Punchbowl Falls
Oregon • 35 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
4.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
400 ft
About Punchbowl Falls
Punchbowl Falls perches on Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, and is celebrated for its perfectly rounded, bowl-shaped basin. The waterfall plunges roughly 35 feet into a clear plunge pool, creating a photogenic amphitheater that draws day-hikers and photographers alike. Its compact, dramatic form makes it one of the Gorge’s most recognizable cascades. You reach the falls via the scenic Eagle Creek Trail, which passes multiple waterfall viewpoints through lush canyon forest. A short spur leads down to a close-up view of Punchbowl’s pool. The route is an out-and-back of about 4.2 miles with approximately 400 feet of elevation gain and is commonly rated moderate — pleasant and accessible for fit hikers looking for memorable Gorge scenery.
The Setting
Punchbowl Falls sits at 833 feet in the foothills of Oregon. The falls drop 35 feet.
Height: 35 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Wah Gwin Gwin Falls (207 ft) lies 8.5 miles to the northeast.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 4.2-mile out-and-back trail gains 400 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls: out-and-back, ~4.2 miles total, ~400 ft elevation gain, difficulty: moderate. The trail follows Eagle Creek and offers multiple waterfall viewpoints; a short spur drops to a close vantage of Punchbowl Falls (35 ft). Surface, grade, and specific USFS trail class/number are not provided in the available data.
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 Punchbowl 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 Punchbowl Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Punchbowl Falls, as the water flow is typically at its peak, and the surrounding vegetation is lush and green.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 47°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
Be cautious on narrow sections of the trail with steep drop-offs. Stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge. Watch for slippery rocks near the water.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Hood River, 5.5 miles away, not on Punchbowl Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
477 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 64 years of record
3.23 ft
Water depth at gauge
47°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 47 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge HOOD RIVER AT TUCKER BRIDGE, NEAR HOOD RIVER, OR (9 km away).
Today
Roaring
444 cfs
8/10Tomorrow
Roaring
407 cfs
8/10Thu
Roaring
424 cfs
8/10Fri
Roaring
478 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
488 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
481 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
493 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — roaring flow, areas of fog (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early May, 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 Odell hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Punchbowl Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Punchbowl Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 51°F to 43°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 317 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Oregon.
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.
3-meter lidar measures about 132 feet of descent through Punchbowl Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 35 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 817 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 106 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 114 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 817 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 132 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Punchbowl Falls is accessed via the Eagle Creek Trailhead, located off Interstate 84 near Cascade Locks, Oregon. The trailhead is well-marked and popular among hikers.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Eagle Creek Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially during weekends and peak seasons. Overflow parking may be available along the road.
Elevation
833 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.602533° N, -121.636099° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the trail can be slippery. Bring plenty of water and snacks, and be prepared for changing weather conditions. Cell service may be limited in the area.
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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
Mt Adams View, walk to downtown HR
Westcliff Lodge
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hood River by IHG
Hampton Inn & Suites Hood River
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
Wahtum Lake Campground
7.8 miles away · 0 sites
Five primitive campsites available with a fire pit and picnic table at each site adjacent to Wahtum Lake located just east of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness and multiple hiking opportunties. Trees and shade available.
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls along the Eagle Creek Trail, such as Metlako Falls and Tunnel Falls. The nearby town of Cascade Locks offers dining and lodging options.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Keep an eye out for fish in the creek.
Cities near Punchbowl Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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