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Columbia River Gorge · Near Cascade Locks

Tunnel Falls

Tunnel Falls is a backcountry waterfall outing near Cascade Locks in Columbia River Gorge. This guide rates the visit hard and collects the practical information available for planning responsibly.

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  • DifficultyHard
  • AccessBackcountry
  • Round trip12 mi
  • Nearest townCascade Locks

The place

Why Tunnel Falls is worth the stop

Tunnel Falls is a public waterfall destination near Cascade Locks, set in the cliff-lined Eagle Creek canyon. The visit is best understood as a 12-mile round-trip backcountry rather than a stop measured only by waterfall height.

What the experience feels like

Expect 12-mile round-trip backcountry with a hard difficulty rating. Seasonal note: Exposed trail; ice, fire, and storm closures can change access.

Visit details

Plan your trip

Waterfall status
Natural waterfall
Public access
Public destination; verify current alerts before travel
Region
Columbia River Gorge
County
Hood River
Nearest town
Cascade Locks
Access type
Backcountry
Round-trip distance
12 mi
Difficulty
Hard
Parking
Eagle Creek Trailhead
Seasonal access
Exposed trail; ice, fire, and storm closures can change access

Trailhead and parking

Start at the documented public access point

Coordinates: 45.636700, -121.919500

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The coordinates identify the documented public parking area or trailhead—not an off-trail waterfall location. Download directions before leaving cell service.

No star ratings

Why this is rated hard

The hard rating reflects backcountry access and approximately 12 mi round trip, where remoteness and changing conditions require stronger preparation and judgment.

EasyMinimal distance or straightforward developed access.
ModerateMore mileage, uneven terrain, or conditions requiring preparation.
HardLong, remote, exposed, or otherwise consequential travel.

Difficulty is a planning aid, not a guarantee. Snow, ice, heat, high water, trail damage, and individual ability can change the experience substantially.

Protect the place

Leave No Trace at Tunnel Falls

Waterfall corridors are easily damaged by shortcuts, litter, contaminated water, and crowding. Keep your visit on the durable, legal route and leave the site ready for the next person.

  • Stay on the signed trail, use established viewpoints, and respect every closure.
  • Pack out food scraps, dog waste, toilet paper, and everything else you bring.
  • Leave rocks, plants, wood, and historic features where they are.
  • Keep soap, food, and sunscreen out of streams, and give wildlife and other visitors room.
Read our complete guide to the seven Leave No Trace principles

Independent local picks

Eat and stay near Cascade Locks and the east Gorge

Cascade Locks has the most dependable cluster of services near these trail corridors. These are editorial suggestions, not paid placements.

Recommendations were editorially reviewed in August 2026. Businesses, quality, hours, prices, and availability can change; confirm current details before relying on a stop.

Keep exploring

Other waterfalls nearby

Selected first from the same practical road, park, or trail corridor—not from straight-line distance alone.

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