Eagle Creek

Distance: 12 miles loop
Elevation Gain: 1600ft
Difficulty: moderate
Fees/Permits: NW Forest Pass

Summary: A popular (crowded) hike through lush forest with numerous spectacular waterfalls. The trail is steep and narrow in places, be sure that you are comfortable that you can navigate your dogs past people and other dogs safely.

Trailhead [map]: Coming from Portland, travel eastbound on I-84, and turn off at Exit #41. At the bottom of the ramp turn right. Go about 1/2 mile to the end of the road.

Click for… Additional Trail Information

Don’t Forget…Safe Hiking Tips for You and your Dog

Safety First for you and your dog

Our friends at Portland Mountain Rescue would appreciate us sharing the 4 Elements of Safety:

Know the Conditions & Weather
Know the route
Be prepared
Have a backup plan

We also want to remind you to bring extra water for your dog as well as food/treats!! In addition to packing a first aid kit for your pet, we suggest you also pack duct tape as a universal “just in case” … for instance if your dog’s paws start to get blisters or cuts from rocks on the trail, you can use duct tape as a quick, temporary boot for your pup.

Park Passes/Permits

For information about Park Passes and Permits, see these links:

Beware of and prepare for...

Here is a summary of some of the hazards that you need to consider when hiking in the NW.

Rocky trails are hard on dog paws – consider carrying booties
Hazardous animals – cougars, snakes, bears, skunks, porcupines, salmon (found dead during spawning season) or any raw fish
Water from streams may be contaminated with
giardia
Plants – poison oak & poison ivy, toxic: rhododendrons & azaleas
Heat stroke can be fatal to dogs when its 70 degrees or warmer
Ticks and Lyme disease

Updated trail conditions

Check portlandhikers.org for updated trail conditions from other hikers.

The Forest Service also provides trail conditions for the Columbia Gorge at this link:
Columbia River Gorge Alerts and Notices

Leash Up, Oregon - in memory of Casey

Many dogs have been injured or killed while hiking in the Columbia River Gorge because they were not on a leash. One misstep by a tired or frightened dog can lead to tragic results. Read [ HERE ] about the rescue of a dog in the Columbia Gorge by OHSTAR team.