To reach the trail head, follow I-84 east from Portland. About one mile past Bonneville Dam, take exit 41. Follow the road across Eagle Creek, turn right at the fish hatchery, and continue to its end at the trail head.
There are some things you need to know. The first is that you will need a trail pass to avoid the possibility of being ticketed. The second is that you can only take exit 41 eastbound. Those coming from the direction of Hood River will have to travel on to exit 40 where they can access I-84 eastbound. Also, if I remember correctly, the only way back, onto the freeway is eastbound. To return to the Portland area will require first driving east to Cascade Locks where one can regain I-84 westbound.
The hike starts as a gradual stroll that parallels Eagle Creek on the east side. It isn't long before the trail starts to climb gradually higher above the water. All too soon, you will find yourself traversing a narrow trail carved out of a steep rock cliff. The drop to your right will become dizzyingly abrupt and you will be thankful for the cable handrail on your left.
Below you, Eagle Creek passes through a straight, vertical slot in the rock hundreds of feet below. On the other side are unreachable waterfalls. The effect is like nothing you have ever seen.
After a little over three miles, the trail crosses Eagle Creek at High Bridge. It continues up the west side of the creek for nearly three more miles before passing through a tunnel under aptly named Tunnel Falls. Though the trail continues, day hikers should turn back at this point, a twelve mile round trip hike being quite sufficient for most.
This is not a hike for children, the elderly, family pets or the reckless at heart. Sections of the path, carved from the rock face itself, could prove quite treacherous to the unwary (or even to an experienced hiker that is fatigued from the long hike.) There are areas where a single misstep would be quite fatal.
After the hike is done, those returning toward Portland might want to have dinner at the Multnomah Falls Restaurant. I recommend the mushroom burger. To those returning east, I can offer no suggestions.
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