Revision as of 02:59, 30 September 2016

The viewing porch of the CCC shelter, Eagle Creek Overlook (bobcat)

Western trillium (Trillium ovatum), Eagle Creek Overlook (bobcat)

Table Mt. and Greenleaf Peak, Eagle Creek Overlook (bobcat)

• Start point: Eagle Creek Overlook Trailhead
• End point: Eagle Creek Overlook Shelter
• Trail Log:
• Hike Type: In and out
• Distance: 0.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 175 feet
• High Point: 170 feet
• Difficulty: Easy
• Seasons: All year
• Family Friendly: Yes
• Backpackable: No
• Crowded: No

Description

The Civilian Conservation Corps (1933 - 1942) was established during the Great Depression to offer government-funded employment to young men ages 18 - 25. CCC youth had to be U.S. citizens, unmarried, of "good character", and in good physical condition. The U.S. Forest Service, then a relatively young entity, benefited greatly from CCC projects. While many CCC participants were engaged in firefighting, they also built trails, shelters, and campgrounds. The young men involved were able to carry skills learned into civilian life although many of the later participants were drafted into World War II. The Eagle Creek Overlook was one such CCC project. Completed in 1938, the buildings, retaining walls, and trails, all in the trademark "Cascadian Rustic" style, were constructed to facilitate public viewing of the construction of the Bonneville Dam. It is a fascinating, but short, stroll around the features of this historic site and best done in conjunction with a hike up Eagle Creek itself.

These days, the Overlook is a picnic area and group campground for up to 90 people, the latter reserved through a concessionaire. The group campground is open May 1st to September 30th, so the Overlook Trail is best hiked, if you are not part of a group that is camping here, from October through April. The nearby freeway and railroad do not make for this to be a quiet hike, but in the off-season, there won't be a lot of visitors around.

When the campground is closed, there’s a gate across the road leading up to the campground. Walk to the trailhead getting views of the Bonneville Dam. The Overlook Trail switchbacks up through an oak copse and then under Douglas-firs as you approach the campground area. Stroll along the stone wall getting views of the dam through ponderosa pines. Pass the Civilian Conservation Corps Shelter, with its stone-columned porch, kitchen, and restrooms, where people stopped to see the building of the dam. This building underwent a restoration project in 1994. Drop a little and pick up a trail switchbacking down twice to views over the river and east to the Bridge of the Gods. On the Washington side, you can see Aldrich Butte, Table Mountain, and Greenleaf Peak. In the Columbia River itself, look for little Picture Rock and Boat Islands. Trillium, snow queen and violet bloom along this path in early spring. There’s a use trail leading off to the right to access a small beach, but it’s something of a scramble down the last few feet.

Head back up and resume walking around the perimeter. Take the campground road back heading along a fence line above the freeway.

Fees, Regulations, etc.

• Dogs on leash
• Freeway and railroad noise

Maps

• Maps: Hike Finder

Trip Reports

• Search Trip Reports for Eagle Creek Overlook Hike

Related Discussions / Q&A

• Search Trail Q&A for Eagle Creek Overlook Hike

Guidebooks that cover this hike

• Columbia Gorge Getaways by Laura O. Foster

More Links

• Eagle Creek Overlook Group Campground (USFS)
• Eagle Creek Overlook Grp Site, OR (Recreation.gov)
• Bonneville Lock and Dam (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
• Eagle Creek Overlook (Pacific Northwest Photoblog)
• "Eagle Creek, Oregon" (The Columbia River: A Photographic Journey)
• Eagle Creek Overlook Shelter, Columbia Gorge,Oregon-Washington Border, Bonneville, Multnomah County, OR (Library of Congress)

Page Contributors

• bobcat (creator)