Punchbowl Falls Hike

3.4 miles - Easy Effort
2 Hours (Total)
970 Total Feet of Climbing
Max Elevation of 520 feet
Leashed Dogs Allowed

The Punchbowl Falls hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in Colombia River Gorge. This hike has waterfalls, cliffs, and scenery straight out of the Lord of the Rings. It's easy to understand how Punchbowl Falls is a local's favorite, and is good for all levels of hikers.

In this Guide:

Turn by Turn Hike Directions
Punchbowl Falls Trail Maps
How to Get to Punchbowl Falls

Quick Links: Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - NOAA Weather Report - Top Gear Picks (Mar 2023)

When planning, always check the park website and social media to make sure the trails are open. Similarly, check the weather and road conditions.

If you visit Eagle Creek in the fall, you might be able to see coho and chinook salmon spawning in Eagle Creek. Down the road is the Cascade Hatchery, where coho salmon are raised in an effort to restore the fish stocks of the Columbia Gorge.

As you hike up the steep gorge, you'll see the basalt cliffs along Eagle Creek Trail that were made about 10-15 million years ago when lava was exposed to the air and water, then rapidly cooled. Eagle Creek carved the gorge that you’re walking up over thousands and thousands of years.

You'll see signs telling you not to jump off Punchbowl Falls. Punchbowl Falls is over 100 feet high. People jump off the cliff. People are stupid. Do not jump off the cliff.

Getting to Punchbowl Falls

Use this trailhead address: 74162 NE Eagle Creek Loop, Cascade Locks, OR, 97014, USA.

You need a parking pass for Eagle Creek Trailhead.. I use the affordable National Parks Pass, which gets me in every park, monument, and national forest. Otherwise buy a Northwest Forest Pass at a ranger station or in some local shops.

Gear for the Hike

You can get away with fitness clothes here but hiking gear will certainly help. I recommend bringing 1L of water.

Top Spring 2023 Gear Picks

Osprey Stratos and Sirrus 24 Daypack ( Amazon | Sirrus REI | Stratos REI )
Garmin Mini 2 Satellite Communicator ( Amazon | REI )
Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Poles ( REI | Amazon )
As a hiking guide, I test lots of hiking gear. On my picks page, I'll show you all of the gear that I actually use. I don't accept paid promotions or talk about the stuff that doesn't make the cut. It's just the gear that works best, so you don't have to waste your money.

All My March 2023 Top Gear Picks

Punchbowl Falls Hike Maps

The Eagle Creek Trail has sections with a steep drop on one side. There is a steel wire secured to the cliff that you can hold on to, but it is not a place for children or dogs to run free. Take your time, hold on, and be safe.

Explore Map on CalTopo View a Printable PDF Hike Map Download the Hike GPX File

Free Nav Tools: GaiaGPS - AllTrails

Guides to Help You Navigate

How To Use the AllTrails App (Beginners)

Hiking With Gaia GPS For Beginners

How-To Use Routes, Tracks, and Waypoints on Garmin

How To Read a Topographic Map

Punchbowl Falls Hike 3d map — The hike to Punchbowl Falls gently climbs along the Eagle Creek Trail #440.

Punchbowl Falls Hike elevation — The hike climbs up above Eagle Creek, then you descend down to the falls.

Punchbowl Falls Hike Directions

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The Eagle Creek trailhead is at the far end of the lot by the little shed.

Don’t go down the trail to the shed, keep hiking left onto the Eagle Creek Trail.

Punchbowl Falls Hike trail — The trail winds up along the side of Eagle Creek through a wonderland of cliffs, waterfalls, and lush vegetation.

basalt cliffs in Eagle Creek valley — Take time to admire the view of basalt cliffs across the Eagle Creek valley.

Eagle Creek flows below. Make sure you stay safely on trail.

Punchbowl Falls Hike trail crosses creek — At about 1.5 miles, you’ll hike across a little creek.

You’ll see signs warning against jumping off of Punchbowl Falls.

cris hazzard at punchbowl falls — Hike down the hill and you’re at Eagle Creek, above Punchbowl Falls!

scenery around Eagle Creek and Punchbowl Falls — Make sure you explore, create a rock sculpture, and poke around the spectacular scenery around Eagle Creek. When you're done, hike back the way you came.

Stop at the viewpoint turnoff on the way back to see Punchbowl Falls. It's worth it!

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This Guide Was Written by Cris Hazzard

Cris Hazzard 4 Mile Trail Yosemite
Hi, I'm Cris Hazzard, aka Hiking Guy, a professional outdoors guide, hiking expert, and author based in Southern California. I created this website to share all the great hikes I do with everyone else out there. This site is different because it gives detailed directions that even the beginning hiker can follow. I also share what hiking gear works and doesn't so you don't waste money. I don't do sponsored or promoted content; I share only the gear recommendations, hikes, and tips that I would with my family and friends. If you like the website and YouTube channel, please support these free guides (I couldn't do it without folks like you!).

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