Is swimming allowed at Tunnel Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Tunnel Falls.

Live Conditions · 25 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Tunnel Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Tunnel Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Tunnel Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Tunnel 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.

Oregon • 120 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Infinite Dust CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

nwpuzzlr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

wiredforlego CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

EvanLovely CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

nwpuzzlr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

12.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

1,640 ft

About Tunnel Falls

Tunnel Falls is a stunning waterfall located along the Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon. The waterfall gets its name from the unique tunnel carved behind it, allowing hikers to pass directly behind the cascading water. It is a popular destination for its dramatic scenery and thrilling trail experience.

The Setting

Tunnel Falls sits at 1,214 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Bull Run River, in the foothills of Oregon. At 120 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.

Height: 120 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Metlako Falls (101 ft) lies 3.7 miles to the northwest. Also nearby: Wahclella Falls (65 ft, 5.3 mi) and Punch Bowl Falls (35 ft, 3.3 mi).

Metlako Falls Wahclella Falls Punch Bowl Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The hard hike follows Eagle Creek (#440), a 12.0-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 1,640 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

EAGLE CREEK #440

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.65 mi

Trail Description

The Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls is a challenging but rewarding hike. The trail features steep drop-offs, narrow paths, and sections with cable handrails for safety. Hikers will pass several other waterfalls along the way, including Punch Bowl Falls, before reaching Tunnel Falls. The tunnel behind the waterfall is carved into the basalt rock, offering a unique perspective of the falls.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 120 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Tunnel 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.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Tunnel Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Tunnel Falls, as the waterfalls are at their fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while summer provides drier trail conditions. Winter visits may be possible but can be hazardous due to ice and snow.

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

Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The trail has steep drop-offs and narrow paths, so exercise caution, especially in wet or icy conditions. Use the cable handrails where available. Always stay on the trail and avoid getting too close to the edge.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

25 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

24 27 36 46

Based on 33 years of record

1.25 ft

Water depth at gauge

44°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

30 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 AT LOWER FLUME NR BRIGHTWOOD, OR

USGS 14138720

7.9 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 5 sq mi

Altitude: 2,840 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Tunnel Falls is accessed via the Eagle Creek Trailhead, located off Interstate 84 near Cascade Locks, Oregon. The trailhead is well-marked and has a parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

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

Elevation

1214 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.584876° N, -121.851954° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, and bring plenty of water and snacks. Trekking poles can be helpful for stability on the steep and narrow sections. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Be prepared for changing weather conditions.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This challenging 12.0 miles trail gains 1,640 ft in elevation — come prepared with proper hiking boots and trekking poles. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter

The backcountry standard — filters 99.9% of bacteria and weighs just 3 oz.

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.

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

Wahtum Lake Campground

2.9 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.

Book on Recreation.gov