Eagle Creek hike to swim, float, dive under a waterfall at Punch Bowl Falls

Safety: Hikers with balance issues or bad joints should not go on this hike. The hike has large obstacles including basalt boulders to negotiate, a log water crossing (no bridge) and a log jam with thousands of logs to climb over.

TOTAL DISTANCE: ~4 miles
ELEVATION GAIN: ~1000 feet
PACE: ~1.5 mph
HIKE/SWIM TIME: ~6 hr
RATING: Moderate-High risk
Starting Trailhead (TH): Eagle Creek

This hike will be fun with an epic swim/float near and even behind Punch Bowl Falls. Bring your favorite floatation device like a tube or pool float (keep it light). You must be able to pack all your gear and backpack 4 miles round-trip.

Eagle Creek Trail is a spectacular cliffside hike passing through a forested basalt cliff. It affords spectacular views of the creek's slot canyon. Small waterfalls trickle along the sides of the cliff, and the trail passes many larger waterfalls, including the iconic Punch Bowl Falls, which is accessed from a side trail about 2 miles up from the TH. This hike is on a sometimes rough and ankle-rolling basalt rock trail.

This trail is very popular for day hikers, overnight backpackers and even through-hikers on the PCT.

For more details, click on the following links:
AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/eagle-creek-to-punchbowl-falls?sh=dfo3rj&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Eagle_Creek_to_Tunnel_Falls_Hike

CARPOOLING: Carpool riders: bring $10 cash or PayPal the hike leader
https://www.paypal.me/PNWNateG
(required to go on this hike). Carpool drivers will be paid $15 cash by the hike leader, for driving 50 miles round-trip. Hike leader will pay $5 parking fee for all vehicles at TH.

Carpool meeting location: meet at the Troutdale Columbia Gorge Outlet parking lot near the Pendleton Store by 10 am. Coordinate carpooling in the comments section. Hikers can also meet at the trailhead sign at 11 am.

What to bring:

• $10 cash for carpool riders (Mandatory)
• swimsuit (recommend wearing under clothes)
• backpack (light-weight)
• floatation: tube or pool float
• Sturdy hiking boots/shoes
• water shoes/aqua socks
• towel, sunscreen
• Trekking poles (if needed)
• Lunch, snacks, water (1 liter) or bottles and water filter
• Bag for muddy shoes/wet suit (if carpooling)

• Always a good practice to be equipped with The 10 essentials during hikes. Here is the link.
https://files.meetup.com/76645/The%20Ten%20Essentials.pdf

Completing a safe hike for everyone is my highest priority. I usually hike about 1.5 mph but change speeds depending on the group. We will always stay together as a group. Do not lose sight of the other hikers in our group at any time. If someone has a problem hiking, needs help with an obstacle or experiences an injury I expect everyone to offer help, especially for the hikers nearest to you. I reserve the right to remove anyone from the hike at anytime based on their fitness level, vulnerability to sustaining an injury, willingness to stay with the group, negative attitude or any other problem identified by me. I will always tell you honestly why you can't go on the hike.

If you are on the going list, and decide to cancel, please change your RSVP to "No" ASAP. If you Cancel after 12 pm the day before the hike without a reason given you can be marked as a "no-show". Please don't take a spot from someone else and then not go.

Disclaimer: Hike leaders are volunteers doing their best to make the hike a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, but assume no liability for any loss, damage or injury during the event or getting to or back from event. Each member is required to read and approve the waiver when agreeing to become a member, and are completely responsible for their own safety and well-being.