Is swimming allowed at Punch Bowl Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Punch Bowl Falls.

Live Conditions · 36 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Punch Bowl Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Punch Bowl Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Punch Bowl Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Punch Bowl Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $5.00. A permit is also required. A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead. Day-use passes can also be purchased on-site.

Oregon • 35 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Sam Beebe CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

lsten CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Eric Kuschner CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

hiestand24 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Kumara Sastry CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.2 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

400 ft

About Punch Bowl Falls

Punch Bowl Falls sits on Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Multnomah County, Oregon. Nestled within Mount Hood National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls plunge about 35 feet (11 m) into a distinct punchbowl-shaped basin roughly 10 feet (3 m) across — a dramatic spot where Eagle Creek cuts through a narrow channel and shoots powerfully into the pool below. A favorite for hikers and photographers, Punch Bowl Falls is reached from the Eagle Creek corridor and is often described as one of the most picturesque highlights of the Columbia River Gorge. The trail corridor is managed by the USFS; Eagle Creek Campground is nearby, about 3.3 km from the falls, making this a convenient area for camping and multi-stop outings in the Gorge.

The Setting

Punch Bowl Falls sits at 377 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Bull Run River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon. The falls drop 35 feet.

Height: 35 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Metlako Falls (101 ft) lies 0.5 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Wahclella Falls (65 ft, 2.8 mi).

Metlako Falls Wahclella Falls

Trail & Hike Details

4.2 mi distance 400 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Lower Punchbowl (#440B), a 4.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 400 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

LOWER PUNCHBOWL #440B

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.20 mi

Trail Description

Punch Bowl Falls is accessed via the Eagle Creek route, an out-and-back trail listed at 4.2 miles with roughly 400 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The final approach to the pool follows the USFS LOWER PUNCHBOWL Trail (Trail #440B), a short segment recorded at 0.2 GIS miles. That segment is classified as Class 2, with a surface of native material and a typical grade of 12–20%. The entire corridor is managed by the U.S. Forest Service within Mount Hood National Forest and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.

What to Expect

The falls drop 35 feet. Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Punch Bowl Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required for parking at the trailhead. Day-use passes can also be purchased on-site.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Punch Bowl Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Punch Bowl Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak, and the surrounding vegetation is lush and vibrant.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Mt. Hood National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The trail includes narrow paths with steep drop-offs, so hikers should exercise caution, especially with children or pets. Be aware of slippery rocks near the falls and along the trail.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Roaring

36 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

38 43 136 249

Based on 59 years of record

2.32 ft

Water depth at gauge

52°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 52 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

31 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR

USGS 14138850

10.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 48 sq mi

Altitude: 1,080 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR (17 km away).

Moderate confidence

Roaring right now

36 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Roaring

41 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Roaring

43 cfs

8/10

Sun

Roaring

43 cfs

9/10

Mon

Roaring

37 cfs

9/10

Tue

Roaring

38 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

51 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

47 cfs

6/10

Best window: Sun — roaring flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid April, peaking in January.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Stevenson hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 232 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 35 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 356 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 347 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 254 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Punch Bowl Falls near Stevenson, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Punch Bowl Falls near Stevenson, Oregon, showing about 232 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 356 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 232 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Punch Bowl Falls is accessed via the Eagle Creek Trailhead, located off Interstate 84 near Cascade Locks, Oregon. The trailhead is well-marked and easy to find.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Eagle Creek Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

377 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.621677° N, -121.894682° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as parts of the trail can be slippery. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds. Be prepared for narrow sections of the trail with steep drop-offs.

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With 4.2 miles and 400 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

EAGLE CREEK CAMPGROUND

2.1 miles away · 17 sites

Reservable

Overview Eagle Creek campground is located above Interstate 84 among tall trees. It was the first developed campground in the Forest Service system. Campsites are well-spaced creating a feeling of privacy. It is, however, located on the bluff above Interstate 84 and railroad tracks so it can be noisy.Recreation This campground is part of the Eagle Creek Recreation Area featuring the classic and popular Eagle Creek trail and access to several other hiking and road biking trails. There are outstand

Book on Recreation.gov