Tunnel Falls Oregon Hike Guide
Tunnel Falls is a popular waterfall hike located in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon. The hike follows the Eagle Creek trail and passes many beautiful cascades and waterfalls before reaching one of the most unique waterfalls in Oregon. The name of this hike comes from the actual tunnel that hikers travel through to get past the waterfall and to the other side. This is a family friendly hike for those hikers who can handle the longer day.
Tunnel Falls Quick Facts
Virtual Trail Guide: Tunnel Falls
Tunnel Falls Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 Stars)
Distance: 13 Miles RT – Includes side trail to Lower Punch Bowl Falls
Elevation Start: 119ft
High Point: 1,112ft
Total Elevation Gain: 1,611ft
Estimated Time to Complete: 3-5 Hours Total
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult What does this mean?
Class: Class 1 – What does this mean?
Season: Year round – Expect snow on trails November – March.
Directions to Tunnel Falls
Trailhead: Eagle Creek
Getting Here: From Interstate 84, take exit 41 “Eagle Creek Ln” then take a right and continue until the road ends. The closest parking area may fill up quickly so be prepared to park farther down the road and walk to the TH.
Parking: There are a few different spots to park for this hike. At the TH itself, there is room for about 10-15 cars and then there is additional parking down the road from the trailhead. If you park down the road, there is room for another 15-20 cars and this adds about a half mile of hiking roundtrip. There is a restroom at the start of the parking spots on the left.
Permits/Fee: The fee is $5 and needs to be made in cash at the trailhead. Alternatively, you can purchase an annual pass (more information can be found here).
Summary
Dogs: This hike is dog friendly but must be kept on a leash.
Camping: There are a very limited number of spots to camp along the way to Tunnel Falls. They are marked on the trail and also can be found by the small side trails about 3 or 4 miles in. Car camping or camping anywhere near the trailhead is not an option. From what I understand, there are additional spots to camp past Tunnel and Twister Falls but I did not travel that far up the trail.
Make it a Loop: This is an out and back hike with the addition to extend your hike further on the Eagle Creek trail and into Mt Hood Wilderness. The one side trail on the way Tunnel Falls is to Lower Punch Bowl Falls which adds about a half mile of hiking but is 100% worth it in my opinion.
Trail X Factors: Tunnel Falls
While there are many waterfalls in Oregon and even in the Columbia River Gorge, in my experience, Tunnel Falls is the most unique. Even with other trails like Ten Falls trail South of Portland that allow hikers to go behind waterfalls, the actual tunnel behind this waterfall is so unique. It makes for great pictures, filming and just an overall unique experience.
Hike Tip(s): Be sure to continue past Tunnel Falls for about a half mile to reach Twister Falls which is another stunning waterfall and worth the extra mileage.
Best Views: Overall, the views on this hike are fantastic from the time you start until the time you reach Tunnel Falls. The entire Eagle Creek trail is beautiful with so many other waterfalls and cascades before you reach the final destination on this hike.
Tunnel Falls Hike Route
Gear Needed
- Men’s Trail Runners
- Women’s Trail Runners
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men’s)
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Women’s)
- Backpack (Winter)
- Backpack (Summer)
- Food & Water
- Optional: Water Filter
- Optional: Garmin inReach
- Optional: Hiking Poles – 120CM
- Optional: Headlamp
- Optional: Garmin Fenix Watch
- Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod, Selfie Stick, GoPro 360, Drone
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