Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Columbia River Gorge Natl Scenic Area/Eagle Creek
Overview
The Eagle Creek Campground within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area holds a unique place in history as the first developed campground in the United States Forest Service system. Established in 1916, this destination offers a nostalgic camping experience under a thick canopy of Douglas firs and western hemlocks. It serves as a tranquil gateway for travelers wishing to immerse themselves in the lush, mossy landscapes of the Pacific Northwest while staying close to the majestic Columbia River.
Location & Surroundings
Located just outside the charming town of Cascade Locks, Oregon, the park is perched on a bluff overlooking the Columbia River. The surrounding terrain is characterized by dramatic basalt cliffs and temperate rainforest conditions. Staying here places you within the heart of the gorge, where the mist from nearby cascades often hangs in the air, providing a cool, refreshing atmosphere even during the summer months. Its proximity to Interstate 84 makes it easily accessible for those traveling through the region.
Amenities & Park Features
This is a rustic, no-frills destination that prioritizes the natural environment over modern luxuries. The park features dry camping sites with no electrical or water hookups, making it ideal for self-contained RVs or those who enjoy a back-to-basics approach. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring. You will find potable water stations and vault toilets conveniently located throughout the loop. Due to its historic layout, the sites vary in size, so checking dimensions for larger rigs is essential before arrival.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure is the primary draw here, with the famous Eagle Creek Trail located just a short walk from the campsites. This trail leads hikers toward breathtaking sights like Punch Bowl Falls and Tunnel Falls. A short drive takes you to the iconic Bridge of the Gods or the world-renowned Multnomah Falls. For a change of pace, the town of Cascade Locks offers local breweries, salmon dinners, and scenic cruises on the Columbia Gorge Sternwheeler, providing a well-rounded Pacific Northwest experience.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is best suited for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers who value scenery and trail access over resort-style amenities. Because of the smaller site footprints and lack of hookups, it is a perfect fit for camper vans and small trailers. If you are a traveler looking to disconnect from the digital world and wake up to the sound of wind through the trees and nearby rushing water, this historic site will feel like a sanctuary.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Stacey Hall
Biking through the Columbia River Gorge is one of the most scenic and refreshing experiences imaginable. 🚴♀️🌲 Every turn reveals another postcard-perfect view — waterfalls cascading beside the trail, dramatic cliffs, and endless stretches of forest meeting the river. The path is well maintained, with a great balance of gentle rides and more challenging stretches for those wanting a bit of adventure. It’s the kind of ride where you can stop often just to take in the views (and you absolutely should). The mix of fresh air, natural beauty, and peaceful rhythm of the ride makes this trail unforgettable. Whether you’re a serious cyclist or just out for a scenic ride, the Gorge biking trail is pure Oregon magic.
Deniz Namik
Absolutely beautiful. The Visitor Center has basic amenities, and theres a restaurant & coffee stand as well. You can walk/hike as far as you want, path is clearly paved and is suitable for all ages, depending on where you stop. Would definitely recommend visiting!
Rodica Mihalis
Totally worth it! However parking was at a premium! We finally found parking at the Horsetail Waterfall. This is an easier and shorter hike. Very enjoyable. Stunning views!
Amin Sameni
Breathtaking views just a short drive from Portland The Columbia River Gorge is a stunning natural escape that's surprisingly easy to reach from Portland. It's perfect for a half-day getaway. The scenic drive alone is worth it, with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and endless panoramic views of the river cutting through the landscape. We especially appreciated how accessible many of the viewpoints and trailheads were. you don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the area. Multnomah Falls is iconic, but there are plenty of quieter spots along the way too. It gets a solid 4 stars from us only reason for not giving 5 is the occasional crowding near the most popular stops. Still, it’s absolutely a must-see when visiting Portland.
Vance E.
One of the best roadside waterfalls in all of my travels! Cascade Locks Historical Museum is a great place to stop FIRST to see if they have day passes available for the Falls. Especially if you didn't go online to pre book. The Oregon Pony and nine finger doll are worth the price of admission to the Museum, but if they have a day pass, it's priceless. But back to the falls. Parking is limited but for the most part people are friendly in the lot and you can wait a bit for someone to leave, you are able to circle the lot so try all the way down and around. The parking lot in the middle of the highway has more turnover. The small lot in front of the restaurant is almost always full and the lot just down the road and on the right hand side is tight. Some people get creative and are willing to walk and park in the coves along the road plus or minus a half mile on the falls river road. Once you get to the falls it is a short very up hill walk to the bridge but worth it. The views of the falls from the middle of the highway parking lot is very nice for anyone that can't make the hike in.
