Camping on the Eagle Creek Trail

Nothing says this has to just be a day hike. The Eagle Creek Trail has a much more scenic route if you choose to take it, and turn your day hike into a two or three day wilderness adventure.

If your properly outfitted with the right gear like tent, sleeping bag, food, hiking boots, and all the accessories for a three day hike, or if your adventure is of a different kind...like a day of Kayaking you won't need much gear at all...kayak, oar, wetsuit, and a helmet....with the right weather this has all the makings of a fantastic long weekend vacation. Keep in mind you are doing the entire hike you will have to keep things light weight...especially food. Nowadays you would be really surprised at how tasty most of the dehydrated food is, and the wide selection is nice too.

You start out hiking the 13 plus mile Eagle Creek Trail to Wahtum Lake...veer to the left heading now on the Pacific Crest Trail for a little over 6 miles to Benson Plateau...go left down the Ruckel Creek Trail and back to your vehicle. Truly a little slice of heaven!

Hiking Eagle Creek Trail

The Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia Gorge (built in 1910) is without a doubt my most favorite hike. It's not a tough hike and even a beginner will be able to manage the easy 4.2 mi. hike to the Punchbowl falls area with 400 ft. of elevation gain. The more experienced will prefer the 12 mi. hike to Tunnel Falls with 1,200 ft. of elevation gain. The scenery is no less than breathtaking, and some of Oregon's finest.

The cool waters and pristine surrounding give way to lush dense forests filled with native plants and animals. This hike is a wonderful way to spend a sunny Sunday, but of course there are the few, the proud, and the mentally insane that go kayaking down these crystal clear waters after spending a good part of the day hiking in.The tranquil beauty of this hike is really fantastic, and all along this hike you can count on meet some of the nicest people.
The Eagle Creek Trail head is a short drive from Portland down I-84 to exit 41 stay right and follow along the creek for about a mile to the end of the road.

For me I can always count on my North Face "Dusky" Hydration Pack for these afternoon excursions. It holds the water I need, a light lunch, raincoat, sunscreen, and bug repellent...all the basics for being prepared for a afternoon hike.

So pack a lunch, light rain coat...(cause one can never be sure about the weather in Oregon), and head on out for an afternoon of some of the Pacific Northwest's most stunning wilderness areas...Oh yeah!...whatever you do...don't forget the camera!