Eagle Creek
verified
ACA 3C R
High flood risk
Cascade Locks, OR
Big-flow Columbia Gorge canyon with three named waterfall rappels (Skoonichuk, Punchbowl, Metlako). Reopened to canyoneering after the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire.
Trailhead is the Eagle Creek Recreation Area off I-84 exit 41. The hiking trail above the canyon is one of the most heavily used in the Gorge; expect crowds on the rim. Punchbowl Falls jumping has killed people and is enforced as illegal. The 2017 fire torched the surrounding forest; logs and rockfall risk remains elevated.
Logistics
| Manager | USFS Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area |
|---|---|
| Permit | No canyoneering permit required. Reopened post 2017 Eagle Creek Fire; Forest Service rescinded the multi year closure and canyoneers and paddlers can legally access the creek. Jumping Punchbowl Falls remains illegal. |
| Distance | 6.8 RT |
| Elevation | ~640 ft gain on approach, ~470 ft loss on descent, ~100 ft gain on exit |
| Time | 5-9 hr |
| Technical | Grade 3C III R. 3 rappels max 115 ft. Longest is R1 Skoonichuk Falls at 120 ft, then R2 Punchbowl ~65 ft, R3 Metlako 100 ft. Big watershed (~27 sq mi); expect a lot of swimming and 4 jumps from 6 to 15 ft. Cold water year round. |
| Season | Jul-Sep |
| Flood risk | High. Large watershed responds fast to rain; winter and spring flows are dangerous. Use the USGS Eagle Creek gauge to call go or no go. |
| Vehicle access | 2WD |
| Crowd | Absolutely a zoo on summer weekends on the trail; canyoneer parties rare. |
| Coordinates | 45.6408, -121.9268 |
Sources
- ropewiki: https://ropewiki.com/Eagle_Creek