Difference between revisions of "Tunnel Falls"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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[[Category:Columbia River Gorge]] | [[Category:Columbia River Gorge]] | ||
+ | [[Category:Northwest Oregon]] | ||
[[Category:Creeks]] | [[Category:Creeks]] | ||
[[Category:Waterfalls]] | [[Category:Waterfalls]] | ||
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− | [[Image:TunnelFallsSideView.jpg|thumb|400px|Tunnel Falls]] | + | [[Image:TunnelFallsSideView.jpg|thumb|400px|Hikers traversing the trail past Tunnel Falls ''(Tom Kloster)'']] |
− | [[Image:TunnelFallsLookingDown.jpg|thumb|250px|Wide angle shot looking at the base of the falls]] | + | [[Image:TunnelFallsLookingDown.jpg|thumb|250px|Wide angle shot looking at the base of the falls ''(Jeff Black)'']] |
− | [[Image:TunnelFallsTunnel.jpg|thumb|250px|Inside the tunnel]] | + | [[Image:TunnelFallsTunnel.jpg|thumb|250px|Inside the tunnel ''(Jeff Statt)'']] |
− | [[Image: | + | [[Image:TunnelFallsTunnel1.jpg|thumb|250px|Looking out of the tunnel ''(Steve Hart)'']] |
+ | [[Image:TunnelFallsTunnel2.jpg|thumb|250px|A party of Portland Hikers members getting sprayed by Tunnel Falls ''(Steve Hart)'']] | ||
* Hikes to this location | * Hikes to this location | ||
− | ** {{Hike ring|trailhead=Eagle Creek Trailhead|hike=Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Hike|log=Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Hike/Log|previous= | + | ** {{Hike ring|trailhead=Eagle Creek Trailhead|hike=Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Hike|log=Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Hike/Log|previous=Grand Union Falls|next=Tunnel Falls}} |
− | * Hikes | + | * Hikes including this location |
− | ** {{Hike ring|trailhead=Eagle Creek Trailhead|hike=Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake Hike|log=Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake Hike/Log|previous= | + | ** {{Hike ring|trailhead=Eagle Creek Trailhead|hike=Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake Hike|log=Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake Hike/Log|previous=Grand Union Falls|next=Twister Falls}} |
− | ** {{Hike ring|trailhead= | + | ** {{Hike ring|trailhead=Tooth Rock Trailhead|hike=Tanner-Eagle Traverse Hike|log=Tanner-Eagle Traverse Hike/Log|previous=Twister Falls|next=Grand Union Falls}} |
− | {{ | + | |
− | + | {{maplinkinfo|latitude=45.584821|longitude=-121.852154}} | |
− | * Height: | + | {{Elevation|1200 feet}} |
+ | * Height: 160 feet | ||
* Stream: East Fork Eagle Creek | * Stream: East Fork Eagle Creek | ||
=== Description === | === Description === | ||
− | Tunnel Falls is the traditional turnaround spot for many on the Eagle Creek | + | Tunnel Falls is the traditional turnaround spot for many on the Eagle Creek Trail, and it is indeed a splendid climax. Over the last thousand years, the falls have carved a majestic basin here, plunging 160 feet from towering basalt cliffs to the rushing creek-bed below. While this scene is impressive enough, the most bewildering aspect of the falls in the passageway behind them. Trail builders from the early 1900s blasted a tunnel behind the falls and then across the sheer rock face on their far side, making this area the slickest and perhaps, most precarious section of trail in the [[Columbia River Gorge]]. Looking downstream from the falls, you can see were the two forks of Eagle Creek converge, meeting at [[Grand Union Falls]]. |
− | Please avoid the temptation to descend to the creek via the large slide on the near side, as so many have done before. | + | Please avoid the temptation to descend to the creek via the large slide on the near side, as so many have done before. Putting aside the obvious danger, the area is eroding before it's time, accelerating mother nature's intentions for the area. |
− | Visitors to this area may choose to continue less than a half-mile ahead to the two-tiered, 200 foot [[Twister Falls]] (some guidebooks call it "Eagle Creek Falls"). It is well worth the minimal additional effort if time affords. | + | Visitors to this area may choose to continue less than a half-mile ahead to the two-tiered, 200 foot [[Twister Falls]] (some guidebooks call it "Eagle Creek Falls"). It is well worth the minimal additional effort if time affords. It is difficult to see the full span of the cataract, but more impressive is the trail to it. Many have referred to this stretch as the "Vertigo Mile". |
− | === | + | === More Links === |
− | + | * [http://www.nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike37.html Tunnel Falls hike] - NWHiker.com Hike #37 | |
+ | * Tunnel Falls from [http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/waterfall.php?num=1765&p=0 Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest] | ||
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=== Contributors === | === Contributors === | ||
* [[User:jeffstatt|jeffstatt]] (creator) | * [[User:jeffstatt|jeffstatt]] (creator) |
Revision as of 04:27, 18 December 2016
- Hikes to this location
- Eagle Creek to Tunnel Falls Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Hikes including this location
- Eagle Creek to Wahtum Lake Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Tanner-Eagle Traverse Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 45.584821, -121.852154
- Elevation: 1200 feet
- Height: 160 feet
- Stream: East Fork Eagle Creek
Description
Tunnel Falls is the traditional turnaround spot for many on the Eagle Creek Trail, and it is indeed a splendid climax. Over the last thousand years, the falls have carved a majestic basin here, plunging 160 feet from towering basalt cliffs to the rushing creek-bed below. While this scene is impressive enough, the most bewildering aspect of the falls in the passageway behind them. Trail builders from the early 1900s blasted a tunnel behind the falls and then across the sheer rock face on their far side, making this area the slickest and perhaps, most precarious section of trail in the Columbia River Gorge. Looking downstream from the falls, you can see were the two forks of Eagle Creek converge, meeting at Grand Union Falls.
Please avoid the temptation to descend to the creek via the large slide on the near side, as so many have done before. Putting aside the obvious danger, the area is eroding before it's time, accelerating mother nature's intentions for the area.
Visitors to this area may choose to continue less than a half-mile ahead to the two-tiered, 200 foot Twister Falls (some guidebooks call it "Eagle Creek Falls"). It is well worth the minimal additional effort if time affords. It is difficult to see the full span of the cataract, but more impressive is the trail to it. Many have referred to this stretch as the "Vertigo Mile".
More Links
- Tunnel Falls hike - NWHiker.com Hike #37
- Tunnel Falls from Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest
Contributors
- jeffstatt (creator)