ScenicBoys: Eagle Creek, Oregon from scenicboys on Vimeo.
Dusty has been *begging* for us to go camping in the Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area all year. So a few weeks back we packed our gear and drive down to the Oregon / Washington border. We've driven down Hwy 84 a number of times before, every time asking, "Why don't we ever come camping down here?" It is a spectacular place with incredible bluffs, countless waterfalls, intriguing rock formations and the mighty Columbia River.
Eagle Creek Trail has a lot of history behind it. When the Recreation Area was established in 1915, it was the first in the country to be dedicated purely to recreation. Eagle Creek campground was the first "fully modern" camp, complete with toilets, tables and a near by Ranger Station. Another draw to the camp was a 13.5 mile trail, engineered to allow the hiker to experience the most aesthetic views of the canyon.
The trail climbs pretty steadily through giant moss covered Cedar and Maple trees. Several times the trail is literally blasted into the side of a cliff wall. It's 50ft to the bottom and 50ft to the top of the canyon and you are walking on a 3ft wide trail! It got a little intimidating at times. About every half mile you either cross a bridge over a fern filled gully or see one of the seven huge waterfalls.
The highlight of the entire trail is coming face to face with 175ft Tunnel Falls. The trail takes you right up beside the roaring water, so close you can touch it.. Then through a tunnel blasted behind the falls and around to the other side of the canyon for an unbelievable view.
At 15 miles this was the longest backpacking trip we've had in recent years. And one of the funnest! We're hoping that we can make it back to this area again soon. There is so much more we've yet to see.
Totally spectacular - doesn't look real.
Sylvia
Posted by: Sylvia | August 15, 2008 at 09:38 AM
Both the photography and commentary leave me speechless. You are THE BEST. In the future, could you give an idea of temperature? It looked like early Spring, but July is mid-Summer. Really enjoyed the brief cooking demonstration, too. Just phenomenal. Thank you, as always, for sharing. Best regards, Bart
Posted by: Bart | August 15, 2008 at 07:40 PM
WOW, another amazing trip. Great video too. Thanks again and keep having fun like this.
Posted by: John | August 16, 2008 at 09:16 PM
You guys are opening up parts of the states that you just dont see that often down under.
The days are getting longer - looking forward to my weekend hikes away soon...VJ
Posted by: Vin | August 17, 2008 at 01:51 AM
Switchin' to Vimeo? I definitely think that's smart... great quality vids and a cool service.
Amazing trip, as per usual. Glad you guys had a great time.
m@
http://www.mattsign.com
PS: You're the first person to link to my blog and call its "proper" title. Shocker! Haha.
Posted by: m@ | August 18, 2008 at 08:42 AM
A little scary at times, but those waterfalls are so magnificent!
Thanks for another great episode!
Posted by: irisgirl | August 18, 2008 at 05:05 PM
Hi love the site and your adventures. Would you tell me the type of camera equipment you have been using?
Take care, all the best.
Craig
Posted by: craig b | August 27, 2008 at 07:37 PM
Absolutely Amazing! I’m going to Portland this week and this is unquestionably going to be a must on my list. Thank you so much for the info! I just would have never even heard of it if wasn’t for you guys.
~HB
Posted by: Bobby | September 22, 2010 at 12:13 PM