Eagle Creek Trailhead
D istance from CCC: 48.9 miles, 52 minutes
Length o f Trail: 4+ miles
Parking fee: $5
Escaping the city noise to be surrounded by the sound of rushing water, the
Eagle Creek trailhead is a start for many different hikes. There’ s also a fish
hatchery, a day use picnic area and the Eagle Creek campground.
One of the extra trails in the area is the Gorge Trail that starts by a bridge
and w ill lead hikers to Wauna Viewpoint. This trail is above 1-84, so people
can still hear the traffic but there are breaks in the trees, providing beautiful
views of the Gorge. I didn’ t go very far on this trail.
Distance for the Eagle Creek Trail will vary depending on how far someone
wants to hike: Punchbowl Falls, High Bridge or Tunnel Falls. Hikers can even
reach Wahtum Lake if they choose, about a 26.5 mile loop. The trail does
get narrow at tim es and provides a beautiful getaway from the city. I went
past Punchbowl Falls but didn’t make it to the High Bridge.
Be careful w ith valuables and identity information. With the trailhead
being right o ff of I-84, it’ s appealing to thieves. I didn’t experience any
problems w hile I was there.
STORY AND PHOTO BY KATIE ARCHER
M ultnom ah Falls
D istance from CCC: 38.6 miles, 48 min
Length o f Trail: 2+ miles
Parking Fee: none
Multnomah Falls is one hike that is a must for anyone, w hether you’re a nature
lover or not.
The trailhead is approximately 40 miles from Clackamas Community College.
You can get to this spot by taking I-205 North, exit 22 to I-84 East and continuing
until exit 31.
At the base of the hike is a historic stone lodge. The hike itself is a little more
than two miles, round trip. The difficulty level is considered moderate because it
has quite a slope. The elevation gain is about 700 feet. Starting on the hike, after
a couple turns, you will end up at a stone bridge.
I actually thought this was the end, but if you pass the stone bridge and stay
right, you can hike to the very top. The viewpoint at the top features a balcony
of sorts to look out from, as w ell as other trails to a further hike. The paved path
is a bit bum py so you w ill need to watch your step, especially if it rains, which it
always does. If you have asthma, bring an inhaler.
Also, expect the trail to be crowded. The viewpoints are definitely worth the
hike. Not only is there Multnomah Falls, there are numerous falls, viewpoints
and nature spots to stop off at on the way.
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STORY AND PHOTO BY SHAYLYN STRUNA