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October 2006: Determination pays off |
Any photographer familiar with Punchbowl Falls is also familiar with the tree that fell in front of the falls a number of years ago, obscuring the view (Scroll down for an earlier photo of the tree). A deep channel of water prevents easy access to better views. After one failed attempt, I managed to get past the obstacle for some fresh views of this famous Oregon waterfall. |
The autumn colors were exploding along Eagle Creek during this trip. Punchbowl Falls is a bit more aesthetic when the flow is lower. In the spring, so much water flows through the falls, the delicate detail is lost. |
This wide shot gives a little better idea of the terrain around Punchbowl Falls. The falls are in a small steep-walled bowl. |
Metlako Falls is just downstream from Punchbowl Falls. I'm not sure why I hadn't photographed these falls before... The viewing area is just a few yards off the main path. I think a lot of people hike right by this pretty waterfall, never realizing it's there. The view isn't the best though, I had to use a 200mm lens to get this shot. |
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May 2006: Another hike up Eagle Creek |
This waterfall is about a quarter mile upstream from High Bridge (about 4 miles from the trailhead). |
A steep side trail leads up from Eagle Creek 3000ft to the Benson Plateau. Along the way, you get a good feel for just how large the walls of the inner canyon are. |
A couple hikers pass above the roaring Eagle Creek. |
This wall of ferns and moss is a typical example of the landscape just above the creek level. |
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March 2004: Overnight at 7 mile camp |
This was a rather hastily planned trip to meet some friends who were camping at 7 mile camp... which is about 7 miles from the Eagle Creek trailhead. |
It got rather dark by the time I reached 7 mile camp, and I couldn't find them. So, I camped on the trail, and found them in the morning. We had a nice cool sunny morning for the hike out. It might be interesting to compare this photo with one below taken from the same vantage point. |
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November 2003: A quick trip to Punchbowl Falls |
Punchbowl falls is about two miles up the Eagle Creek trail. This is one of the most-photographed waterfalls in Oregon, though it seems to have become a little less popular since a large tree fell in the waterfall, partially obscuring the view. I kind of like the tree actually. |
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April 2003: A 30 mile loop: PCT->Whatum Lake->Eagle Creek |
When I hiked the PCT in 1999, I hiked north into Cascade Locks via the Eagle Creek Trail. Generally, the Eagle Creek Trail is a more scenic trail - passing a number of waterfalls along the way. But the PCT in this section has its merits too. It was a bit rainy & snowy on the first day, so I didn't get too many distant views. This photo is along the PCT, about 3000ft elevation, a few miles south of the Columbia River. |
The PCT & Eagle Creek junction is at Whatum Lake - about halfway through this 31 mile loop. I lost the trail in the snow near Whatum Lake and spend an hour post-holeing through a mucky swamp while the sleet poured down... I nearly forgot to take a photo of the lake. This isn't the best photograph, but it does show what Whatum Lake looks like in the spring. |
This beautiful cascade was pouring into Eagle Creek. There are a number of waterfalls along Eagle Creek, but it turned sunny on the second day, so the conditions weren't the best for photos. |
These small mushrooms were growing on a fallen log along the trail. Trees only complete a small portion life cycle while they're standing and growing. They're just as important to the ecology and beauty of the forest when they're fallen and rotting on the forest floor. |
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November 2002: To Tunnel Falls & back |
Eagle Creek always makes a good day-trip. It's a very flat & scenic 6 miles to Tunnel Falls. I think this hike is best in the rainy gloom (which is a good part of the year in this area). Of course, I've never been there on a sunny day. This particular waterfall is formed by a creek flowing down the bank opposite Eagle Creek. |
The low clouds and mix of occasional sun, mist and rain made for some interesting landscapes. |
Tunnel falls is of course a highlight of this trail. If you scroll down this page, you'll see another photo of this waterfall. The water-level was a bit lower this time! |
The rain held-off for the hike to Tunnel falls, but we got pretty wet on the way back. |
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April 2002: Overnight at 7 mile camp |
I headed down to Eagle Creek as part of a group of 6. This waterfall is about a half-mile past Tunnel Falls. There are good camping areas about 7 miles from the trailhead. |
Tunnel Falls is about 6 miles up the Eagle Creek trail. The trail is blasted through a tunnel behind the waterfall. It had rained heavily the previous night, and the water was raging! |
The trail is cut high into the canyon wall for a good part of the way. |
It was dry for the hike in, but it absolutely poured overnight. Everyone else in our group got flooded during the night. I managed to stay dry by moving my camp in the dark. |
Where is it? The trailhead for Eagle Creek is just off I-84 in Oregon, a few miles west of Cascade Locks. |
Before you go... You'll need a NW Forest Pass to park at the trailhead. This is a very popular trail, so it might be more enjoyable if you get there early. Also, be advised there have been a number of car break-ins at the trailhead. |
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