Eagle Creek has a notable history as not far from where it feeds into the Columbia River is the site of reportedly the first Forest Service campground in the United States. And the trail I hiked was completed in 1915.
This was the first in many days where the weather forecast called for rain. But the expected light rain was less at first and never truly materialized. Lucky me!
The trail followed Eagle Creek and came to three waterfalls (another four can be found beyond my turnaround point at Punchbowl Falls).
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| Eagle Creek |
From the shores of Eagle Creek, the trail gently climbed along a ridge.
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| Eagle Creek Trail Cut into Hillside |
At two points, the trail narrowed enough that steel cables had been installed into the rock to give hikers something to hold onto if needed.
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| Steel Cable & Narrow Trail |
When the trail leveled out, you are high above Eagle Creek and have nice views of the canyon and mountains.
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| High Above Eagle Creek |
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| Mist-Shrouded Mountain |
The first waterfall you see is Metlako Falls bracketed by the canyon walls. I was not aware of any way one can get close to these falls.
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| Metlako Falls |
After a little bit of a descent, you come to Lower Punchbowl Falls.
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| Lower Punchbowl Falls |
There was a short, but steep offshoot trail that takes you from the ridge down to Eagle Creek where you can stand next to Lower Punchbowl Falls.
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| Beside Lower Punchbowl Falls |
Just around the corner from these falls was Punchbowl Falls. Getting closer and maybe viewing Punchbowl Falls from the creek banks required one to cross the creek either by wading or walking and shimmying across a log (the water was too cold for the former and I felt the latter was beyond my balance and agility).
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| Punchbowl Falls Just Around the Corner (notice log for crossing creek) |
So, I made it to Punchbowl Falls the old-fashioned way...I returned to the main trail and continued along until I came to a couple of spots that overlooked Punchbowl Falls.
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| First View of Punchbowl Falls |
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| Best View of Punchbowl Falls |
I found it interesting that so many logs were caught in the waters in the pool fed by the falls. I imagine they get swept downstream during the winter when there's more water and it's flowing faster.
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| A Lot of Cinnamon Sticks in the Punchbowl |
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