Revision as of 19:57, 20 April 2021

Eagle Creek Trailhead (Jeff Statt)

Spawning salmon can be seen near the trailhead in late fall (cfm)

• Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
• Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
• Latitude, Longitude: 45.63653, -121.91947
• Elevation: 60 feet
• Driving time from Portland: 45 minutes

Hikes starting here

• Eagle Creek to Punch Bowl Falls Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
• 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)

Driving Directions

NOTICE: The Eagle Creek Trail is closed until further notice due to winter storm damage. Check the CRGNSA webpage for updates.

Coming from Portland, travel eastbound on I-84, and turn off at Exit #41. At the bottom of the ramp turn right. Go about 1/2 mile to the end of the road. You will go past a large footbridge (for the Gorge Trail #400) as the road narrows to one lane. Continue a short way to a large parking lot, parking only in designated spaces.

(Coming from the east, be aware, there is no westbound exit at Eagle Creek. You must continue on I-84 and get off at the Bonneville Dam exit, get back on the interstate and backtrack to Exit #41.)

Fees / Regulations

• Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) required. There is a drop box for purchasing the day pass at the trailhead.
• Dogs on leash on the trail
• Parking area fills up early; alternative is the Eagle Creek Day Use Trailhead

Description

The Eagle Creek trailhead is a busy place most weekends. Here sits the jump-off point for a half-dozen trails. In addition to Eagle Creek hikers, it accommodates PCT thru-hikers, locals who enjoy the day-use picnic area, site-seers enjoying the nearby fish hatcheries, and campers at nearby Eagle Creek Campground.

Unfortunately, with the crowds, the Eagle Creek trailhead has seen a great number of break-ins to cars. Thieves are known to frequent this area and work quickly. They tend to go for the obvious (valuables left in cars) but also for identity information left in glove compartments. It is an attractive area for clouters because of it's proximity to the interstate on-ramp.

In addition, hikers have even reported losing backpacks left at the trailhead momentarily while fetching their vehicle.

Many hikers have taken to bringing all their valuables with them, leaving the doors to their car unlocked and the glove compartments open.

There are signs posted that recommend you park at the lower parking area that you first pass by when you drive in from the freeway, next to the fish hatchery (where there are people 24/7, a window looks out onto the parking area) and during the summer there is a camp host. Parking here will add about a 1/2 mile to your hike.

Contributors

• Jeffstatt (creator)