The trail begins at the Eagle Creek Trailhead, just past the town of Cascade Locks. Although the area is still recovering from the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, signs of regrowth are abundant. Sword ferns and Oregon grape are reclaiming the forest floor, while mosses cling to rock walls. Once dominated by massive Douglas firs and bigleaf maples, the canopy is now more open, with charred snags standing as reminders of the fire’s intensity. The first two miles offer a gentle introduction, with the trail meandering alongside Eagle Creek, where the lush greenery of the creek corridor contrasts with the surrounding burn scar.

At around two miles we come up to a viewpoint of Punchbowl Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Gorge. This 35-foot cascade drops into a perfectly round pool surrounded by mossy cliffs. It’s a great destination for those seeking a shorter outing, but the trail only becomes more dramatic as you continue.

Beyond Punchbowl Falls, the trail continues its moderate incline as it works its way above Eagle Creek. At High Bridge, about 3.3 miles in, the canyon narrows dramatically. Here, Eagle Creek roars below, carving through the basalt in a deep, narrow chasm. The bridge itself, perched high above the creek, offers a dizzying view and a preview of the rugged terrain to come.

As you venture further, the effects of the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire become more apparent. This wildfire, ignited by illegal fireworks during a summer of extreme dryness, burned over 50,000 acres of the Gorge. On the trail, you’ll see charred tree trunks and scorched rock faces, but also signs of recovery. Sword ferns and mosses are reclaiming the ground, and young alder trees are sprouting in the burn scar. Winter highlights this resilience, with frost and ice accentuating the fire-scarred landscape. We will quickly recross Eagle Creek at another bridge towards a large moss-covered rock face.  

This next section highlights more of the iconic sights of the Eagle Creek Trail, where the narrow path is carved into the cliffside and water trickles down from the hillside above. When the temperatures are cold enough, these droplets transform into stunning icicles that hang gracefully from the rock walls.

The narrow trail gives way to less vertigo-inducing single track soon enough.  We will wrap around a drainage and have a small creek crossing.  If you look upstream of the creek you will see Wy'east Falls.  This magnificent waterfall is one I do not recall being able to see prior to the fire.  The more open canopy allows full site of the waterfall.

Once again, the trail becomes increasingly narrow and exposed as you approach the Potholes section, a series of smooth, bowl-like depressions carved into the trail. On my recent outing, I realized how critical microspikes were here. Although I had run the trail a week earlier without needing traction, icy conditions made this section a little more precarious. The trail’s exposure to dripping water and freezing temperatures means that ice can form even when the trailhead is dry.

Shortly after the Potholes, you’ll reach Tunnel Falls, one of the most iconic features of the trail. This 120-foot waterfall plunges into a mossy amphitheater, and the trail passes directly behind it through a narrow tunnel carved into the basalt. Walking behind the cascade, with mist swirling around you and the roar of the water echoing through the tunnel, is an unforgettable experience. This feat of trail engineering is a highlight for many trail users and a reminder of the ingenuity that went into creating this route over a century ago.

Beyond Tunnel Falls, the trail continues to climb gently, offering more dramatic views of Eagle Creek as it winds through the canyon. At around 6.5 miles, you’ll reach Twister Falls, the turnaround point for this hike. The trail comes just about level with Twister Falls and you are standing mere feet from Eagle Creek right before it makes its plunge into the falls. Twister Falls is a double cascade that twists as it falls to the creek below. The sight of the water weaving between mossy rocks is mesmerizing, especially in winter when icicles frame the falls. This is a perfect place to pause, soak in the beauty, and reflect on the journey before heading back.

Winter adds a special magic to the entire trail. Water dripping from the cliffs freezes into massive icicles, some of which hang precariously over the trail, glittering in the soft winter light. The absence of summer crowds enhances the sense of solitude and allows you to connect more deeply with the landscape. The sound of the waterfalls, the crunch of icy patches underfoot, and the sight of frost-covered moss create an atmosphere that feels almost otherworldly.

Safety is paramount on this trail, especially in winter. Microspikes are essential for traction on icy sections, particularly beyond High Bridge. Stay aware of your surroundings, falling ice can be a hazard, especially on warmer days. The narrow, exposed sections require focus and caution, so take your time and avoid rushing. This is not a trail for shortcuts or carelessness.

Eagle Creek Trail is a route that should be on every PNW trail runner's list. It’s a journey through geological history, a testament to human ingenuity, and a celebration of the resilience of nature. Standing at Twister Falls, with the mist rising and the roar of the water filling the canyon, it’s impossible not to feel a profound sense of gratitude for this trail and the people who built and maintain it.

As you make your way back to the trailhead, take a moment to appreciate the privilege of having such an incredible adventure so close to home. Eagle Creek Trail is a treasure of the Columbia River Gorge, and each visit, no matter the season, offers a new perspective on its beauty. This winter, as the trail glistens with ice and the waterfalls thunder with renewed force, there’s no better time to experience its magic.

For the cherry on top to this fulfilling day, stop off at East Wind Drive-In in Cascade Locks for a milkshake and fries before making the drive home.