the Eagle Creek Fire tore through the area, causing severe damage and trail closure for years. Always be cautious when entering a recovering burn area like this. Landslides and falling trees are extremely common in these areas, especially after heavy rain.
- The trail to Tunnel Falls is mostly over rock as the trail runs along the cliff edge of the Eagle Creek Canyon. If it is wet out the rocks can be slippery, but the trail is wide enough for two people to pass safely. Make sure you’re wearing proper trail shoes to handle the slick rock and watch your footing as you walk along the trail.
- The Eagle Creek Trail is a beautiful area trying to recover from fire damage, so let’s help protect it. Never carve on trees or rocks as it ruins them and is illegal. Stick to the main trails to protect the already fragile soil and vegetation trying to regrow after the fire. Pack out all your trash.
Leave No Trace Principles
Be sure to know and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on trail. It’s so important to help protect these beautiful places we love and enjoy. Make sure you know these principles before going out on a hike.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Always check for current weather updates and educate yourself on trail conditions prior to starting a hike. Look for recent reviews or call the local ranger station for up-to-date trail information like closures, recent wildlife and road conditions.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trail. Avoid going off trail unless it’s to go to the bathroom. You can capture amazing photos from the trail. Do not cut switchbacks. Stepping off trail can cause years of damage with just one simple step. Camp in exciting campsites rather than over vegetation.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash and food scraps. Never toss food items on the ground. It is harmful to the wildlife. Properly dispose of human waste by digging a cat hole at least 6 inches deep and burying human waste. Bring a wag back to pack it out in fragile alpine terrain. Never leave toilet paper or feminine hygiene products behind. Being a bag and pack them out to dispose of properly. Same goes for dog poop. Properly burry it or pack it back out to dispose of. Do not leave dog poop bags on the side of the trail. They are easy to forget, animals can get into them and other hikers don’t want to see them.
- Leave What You Find: Do not take objects like plant off trail with you. Preserve nature by not marking on rocks or harming any natural objects. Never pick wildflowers. It is illegal in many states.
- Minimize Campfire Impacts: Check and follow all local wildfire regulations. Use exciting fire rings and keep fires small. Put fires out properly by dousing will multiple gallons of water. Coals should be cool to the touch before walking away.
- Respect Wildlife: Never touch, feed or approach wildlife. Give a minimum of 25 yards to all wildlife and a minimum or 100 yard for predators and larger wildlife. Wildlife are not like house pets. They can spook easily or feel threatened. Stay in your car if wildlife is near the road.
- Be Considerate of Others : Respect other hikers by allowing those that hike faster to pass. Uphill hikers have the right of way, so safely step aside for them to pass, unless they offer to stop first. Limit noise and use headphones. Keep groups under 8. Say hello to a fellow hiker!
Tunnel Falls Location
The trailhead to Tunnel Falls is located off Interstate 84 in the Columbia River Gorge. It is located between Bonneville Dam and Cascade Locks off exit 41. Turn onto NE Eagle Creek Loop and the trailhead is at the end of the road. Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls is a popular trailhead and the parking lot will fill quickly on weekends and nice days. Plan to go early or wait for a spot to open up.
Best Time of Year to Hike to Tunnels Falls
The trail is open year-round, but the best time to hike waterfalls is fall through winter. Waterfalls have the strongest flow after it rains or during the spring snow melt. If you want to see this waterfall at its strongest, going after a period of steady rain or in the spring is the best. Another bonus to going when the water will be flowing the strongest is the side waterfalls. I counted over 20 waterfalls along this hike because of heavy water flow when I went. The trail follows a creek so there are countless seasonal waterfalls that appear with heavy water flow. It is special getting to see so many!
Tunnel Falls via Eagle Creek Trail Info
Distance: 13.6 miles round trip
Elevation: 2,362 feet
Trail: Out and back
Difficulty: Hard
Pass/Permit: Northwest Forest Pass
The Eagle Creek Trail is a gradual climb the entire way. It starts through the forest with a nice trail. The trail meanders along the rocky cliffs, but it isn’t a drastic cliff until farther along in the hike. As you hike, be sure to keep your eyes open for waterfalls along the way. There will be seasonal falls along the opposite cliffside as well as small falls along the creek itself. The trail passes by Punch Bowl Falls, which is a popular hike as well, where many people turn around.
After Punch Bowl Falls the trail really begins to have more narrow cliff sections. There will be two bridge crossings with narrow cliff walks (pictured below). There is a small creek crossing at Wy’east Falls, but there are plenty of logs and rocks to pass over it without getting wet. This is where waterproof shoes really come in handy though.
Continue walking after Wy’east Falls until you come around a corner and see Tunnel Falls in all its glory. It’s such a reward to finally spot it and it’ll truly take you breath away! The trail is very narrow and an extremely long drop into the bowl of Tunnel Falls, so walk carefully as you approach.
After you’ve walked through the tunnel and taken in the views of Tunnel Falls, be sure to continue just a little farther around the corner to the top of Twister Falls. It is a beautiful add on and a great spot to sit on a rock next to the creek and take a snack break. There aren’t many areas likes this on the narrow trail, so enjoy it. If you’re lucky you’ll even spot a rainbow above the falls while you snack. The trail continues on and many people backpack farther up. If you don’t plan to camp or venture farther this is the best place to turn around and head back to the trailhead.
What to Bring Hiking to Tunnel Falls
The 10 Essentials
No matter the length of difficulty of a hike, you should always carry a backpack with the 10 essentials. You can learn more about these item in my “The 10 Essentials” guide. This hike is a more difficult hike and if there were an emergency and you had to get help on trail you will want to have these items on hand. Plus you can always help a fellow hiker in need.
Backpack
Every person hiking should always have their own backpack with water and supplies. Never rely on someone else to carry your gear because if there is an emergency everyone should be individually prepared. I like to use one between 25-28L so I have plenty of room for food and layers. I have the Gregory Jade 28 and the REI Trail 25.
Water and Electrolytes
It’s so important to stay hydrated hiking, no matter the time of the year, therefore back plenty of water. Plan to have one liter of water per 2 hours of hiking. There are a few streams you can filter water at if you bring a filter, but plan to pack plenty of water. I also bring electrolyte snacks on every hike I go on. I like using my bladder to make sure I’m consuming enough water since it’s easier to drink from. A large water bottle is a great option if you don’t like bladders.
Hiking Shoes
Always wear proper shoes when hiking. This means trail runners or hiking boots because they will provide the best traction over rocks and loose terrain. Sandals and tennis shoes are not great footwear for the trail. This trail can be wet and rocks will be slick. Water proof shoes are best if the trail is wet.
Technology
If you have the means, it’s so important to carry a satellite communications device with you on trail. This will allow you to get ahold of emergency services should you need it but also communicate with friends or family off trail. I also use a Garmin watch to track mileage and elevation on the trail so I can properly determine where I am on the hike.
Reminders
- This area was greatly damaged during the Eagle Creek Fire and is a recovering burn zone. Know the dangers of hiking through here, especially after heavy rains. Be aware of your surroundings for falling trees or land slides and know if there is a new hazard it may not be safe to continue until it can be properly cleared.
- Make sure you are comfortable with hiking across a narrow ridge for a large amount of the trail because this trail has large drop offs. The farther you go the higher the cliff becomes and in places narrower as well, but there is a chain you can use. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes as mentioned above to make sure you have good footing over slick rock.
- Always practice Leave No Trace Principles on trail and leave it better than you found it. Never carve on rocks or trees.
I hope this guide helps you get to Tunnel Falls! If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!
Happy Hiking,
Elizabeth
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Other Waterfall Hikes
Be sure to check out my guides below for more waterfall hikes in Oregon.
