Friday Five: Local Hikes Under 5 Miles

3. Punchbowl Falls

3.8 miles round trip | Pass required / Day pass dropbox at the trailhead

Approximately 45 minutes east of Portland

The Eagle Creek trailhead is a gateway to some of the Gorge’s best scenery, including a popular swimming destination on a hot Portland day: Punchbowl Falls.

Head out on I-84 east and get off at exit 41. You’ll need an annual pass to park at the trailhead, or you can drop some cash into the drop box at the trailhead. The $30 Northwest Forest Pass is worth it if you plan to visit Forest Services areas in Washington and Oregon more than a couple times a year.

Pack a lunch, and your swimsuit, and head up the trail, where you’ll follow Eagle Creek to the falls. You’ll know when to head down to the water – the path is well worn. Punchbowl Falls cascades down into a wide basin, forming a shallow lower falls a short ways further down the creek. The creekbed is rocky, so water shoes are recommended for extra grip while wading in the cold mountain runoff.

The path can be steep in places and contains slippery rocks at times, so watch your footing and don’t attempt this trail in flip-flops! If you feel like continuing on after a dip at Punchbowl, High Bridge offers great views and will stretch your round trip mileage to about 6.5 miles.