Tenas Camp
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes including this location:
- Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Eagle-Benson Loop Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Tanner-Eagle Traverse Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.60392, -121.88047
- Elevation: 670 feet
Description
Tenas Camp is the first campsite you come across on your way along the Eagle Creek Trail. Prior to this point, camping is prohibited. In early 2017, two enormous trees fell across what used to be the larger and more level of the two tent sites. They were subsequently roasted in the September 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. Because the fire was intense in this area, there is no canopy and a tangle of weeds has grown up. There's one small site right next to the trail (no privacy at all); on the Skoonichuck Falls side of the trail, there are a couple of small sloping sites. Even though there are fire rings here, remember that campfires are not allowed.
Since there is limited space now, do not plan on being able to camp comfortably at this spot. Also, there is no easy water access. There used to be several more sites on this section of trail between the High Bridge and 4 1/2 Mile Bridge. Perhaps some of these will be carved out of the underbrush as more hikers use the trail after the reopening in 2021.
There are several nearby notable points, but the most noteworthy is 48-foot Skoonichuk Falls. The best view is from the main trail as you hike up the trail from the High Bridge. Before the fire, this view had been screened by a wall of trees. There used to be a trace of path heading off into what seems like nowhere. Follow the path while you can, and be careful! This is a partial bushwack. This will get you down to the creek near the base of the falls, given you a head-on view that few ever get to see. Also, you can walk through the rough campsites below the trail near Tenas Camp on a user trail that burrows through the brush to the top of the falls. The view is not the best, but it provides the best access to water from Tenas Camp. One must take extra caution when trying to pump and filter water from strong rushing currents here.
The Forest Service discourages people from going off-trail in Eagle Creek and other places in the gorge. If you feel compelled to try one of the options listed here, take extra care to minimize your impact.
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- jeffstatt (creator)