Eagle Creek

A Northwest Forest pass is required at the trailhead parking lot, they can be purchased on location for $5. The run requires hiking up as far as you would like to paddle. There are a few spots on the way up where the trail is blasted into the cliff. If you are using a backpack system, take care in these locations to avoid hitting the rock above with the top of your boat. It would be a disaster to loose control here and fall connected to your boat.

The run is known for its large, clean waterfalls and deep, vertical gorges. All of the waterfalls end in large pools, generally free of hazards aside from the height.

Hiking distance to put-ins

Twister Falls  (Full Run):  5 ¾ miles

Skoonichuk Falls (Standard):  3 ½ miles

Punchbowl Falls (Hike & Huck):  2 miles

If you decide to hike past Twister Falls, you will find more whitewater and at least 1 large un-run (as of 2014) waterfall. There is still more to be explored up there.

Putting in at the base of Twister Falls is pretty neat, it is worth paddling to the upstream end of this pool to get a closer look at the giant.  Downstream is a set of boulder gardens before reaching the first bedrock rapid.  This can be run down the chute on the left, or some paddlers have chosen to run the triple drop coming in on the EF of Eagle creek instead.  Shortly downstream is Grand Union Falls, a 40-50’ waterfall.  The first 15 feet or so slides down a ramp into a launch pad, landing in a big pool.

Below here is a long section of boulder garden rapids before reaching a footbridge that signals the upcoming Skoonichuk Falls.  Most people scout this drop on the left.  The first drop is about 40’ and has been run either down a ramp in the middle, or a flake on the left.  Before the water has a chance to lose aeration it drops over a second 15’ falls, landing in a clean pool.  Skoonichuk can be portaged via the trai

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