Trail Ambassador Intro Hike – Eagle Creek

Hike Leaders: Loren P.

Hike Distance: 4.8 miles total

Elevation Gain: ~1,000 ft

Hike Intensity: Low

Hike Overview:

The Eagle Creek Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Columbia River Gorge, passing through a forested basalt cliff overlooking Eagle Creek. It offers numerous day-trip options as well as backpacking, and is often crowded throughout the summer.

Hiking information:

We will be hiking the out-and-back route to Punchbowl Falls. It is a total 4.8 miles and gains about 1,000 feet in elevation, and is rated as a low intensity hike. Please note that parts of the trail are on sheer cliffs and have no handrail. It is important to have your pets leashed and have proper footwear. The trail and surrounding area were impacted by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire and thus are sensitive environments undergoing a restoration process.

What to expect:

This is generally considered a low intensity hike. The land is managed by the U.S. Forest Service. We ask that you respect all posted signage and stay on the trail. Please dress for the weather and bring plenty of food and water.

You will be asked to electronically sign the e-waiver for this event and perform a self-assessment health screening within the 24 hours proceeding the event. The hike leader for this event will verify that you have done both of these requirements at the trailhead before the party begins. Your pre-event emails will contain further details and links for both of these requirements.

You should expect to participate in this hike for its entirety. For safety reasons, please do not arrive late or expect to be able to leave early.

What to bring:

• Plenty of water
• Lunch + snacks
• A pack to carry your water, snacks, lunch and other items in.

What to wear:

• Comfortable shoes – Please wear something sturdy that will protect your toes from sharp rocks and give good traction on steep trails such as a hiking boot or trail runners. No open toed shoes!
• Layered clothing that can be removed or put on to meet rapidly changing weather conditions.
• Rain gear as appropriate for the weather

Directions:

Click here for Google Maps directions to the Eagle Creek trailhead.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: TKO recognizes that the trails we work on travel through the traditional lands of many Indigenous tribes. In every corner of what we now call Oregon, these people were forced to cede their land, their home, to the US government at various times throughout history. We are privileged to be here today & express gratitude to the descendants of these tribes for being the original stewards of this land.

EQUITY & INCLUSION: TKO seeks to make Oregon’s trails a place where people can go to connect with nature & one another. Not everyone feels safe & welcome in the outdoors due to racism, bias & hate. We commit to being part of the solution to change that. Conduct, speech, or expressions that target individuals or groups will not be tolerated by TKO, regardless of whether they are based on age, citizenship, disability, ethnicity, gender identity/expression, geographic origin, language, marital status, nationality, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

PERSONAL SAFETY: Your physical & emotional safety is our number one priority. If a person’s actions or comments make you feel uncomfortable/unsafe – interrupt directly, tell a crew leader &/or complete the post-event survey.