Right now
Right now as of Nov 3, 2026
- Permit Free wilderness permit, in season.
- Heads-up Restrooms at Big John closed for the season (USFS, updated Sept 16, 2026).
Status note (Nov 3, 2026): Open, as far as we can tell. On Nov 3, 2026 the USFS Eagle Creek Trail #440 page (updated Sept 16, 2026) showed "Site Open." It listed no trail closure. The restrooms at Big John were closed for the season. What the status labels mean
Tunnel Falls is in the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness in the Columbia River Gorge. The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) places it about 7 miles up Eagle Creek Trail #440, where hikers pass behind the falling water. That makes about 14 miles round trip. Parts of the trail have sheer cliffs with no handrails. Parking costs $5 per vehicle, or you can use a valid recreation pass.
About Tunnel Falls
USFS says hikers reach Tunnel Falls "about seven miles up the trail, where they can pass behind falling waters."
The falls are inside the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, which USFS lists at 65,822 acres. It was designated in 1984 and expanded in 2009. The wilderness boundary crosses the trail around mile 5.
USFS gives no height for Tunnel Falls on its Eagle Creek or wilderness pages, so we do not list one.
Fire and storm history
During the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, USFS says, more than 150 hikers were rescued. They walked out 12 miles and 3,000 feet up to the Wahtum Lake Trailhead.
As listed on Nov 3, 2026, several connecting trails remain closed after that fire: Ruckel Creek, Tanner Butte #401, Eagle-Tanner #433 and Tanner Cutoff #448. Eagle Creek Trail #440 itself shows no closure on the USFS page.
Storms in late December 2025 closed the trail, and Backpacker reported in January 2026 that it would be closed for months. On Nov 3, 2026, the USFS trail page (updated Sept 16, 2026) showed "Site Open."
Getting there and parking
The hike to Tunnel Falls starts at the Eagle Creek Trailhead, the same start as Punch Bowl Falls. The map pin marks the approximate location of the falls, not the trailhead.
From Portland
Take I-84 east to exit 41, just past the tunnel, USFS says. Keep right before the tunnel, turn right at the end of the ramp, and follow the signs to the trailhead.
From Cascade Locks
There is no westbound exit 41. Go west about 3 miles to exit 40 (Bonneville Dam) and turn left, under the interstate. Then take I-84 east about 1 mile to exit 41.
Parking and facilities
USFS charges $5 per vehicle per day, or you can show a valid recreation pass. It lists accessible parking but no potable water. As of its Sept 16, 2026 update, the restrooms at Big John were closed for the season.
Nearby, Wahclella Falls is a shorter hike off exit 40, and Multnomah Falls is west along I-84. Our Oregon waterfalls guide lists more.
Camping and wilderness rules
Past the wilderness boundary, wilderness rules apply, and overnight stays need the free permit in season.
USFS prohibits camping north of High Bridge along Eagle Creek Trail #440.
Campfires are banned from June 1 to Sept 15; stoves are OK. From Sept 15 to June 1, USFS bans fires within 100 feet of the trail.
The boundary is around mile 5. Groups are limited to 12 or fewer, counting people and stock. No motorized or mechanical transport is allowed, including bikes, e-bikes and carts; wheelchairs are the exception.
USFS requires a free, self-issued wilderness permit for day use and overnight stays from Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31. The 2026 season ended on Oct. 31.
Map and nearby falls
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Eagle Creek Trail #440 to Tunnel Falls
USFS gives these landmarks along Eagle Creek Trail #440, each measured from the trailhead:
- Punch Bowl Falls: a side trail about 2 miles up.
- High Bridge: about 3 miles up, crossing a narrow gorge 150 feet above the creek.
- Wilderness boundary: around mile 5, where a free permit is required in season.
- Tunnel Falls: about 7 miles up, where the trail passes behind the falls.
That puts Tunnel Falls about 7 miles each way, or about 14 miles round trip. USFS notes that many hikers backpack this far.
Grade and cliff sections
USFS describes a gentle overall grade, but warns: "Sheer cliffs have no hand rails on parts of this trail." It does not recommend the hike for children or anyone afraid of heights.
The Hatfield Wilderness page adds that these hikes "pass steep cliffs and drop-offs." USFS asks hikers not to leave the trail and to respect closure signs.
Carry overnight gear
USFS points to the 2017 fire rescue as a reason to carry overnight essentials, even on a day hike. Pack a headlamp, warm layers, food and plenty of water, since the trailhead has none.
When to visit
On Nov 3, 2026, the USFS Eagle Creek Trail #440 page showed "Site Open," with no trail closure listed. The page was last updated Sept 16, 2026.
USFS calls Eagle Creek "one of the most popular trails in the Columbia River Gorge" and says it "can be a crowded experience on summer weekends." Start early if you go then.
USFS gives no best month for flow. Winter storms closed the trail in late December 2025, so check the USFS page and alerts before any winter trip.
| Trail | About 7 mi each way on Eagle Creek Trail #440 (USFS), so about 14 mi round trip; sheer cliffs without handrails on parts of the trail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Gentle overall grade, but sheer cliffs have no handrails on parts of the trail; USFS does not recommend it for children or anyone afraid of heights |
| Entry fee | $5 per vehicle per day or a valid recreation pass at the Eagle Creek Trailhead (USFS). WTA says Oregon State Parks permits are not valid |
| Permit / reservation | Free, self-issued wilderness permit from Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31; a $5 day-use fee or recreation pass to park |
| Parking | Eagle Creek Trailhead, I-84 exit 41 |
| Dogs | Must be on a leash no longer than 6 ft on Eagle Creek Trail (USFS). USFS says unleashed dogs fall off the cliffs every year |
| Swimming | USFS lists no swim rule at Tunnel Falls; it prohibits jumping or diving off Punchbowl Falls on the same trail |
| Wheelchair / stroller | Not listed: USFS lists accessible parking at the trailhead but does not describe the trail as accessible |
| Walk behind the falls | Yes |
| Restrooms | Restrooms at Big John closed for the season (USFS, updated Sept 16, 2026); no potable water |
| Best time to visit | No official best month; USFS warns the trail can be crowded on summer weekends |
| Crowds | USFS calls Eagle Creek one of the most popular trails in the Gorge and says it can be crowded on summer weekends |
| Managed by | U.S. Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area |
Safety and swimming
USFS is direct about the exposure: sheer cliffs have no handrails on parts of the trail. It does not recommend the hike for children or those afraid of heights, despite the gentle grade.
Keep dogs leashed. USFS warns: "Each year several unleashed dogs fall off of, or chase other dogs off, the steep cliffs!" Dogs must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.
Jumping or diving off Punchbowl Falls is prohibited, per USFS. Drones may not take off or land, and motor vehicles and bikes are not allowed on the trail.
On Aug 1, 2026, a man died after falling from a cliff above Punch Bowl Falls, on the same trail, the Hood River County Sheriff's Office said. We did not find an official report of a death at Tunnel Falls itself.
Carry overnight essentials, as USFS advises, and tell someone your plans. Our waterfall safety guide has more on cliffs and slick rock.
Conditions change: confirm with the USFS Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area before you go.
Where to stay near Tunnel Falls
Compare hotels, cabins and rentals close to the falls around Cascade Locks.
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Photos
Tunnel Falls FAQ
How long is the Tunnel Falls hike?
About 7 miles each way, per USFS, so about 14 miles round trip. You pass the Punch Bowl Falls side trail at about 2 miles and High Bridge at about 3 miles.
Can you drive to Tunnel Falls?
No. Tunnel Falls is reached only on foot, from the Eagle Creek Trailhead off I-84 exit 41. That exit is eastbound only.
How hard is the Tunnel Falls hike?
USFS describes a gentle overall grade, but the trip is long and parts of the trail have sheer cliffs with no handrails. USFS does not recommend it for children or anyone afraid of heights.
Is the Tunnel Falls hike open?
Yes, as far as we can tell. On Nov 3, 2026 the USFS Eagle Creek Trail #440 page showed "Site Open" with no trail closure listed (updated Sept 16, 2026). Storms closed the trail in late December 2025.
Do you need a permit for Tunnel Falls?
In season, yes: a free, self-issued wilderness permit from Memorial Day weekend through Oct. 31 (USFS). You also need to pay $5 per vehicle or show a valid recreation pass to park.
Is Tunnel Falls dangerous?
The trail has real exposure: sheer cliffs without handrails on parts of it, per USFS. The most recent official fatal fall we found was near Punch Bowl Falls on Aug 1, 2026. Stay on the trail and keep dogs leashed.
Are dogs allowed on the trail to Tunnel Falls?
Yes, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, per USFS. It warns that several unleashed dogs fall off the steep cliffs each year.
Nearby waterfalls
Punch Bowl Falls3 mi straight-lineOpen35FT
Wahclella Falls5 mi straight-lineOpen60FT
Horsetail Falls10 mi straight-lineOpen176FT
Multnomah Falls13 mi straight-lineOpen620FT
Wahkeena Falls13 mi straight-lineOpen242FT
Latourell Falls18 mi straight-lineOpen224FT
Moulton Falls31 mi straight-lineOpen10FT
Willamette Falls40 mi straight-linePartly open40FT
South Falls (Silver Falls)63 mi straight-lineOpen177FT
City guides: Waterfalls near Portland, OR
On these lists: Dog-friendly waterfalls · Waterfalls you can walk behind
Sources
- USDA Forest Service: Eagle Creek Trailhead & Trail #440 (Site Open, updated Sept 16, 2026; read Nov 3, 2026)
- USDA Forest Service: Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness, Columbia Gorge (updated Jan 6, 2026; read Nov 3, 2026)
- USDA Forest Service: Columbia River Gorge passes
- WTA: Eagle Creek (Oregon State Parks permits not valid)
- Backpacker: Oregon's Eagle Creek Trail Will Be Closed for Months (updated Jan 18, 2026)
- Hood River County Sheriff's Office: Fatal fall near Punchbowl Falls (Aug 3, 2026)
- FCC Census Block API: county lookup at the falls coordinates
Last verified Nov 3, 2026 by The Waterfall Guide editorial team. Conditions change: confirm with U.S. Forest Service, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area before you go. Spotted something out of date? Report a correction.