The Columbia River Gorge to Tunnel Falls

Portland is home to some of the most beautiful hiking you will ever experience. The conditions here are unlike anywhere else, which ultimately leads to outstanding plant-life and scenery that is truly one of a kind. If you're looking for a healthy dose of everything - wildlife, waterfalls, heights, forestation, streams, endless photo opportunities, campgrounds, hiking mileage and more....then look no further.

From the Eagle Creek Trailhead, travel down the path as it navigates high above the gorge floor through moss covered forests. Enjoy the amazing plant life over the next 1.5 miles as you approach the spur trail to our first waterfall, the 101 foot Metlako Falls. There is a side stop here if you want to steal a closer view. As easy as it may be, try not to spend all day here as the best views are yet to come!

Continue down the path for another half mile until you reach your second viewpoint - the unique 35 foot Punchbowl Falls. Here, you can also find a slight path downhill that will give you an excellent view. Be wary, though, this is a very popular hike during most seasons and you should expect company.

After soaking in the views, enjoy a true Oregon hike through heavily forested areas until you reach Loowit Falls at the 3.3 Mile mark. This stunning 90 foot waterfall can be found just before reaching High Bridge, a footbridge that sits 120 feet above the gorges most narrow and fastest running section. Soon, you will pass (you guessed it!) another waterfall, the 70 foot Skoonichuck Falls. Continue the walk as you'll pass over the gorge for a second and final time crossing over the aptly named "Four and a Half Mile Bridge" as it is located 4.5 miles into the journey. This bridge sits just 4 feet above the gorge. Just after the bridge, if you go after a good rain you will find Wy'East Falls. There is a possible bushwhack that will lead you to a better view.

Just as you start losing yourself lost in thought, wondering "are we there yet?", you will come across a unique section of the trail commonly known as "The Potholes". You will know them when you see them, as the ground is comprised of rock that is bowl shaped, thus appearing to be potholes. Then, as you hit the 6 mile mark, you will suddenly find the 175 foot incredible Tunnel Falls. The most amazing feature of this waterfall is that the trail itself walks behind the waterfall through a tunnel. Come out on the other side to find another view of this jaw dropping feat of nature.

From here, you can turn back and head home...but it is worth noting that just half a mile away is the 200 foot Twister Falls. The path from Tunnel to Twister is just as famous as the waterfall, known as "Vertigo Mile", because it is the most dramatic section of the hike due to its vertical rise above the gorge floor.