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Tunnel Falls

Cascade Locks, Oregon

4.4/5
based on 10 reviews

Details

Distance

11.87 miles

Elevation Gain

2874 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Michael Matti

Tunnel Falls is a unique tunnel behind a beautiful waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. Pass several other waterfalls while you hike through lush forests a trail built into the cliffside.

This hike begins at the Eagle Creek Trailhead. This is the same trailhead that goes to popular Punchbowl Falls. The trail to reach Tunnel Falls is 12 miles roundtrip on an out and back trail. If you continue another 0.5 miles on the trail after Tunnel Falls you will reach Twister Falls. The hike takes you past several other waterfalls on the way to Tunnel Falls including: Punchbowl Falls, Metlako Falls, Loowit Falls, and Skoonichuck Falls. The hike also goes along a cliff and is literally built into the side of the cliff at some points. There is a railing to hold onto for peace of mind.

The most unique part about Tunnel Falls is the tunnel behind the falls. You can also do some exploring at the base of Tunnel Falls if you make your way down the steep embankment before you get to the tunnel.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall

Tunnel Falls Reviews

One of my favorite hikes! Minimal effort for epic rewards!

This is one of the best trails in The Gorge. If you like somewhat narrow cliff trails with intermixed spots of forest, this is the place to go. One of the best runs of my life was on this trail on rainy, 40˚ morning in March, there was no-one else on it on the way out and with less vegetation you could see the falls better. I turned around at Tunnel Falls but there's plenty of more trail if you want it. I don't recommend stopping long in those temps though because you can get cold pretty quickly with just running layers on.

Wouldn't say it's an advanced hike...we did it in four hours with a stop at the river just beyond the tunnel. Everyone from Portland will be here on a sunny day. Not for people afraid of heights!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hike to Mossy Grotto Falls

Ruckel Ridge Loop

Metlako & Punchbowl Falls

Backpack the Mark. O Hatfield Wilderness Via Eagle Creek

Ruckel Creek Falls

Wahclella Falls