Punch Bowl Falls
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes to this location
- Eagle Creek to Punch Bowl Falls Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Hikes including this location
- Eagle Creek to High Bridge Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- 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)
- Latitude: 45.62164
- Longitude: -121.89462
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Elevation: 485 feet (viewpoint)
- Height: 35 feet
Description
Punch Bowl Falls ranks with Mount Hood, Multnomah Falls and Crater Lake as enduring icons of Oregon and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. It is a frequent subject of postcards and calendars, but this by no means diminishes its allure, and the understated beauty of its surroundings. The ambience is now somewhat marred by the effects of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire although the falls themselves and their photogenic amphitheater remain unchanged.
As evidenced by its name, the years have carved a deep, bowl-shaped pool at the base of the falls, creating a cathedralesque, circular basin. In fact, the geologists have borrowed the term "punch bowl" as a new designation for other waterfalls with the same basic flow (like nearby Metlako Falls).
At the overlook, don't be tempted to step over to the other side of the cable-line fencing, even though the ground may appear well-worn. Every year there is a story of a person injuring themselves in a fall from this location. Jumping off the lip of Punch Bowl Falls is also strictly forbidden, numerous serious injuries having been incurred over the years. Growing shrubbery after the Eagle Creek Fire can get in the way of views at some spots in the overlook area. You can also get a good side view of the falls just a few yards farther on the Eagle Creek Trail.
More Links
Contributors
- jeffstatt (creator)
- Fallsfreak