By Mariah Cannon
If you’ve got an Oregon bucket list of places to visit, Tunnel Falls should one-thousand percent be on it! And in this blog post I’m going to tell you just why it should be and everything you need to be able to hike to it.
Where is Tunnel Falls
Tunnel Falls is located off of I-84 in Northern Oregon. From Portland take I-84 Eastbound for about 41 miles until you reach exit “41/Eagle Creek” and you’ll hit the large parking area for Tunnel Falls along with other hiking trails. If you arrive early enough, you’ll grab close parking. If you arrive in the busier times of the day (10-2pm) you’ll most likely be tacking on an extra mile or in some cases, more.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There are ticks within the Columbia River Gorge, make sure you and your furry friends are protected. I use a mix of cedar oil and tea tree oil and sometimes have to use stronger chemicals during the Spring on the Gorge.
- Steep drop offs, narrow paths, and lots of exposure. Bring hiking poles for stability!
- You do need to pay $5 to park for the day, have a Northwest Forest pass, or an America The Beautiful pass.
Best Time to Visit
The weather within the Columbia River Gorge can be tricky to navigate, especially during Spring and Fall. Personally, my favorite time to visit is Mid-late April. On a decent snowfall year, the wildflowers should be perfectly in bloom come the middle of April. There are tons of purple, yellow, and white flowers to be found during Spring.
Summer will be the most busy, with travelers and vacationers, and typically a bit more dry.
Fall time is when another surge of color sweeps over the CRG and Tunnel Falls offers some great leaf peeping options.
In the Winter, the trail can be inaccessible and more trees & landslides tend to happen during the cold seasons. It’s best to not attempt when the conditions are snowy.
Access Points
If you have heard or hiked the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), you’ll recognize that this is a fan favorite of the PCT. A mostly downward hike from the PCT to the falls, but a stunning variety of cliffs, moss, waterfalls, and some would say; a PNW jungle!
Reminders
This is a very sought after trail and in some parts is very narrow. Please keep this in mind as you trek and remember to keep your groups short.
Please leave no trace so generations after ours can continue to enjoy the very places we do!
Bring lots of water/electrolytes! It’s recommended to bring 8-16oz per hour you plan on hiking.
Let’s Get to Hiking
Distance: 12 miles round-trip (I always clock about 13.6, but we go past Tunnel a bit and go back and forth for pictures regularly).
Elevation: Between 2,200-2,600 depending on where you turn back
Hike Type: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult (the mileage wears you down, even if there isn’t much elevation).
Dogs: On leash! Keep in mind this trail is narrow and other dog parents choose to bring their furry friends. If your dog isn’t okay with being close to others/you’re at all concerned about either of you falling – it’s best to leave the pups out for this one.
The trail starts off with a gradual incline and continues up. Almost right off of the trailhead, you’ll find the first cable section and it is stunning. It’s full of Basalt columns, trickling water, and vibrant moss. You’ll find this throughout the entirety of the trail. After about 2 miles in, you’ll hit Punchbowl Falls, another popular day hike.
From Punchbowl, there is a few fun things coming your way, including a few creek crossings. Depending on how heavy the snow and rain has been, the main creek crossing can pretty rapid. There is some downed logs that make it easier to cross and if you don’t have hiking poles, fellow hikers leave behind good sturdy sticks for anyone’s use. Make sure to keep them close to the creek for others to continue to enjoy.
You will cross over the main gorge twice, once on the high bridge and then again on a lower bridge to get back to the left side of the Gorge. You’ll know when you’re close to the falls, there will be a few super rocky sections to walk across (pray for them ankles).
If you continue on past Tunnel Falls about a quarter of a mile, you’ll reach Twister Falls and some flatter rock areas to enjoy lunch on!
This trail is truly worth the hype, and it’s one I’ll never get tired of doing.
Not convinced yet? Here’s some other nearby things to make visiting Tunnel Falls a weekend trip!
Nearby Places to Eat
- River Rock Restaurant
- Bargeway Pub
- Big Jim’s Drive In
- Shannon’s Ice Cream (One of the best homemade ice cream places in Oregon, hands down.)
Places to Stay
Enjoy this guide? Pin it for future adventures!
Let’s Get Adventuring!
Mariah
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