Distance: 16.8 miles via the Eagle Creek alternate
After a crummy night of sleep (thanks to my delaminated, deflated sleeping pad), I was eager to get moving on my final day of this section hike. I had no intention of hiking the actual PCT, though. Like most thru-hikers, I opted to detour to the Eagle Creek alternate. This trail was closed for several years thanks to the 2017 Eagle Creek fire, but it’s back on the menu once again, and I was eager to take it. From Wahtum Lake, the trail was mostly downhill, dropping me from 3,800 feet to the Columbia River (elevation: 150 feet). At mile 7.1, I reached Tunnel Falls, which is the real reason hikers love this alternate. After walking behind the waterfall, the trail continued downhill, crossing multiple bridges over the creek’s deep gorge until I reached the Eagle Creek Trailhead. Cascade Locks was still nearly 3 miles to the east, so I followed the Gorge Trail (#400) the rest of the way to Bridge of Gods, then crossed the bridge (twice) to get to Washington and back.
I was 100% taking the Eagle Creek alternate to the Columbia RiverLots of cruisey downhill trail as I drop 3,800 vetical feet over the next 12 milesUnlike yesterday’s dry route, the Eagle Creek Trail was abundant with streams cascading across the trail Evidence of the 2017 Eagle Creek fire, which burned roughly 50,000 acres after an irresponsible 15-year-old threw some fireworks off the trail and lit the forest on fire.Fungus loveThe Eagle Creek Trail is literally carved into some of the rock walls along the waterStopping for a mid-morning break on the edge of the creekEagle Creek dropped down several steep chutes and was out of reach for most of the remainder of the hike More narrow trail, but this time with cablesTunnel FallsThe trail literally goes through a tunnel behind the 173-foot waterfallComing out the other side of the tunnelStopping to count how many rings this giant tree stump hasLooking at one of the many bridges over Eagle Creek (which runs through the deep, narrow gorge below)Bridge crossingContinuing to descent toward sea level (with more cables)After 13,5 miles, I finally reached the Eagle Creek Trailhead (elevation: 90 feet) and stopped to take off my shoes at one of the picnic benches for an hour-long lunch. Only a few more miles to the finish line.After walking through the Eagle Creek Campground, I found the sign pointing me to the Gorge TrailThe Gorge Trail was light on viewsAlthough the Gorge Trail is mostly a dirt trail as it parallels I-84, there is a short section that uses the Historic Columbia River Highway, a 75-mile scenic road that runs from Troutdale to the DallesMy first views of the Bridge of the Gods from the Gorge TrailAfter 2.5 miles, the Gorge Trail rejoined the PCT and headed into Cascade Locks.The OR-WA state line runs through the Columbia River, so I decided to walk across the Bridge of the Gods rather than stop at the bridge’s entrance.Cars must pay a toll to cross the bridge, but pedestrians can cross for free. The only catch is that there’s no sidewalk, so you have to walk on the bridge’s deck while oncoming traffic drives past.Crossing the bridge with the cars driving toward you is mildly nerve-wracking. The bridge is also metal grating the entire way, so you can see the Columbia River rushing 140 feet below.The 3-deck paddleboat crossed under the bridge during my northbound journey I made it to the end! After 457 miles, I finally connected my steps across Oregon, beginning at the California border and ending at the Washington border. But before I can celebrate this achievement with a local Oregon craft beer, I need to turn around and walk back across the bridge to Cascade Locks again!
Highlights
I chose the Eagle Creek alternate mostly because it’s finally open again. But I also wanted to hike through Tunnel Falls, one of the more iconic spots in the Columbia River Gorge.
Unlike yesterday’s dry leg of the PCT, today I had more than enough water as I strolled past Eagle Creek and the many streas flowing into it.
Finishing this PCT section hike through my home state of Oregon felt so absolutely great, and so did celebrating my accomplishment with dinner at Thunder Island Brewing Co.
Challenges
By 10 am, I was crossing paths with a ton of day hikers and backpackers coming up from the Eagle Creek Trailhead. I knew the trail was popular, but this was almost as crowded as the Timberline Trail.
I probably should have followed the FarOut directions instead of trying to take the Gorge Trail all the way to Bridge of the Gods. There was tons of poison oak along my chosen route to avoid.
Walking across the Bridge of the Gods is an adventure. Between the see-through metal decking, the high winds trying to blow me over, sharing the lane with oncoming traffic, and the return journey to Oregon, I stayed tense the entire time.
