Hiking Tunnel Falls via Eagle Creek Trail #440
Updated: Aug 13
After landslides temporarily closed Eagle Creek Trail, Sydney returned just two days after its reopening, eager to explore its string of waterfalls and rugged Columbia River Gorge scenery.
BY Heather Shaun, August 12, 2026
TRAILS
Eagle Creek Trail #440 offers a route through the Columbia River Gorge where its waterfalls and exposed sections define the trail experience. For Sydney, who returned to the trail shortly after landslides had caused a temporary closure, the concentration of waterfalls along the route was the main appeal. A previous hike to Lower Punch Bowl Falls had introduced her to a portion of Eagle Creek, leaving enough of an impression that by day two of its reopening, she was on the trail.
Sydney notes that Eagle Creek has experienced recurring seasonal closures, often during late fall and winter. A 2017 fire disrupted the soil stability in the area, contributing to conditions where rain can lead to landslides and downed trees. With that environmental history in mind, she recommends checking current trail conditions through AllTrails and the U.S. Forest Service before setting out, especially when planning a hike around wet seasons or periods of heavy rainfall.
For much of its length, Sydney describes Eagle Creek as relatively “cruise-y” compared with some of the Gorge's more technical routes. Though for hikers who are uncomfortable with heights, she recalls there are a couple of sections that might feel tricky.
Roughly one to two miles into the route, there is a steep drop-off and a narrow ledge equipped with chains for support. This is where proper trail etiquette becomes important in these areas, and Sydney reflects that allowing hikers with the right of way to pass can prevent congestion.
“I will say when it’s wet is when it gets more challenging as a whole because there are so many rocks that are slick. Having good traction shoes, hiking poles and a firm step will help ease the nerves.”
The trail's defining experience is found at Tunnel Falls, where Eagle Creek Trail passes behind the waterfall. The route enters a “fern, gully-esque tunnel,” and the sounds of water above and below the trail engulfs hikers before they emerge on the other side. This combination of water, rock, greenery and shifting light makes the passage one of the most distinctive sections of the hike.
“After the initial darkness it feels like you can see a whole ecosystem, then it’s bright again. You’re through the tunnel, getting soaked, and you see the view. It’s all so overwhelmingly beautiful,” she says.
With slick terrain, gear and traction considerations are especially important. Sydney relied on Merrell Moab Speed 2 Gore-Tex boots, a lightweight rain shell, merino socks and trekking poles. She also carried a Garmin inReach Mini for emergency communication.
For warmer and drier conditions, she says waterproof hiking shoes may be sufficient, but spring weather requires additional protection in the wet terrain. Gear isn’t always technical, and in this case, Sydney’s stomach was pre-prepared:
“I also packed a damn good burrito. I knew there was the river and a number of waterfalls I planned on staring at for a while.”
The waterfalls are not the only reason Sydney recommends continuing beyond Tunnel Falls toward Twister Falls. She considers the variety one of the trail's defining characteristics, describing the route as an experience that combines several different hikes into a single outing. She also plans to return for an overnight venture: to a lake at the very end of the trail, she’s heard that you can backpack to.
“You can get right up and close to the waterfalls, you can head down to the river and eat lunch or a snack. There are so many bridges with truly epic views,” she states, “Everything feels lush and so alive.”
For a roughly 12-mile out-and-back route, Sydney's advice is to not treat the mileage as a reason to hurry. The gradual elevation gain can make the miles feel less demanding, which she says may encourage hikers to move quickly through the route. Instead, Sydney
recommends this hike as one for the senses, to take it slow and let your body absorb everything.
“Out of all the Gorge hikes, this one is the one that’s truly immersive to all your senses,” she says.
Sydney's most memorable piece of gear from the hike was also one of her least expensive. She had thrifted an Arc'teryx Gore-Tex rain jacket for $4.50 and repaired the worn seams with waterproof patches before testing it on the trail. With weather in the PNW, gear choices have to be dialed in, and this piece still made the cut. It also proved a right choice.
“Even with the waterfalls and the rain, I was still completely dry. It’s my favorite jacket now that I own. I’m a big advocate for thrifting gear, so finding this piece and having the repairs trail-tested felt like a dream.”
For Sydney, that experience represents what draws her back to Eagle Creek. The trail rewards preparation, but it also rewards simplicity. Instead of hustling toward Tunnel Falls and turning around, hikers should treat Eagle Creek Trail #440 as a longer “sit” with the Gorge, allowing their senses and the route's waterfalls, river access, and bridges to shape the day.
You are warmly invited to follow Sydney’s continued journey on Instagram: (@sydneylynnhill)
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