Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site

About

Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site occupies a forested bluff above the Columbia River within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s as a viewing point for the Bonneville Dam construction, the site retains its historic CCC masonry and offers sweeping views of the Columbia River and the mountains rising from the gorge on the Washington side. The group site includes a large covered picnic shelter, picnic tables, campfire rings, potable drinking water, and newly remodeled ADA-accessible flush toilets. It can accommodate up to 90 people and approximately 40 vehicles including trailers. RVs up to 40 feet are permitted, though there are no hookups. The railroad trestle at the entrance has an 11'6" clearance. On-site hosts are available during the operating season. The Eagle Creek Trail, one of the most popular trails in the Columbia Gorge, is nearby and features spectacular viewpoints and waterfalls including Punch Bowl Falls, High Bridge, and Tunnel Falls. Bonneville Dam is about a mile west and features sturgeon ponds, fish viewing, and a visitor center. A portion of the historic Columbia River Highway converted to a bike path is accessible from the site.

Directions

From Portland, OR: Travel east on I-84 approximately 41 miles and take exit #41 (Eagle Creek Recreation Area). Stay in the right lane before the tunnel. At the end of the off-ramp, turn left at the stop sign. Turn left again at the Interstate on-ramp (follow sign to Overlook) and proceed under the freeway and railroad tracks to the gate. From Hood River/Cascade Locks: Travel west on I-84 and take exit #40 (Bonneville Dam), as exit #41 has no westbound exit. Turn left at the stop sign, proceed under I-84, then immediately left onto the eastbound freeway entrance. Travel east on I-84 to exit #41 and follow directions above.