Tucked deep within the Columbia River Gorge, the Tunnel Falls hike is one of Oregon’s most iconic and thrilling adventures. With moss-draped canyon walls, narrow cliffside paths, and a trail that literally passes behind a roaring 172 foot waterfall, this trek is as unforgettable as it is scenic.
Part of the legendary Eagle Creek Trail, the journey to Tunnel Falls isn’t just about the destination, it’s a full experience into the wild beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
If you’re chasing waterfalls, craving a challenge, or just looking for a truly bucket list worthy trail, Tunnel Falls delivers the drama. Lace up your boots, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
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Tunnel Falls Hike Quick Facts
- 📍 Location: Columbia River Gorge
- 💪 Difficulty: Challenging hike due to distance.
- 🥾 Distance: ~ 12 Mile hike out and back
- ⏰ Duration: 5-7 Hours
- ⛰️ Elevation Gain: about 1,200 feet
- 💦 Highlights: Tunnel Falls!
- 🚻 Restrooms: At Trailhead
- 💰 Parking Fee: $5 or America the Beautiful Pass or Northwest Forest Pass
- 🍂 Best Season: Spring for flow, Fall for color
Keep scrolling for more details of the Tunnel Falls Hike via Eagle Creek Trail #440 in Columbia River, Oregon.
About the Columbia River Gorge
The Columbia River Gorge is one of the most iconic natural landscapes in the Pacific Northwest. Carved by the powerful Columbia River and stretching over 80 miles between Oregon and Washington, the Gorge is home to towering basalt cliffs, green forests, and over 90 waterfalls.
That’s the highest concentration of waterfalls in North America! This dramatic canyon is a dream destination for hikers, photographers, and outdoor lovers. What makes the Columbia River Gorge so unique is its incredible variety in such a compact area.
On the Oregon side, moss-covered trails lead to roaring waterfalls like Multnomah Falls, Tunnel Falls, and Wahclella Falls, while the Washington side features panoramic viewpoints, wildflower strewn meadows, and windy ridge lines perfect for seasoned hikers.
In addition to hiking, the Gorge is full of adventure sports like windsurfing, kayaking, and mountain biking. Scenic drives, charming towns, local breweries, and sweeping views are just some of the ways to love the Columbia River Gorge.
☕️ Read Next: Best Things to do in the Columbia River Gorge
Tunnel Falls Map
Here is a map of the Eagle Creek Trail leading to Tunnel Falls that I took at the trailhead.
How to Get to Tunnel Falls Hike via Eagle Creek Trail #440 Trailhead
The Columbia River Gorge is easily accessed from the Portland area.
🚗 From Portland it takes 40-45 to get to the Tunnel Falls Trailhead.
- Take I-84 East for about 40 miles, then take Exit 41 (Eagle Creek/Fish Hatchery)
- After the Exit, Stay right through the underpass and follow signs to Eagle Creek Trailhead/Picnic Area
- Trailhead parking is directly at the end of the access road.
🅿️ Parking and Trailhead Info
- Expect limited parking (10-15 spaces at the trailhead).
- Overflow lots along the access road off another 10-20 spaces, adding 0.5 miles round-trip.
- Best to arrive early (by 8 am), especially on weekends to secure a parking spot and avoid the extra walk.
- You can also book a camp spot at Eagle Creek Campground and walk to the trailhead from your camp spot which adds about 2 miles round trip.
- ↑ This is what we did and it worked out great as we were able to get an early start on the trail.
When is the Best Time to Hike Tunnel Falls
The best time to hike Tunnel Falls is typically late spring through early fall, when the trail is clear, the waterfalls are flowing strong, and the weather is ideal for a long hike. I personally hiked tunnel falls in May and had amazing weather and very few crowds.
🍃 Late Spring (May-June)
- Best For: Full waterfall power, lush greenery, and vibrant moss.
- Trail Conditions: May still have muddy spots or small washouts, but usually passable.
- Bonus: Wildflowers and lower crowds early in the season.
☀️ Summer (July-August)
- Best For: Dry, stable trail conditions and easier creek crossings.
- Caution: Can be hot, exposed in some sections, and very crowded, especially on weekends.
- Tip: Start early to avoid the heat and get a parking spot
🍁 Early Fall (September-October)
- Best For: Cooler temps, fewer people, and beautiful fall foliage.
- Trail Conditions: Still good, though waterfalls are slightly less powerful.
- Bonus: Crisp air and golden light through the canyon.
❄️ Avoid Winer & Early Spring
- Trail may be closed or unsafe due to landslides, icy conditions, and washouts.
- Eagle Creek Trail has been prone to seasonal closures from storm damage or erosion.
- I would avoid hiking Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls in the winter.
How Long Does it Take to Hike Tunnel Falls
When hiking the Tunnel Falls trail via the Eagle Creek Trail #440, you’re in for a rewarding day in the Columbia River Gorge. Tunnel Falls is roughly 12 miles round trip (almost 15 if you hike from Eagle Creek Campground).
Therefore, it takes anywhere from 5.5 to 7 hours. There are plenty of scenic viewpoints and waterfalls, like Punchbowl Falls, that you’ll want to stop at to take a picture and soak in the views.
Practical Trail Information
- 🥾 Distance: 12 Miles Round Trip
- ⛰️ Elevation Gain: 1,600 Feet
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Tunnel Falls is a spectacular waterfall located along the legendary Eagle Creek Trail in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. The waterfall plunges 172 feet into a narrow canyon, offering hikers a dramatic and unforgettable sight.
A unique feature of this waterfall is the tunnel behind it, which allows the trail to pass directly behind the cascading water, providing an insanely awesome experience. It’s the coolest thing ever.
The hike to Tunnel Falls is about 12 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of about 1,600 feet. The trail is considered moderate to challenging due to its length and sections with narrow paths alongside steep drop-offs.
Hikers are rewarded with lush scenery, multiple waterfalls, and the unique experience of walking behind Tunnel Falls through a tunnel carved into the basalt cliff.
Punch Bowl Falls (2 Miles)
About 2 miles in you’ll reach Punch Bowl Falls, one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Punch Bowl Falls is a 35 foot drop into a large bowl-shaped basin. It’s photographed endlessly.
This is one of the best waterfalls in Oregon to swim under as well. There’s a short side trail to the viewpoint marked “Lower Punch Bowl Falls Trail”. If you dare, carefully scramble down to the creek to see it from below (if water levels allow).
High Bridge (3.3 Miles)
The next jaw dropping sight you’ll pass is high bridge, a dramatic, narrow bridge spanning a 150 foot deep gorge above Eagle Creek. The views straight down into the canyon are jaw-dropping.
A perfect place to take a quick break or photo. We flew the drone and got this picture from above.
The trail hugs the cliffs for much of the second half, with guard cable handrails bolted into the rock for safety. It’s not technically difficult, but hikers who aren’t comfortable with exposure may want to take it slow.
🔥 In this area you’ll see scorched remains of the Eagle Creek fire – one of the most significant wildfires in the history of the Columbia River Gorge.
Loowit Falls (5.5 Miles)
Next up, is often overlooked but beautiful Loowit Falls which spills out from a hanging cliff into the Eagle Creek canyon below. The trail narrows considerably here and begins to feel more remote and wild.
Expect steep slopes. You’ll often see mist and lush moss draped walls along this stretch. It’s pure PNW magic.
Tunnel Falls (6 Miles)
At last, we reach the star of the show, Tunnel Falls, a 172 foot waterfall plunging over a vertical cliff. The trail passes behind the waterfall through a blasted tunnel, carved into the rock in the early 1900’s.
It’s misty, loud, and unforgettable. Be cautious here – the path is slick and narrow and on a high cliff, but there are handrails bolted into the rock wall. It’s at this point of the hike when you’re getting tired and Tunnel Falls appears at the perfect time.
Twister Falls (aka Crossover Falls (6.2 Miles)
Just past Tunnel Falls, you’ll find Twister Falls, a double tiered, twisting waterfall where the water splits and rejoins dramatically. This is typically the turnaround point for most hikers. We personally stopped at Tunnel Falls.
You can climb a bit higher to get a better view, but the trail becomes rougher beyond here. We scurried down to the bottom of Tunnel Falls and had lunch. Best picnic spot and an epic place to recharge for the return haul.
The entire route is lined with lush ferns, mossy cliffs, old-growth trees, and deep canyons. You’re hiking beside Eagle Creek the whole way, often with waterfall spray, tunnels, and steep basalt cliffs. It’s one of Oregon’s most iconic trails for a reason.
Tips for Hiking Tunnel Falls Trail
- ⏰ Start Early. This hike is roughly 12 miles so hitting the trail by 7-8 am will help you beat the crowds and afternoon heat.
- 🅿️ The Parking Lot at the Eagle Creek Trailhead fills up quickly – especially on the weekends.
- 🥾 Wear Proper Footwear. The trail includes narrow ledges, slick rock, and misty sections – Hiking Boots or shoes with good grip are a must.
- Prepare for Exposure. Certain sections are carved into cliff walls with steep drop-offs.
- There are hand cables for safety, but if you are afraid of heights, move slowly and stay focused.
- 💧 Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks. There are no reliable water sources beyond the trailhead unless you have a filter. Lots of water will be needed.
- Plan for 5-7 hours of hiking time and bring fuel to keep your energy up.
- ♻️ Pack out what you Pack in. Leave no trace. This is a fragile, highly trafficked trail – keep it beautiful for everyone.
- 🍃 Be aware of Poison Oak! Poison oak is common on the trail as well as around the Eagle Creek Campground. I unfortunately had to learn this the hard way and it lingered around my ankles for a month.
Where to Stay Near Tunnel Falls Hike
- Skamania Lodge – A badass lodge on the Washington side of the Gorge that has a variety of accommodations from classic lodge rooms, luxurious riverside suites to elevated cabins, glamping tents, and treetop treehouses. We stayed here on a seperate trip and it was noteworthy.
- Cascade Motel – Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want comfort and proximity.
- Best Western Plus Columbia River Inn – Located on the river, this is a great place to stay for families or anyone wanting more amenities and a cozy start to the day.
- Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa – On-site hot springs, spa services, relaxing vibe in a forested setting.
Where to Camp Near Tunnel Falls Hike
- Eagle Creek Campground – The closest campground to the Eagle Creek Trailhead of Tunnel Falls. Vault toilets, fire pits, drinking water, central restrooms. This is where we stayed when we hiked Tunnel Falls.
- Seven-and-a-Half-Mile Camp (Backcountry) – Along Eagle Creek Trail. Dispersed backcountry sites ideal for backpackers planning an overnight on the trail.
- Ainsworth State Park – Offers full-service tent/RV camping, flush toilets, showers, and creek access. Located near Multnomah Falls.
- Viento State Park – Lined with seasonal hookups and direct river access for wind/kiteboarding.
Other Things to do in the Columbia River Gorge
- Explore the Historic Columbia River Highway. America’s first scenic highway offers viewpoints, stone bridges, & access to waterfalls like Latourell, Wahkeena, and Multnomah.
- Visit Hood River – a charming town on the Gorge’s east end, known for its wineries, breweries, and wind sports.
- The Gorge is one of the top windsurfing/kiteboarding spots in the world, especially in Hood River and Stevenson.
- Hike Multnomah Falls – the tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the most popular hikes in Oregon.
- Take a Scenic Drive to Rowena Crest. Famous for its horseshoe-shaped road and wide-open views of the Gorge’s eastern edge.
- Take a Columbia River Cruise departing from Cascade Locks.
- Go Mountain Biking for the ultimate adventure.
- Go Zip-Lining on the Washington side of the Gorge from the Skamania Lodge.
- Drive the Hood River Fruit Loop, a seasonal loop of orchards, farms, ciders, and lavender fields just south of Hood River.
- Hike Beacon Rock for epic views of the Gorge.
Other Awesome Hikes in Oregon
Trail of Ten Falls – Stunning waterfall hike that takes you past 10 different waterfalls, 4 of which you can walk behind.
Hiking South Sisters: Oregon’s 3rd Highest Peak – One of Central Oregon’s most challenging hikes.
Misery Ridge Trail – Found in Smith Rock State Park, this trail offers spectacular views of the park’s rugged landscape, towering rock formations, and the Crooked River below.
Oregon Travel Vlogs
Would you rather see what the Tunnel Falls hike is really like? Joe and I have filmed several videos about some of our adventures around Oregon. Click below to watch our Oregon Travel Series.
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Final Thoughts on Hiking Tunnel Falls, Oregon
Tunnel Falls Hike is one of my absolute favorite waterfall hikes in Oregon. The distance makes you work for it, the steep cliffs and Eagle Creek are very scenic, and the main event is just so epic!
You have to experience hiking Tunnel Falls for yourself. It’s worth planning at trip around. if you have any questions or just want to say hi, let me know in the comments below 👇.
Oregon Travel Guides ↓
📍 Planning a trip to Oregon? Since moving to Oregon, I’ve been having a blast exploring this unreal part of the world and so much fun writing about it.
Check out the travel guides below for more inspiration and tips to help plan a trip of a lifetime to the PNW.
Best Things to do in Florence, Oregon
Best Things to do in Pacific City
Best Things to do in Bend (Local’s Guide)
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