Eagle Creek Hike (Clackamas River Tributary)

Eagle Creek, named for the large population of eagles in the area, is an easy and serene hike through some of Oregonas great remaining old-growth forests. This hike should not be confused with the more popular Eagle Creek Trail in the Columbia River Gorge. To reach this hike you will drive through the high plateau of eastern Clackamas County, passing quaint agricultural properties, numerous Christmas tree farms, and large expanses of clear-cut forests. The beginning of the hike starts on an abandoned logging road that drops nearly 500 feet in elevation before leveling out parallel to Eagle Creek. The road leads to a single track trail that proceeds through a damp forest of western red cedars, moss covered big leaf maples and old-growth Douglas firs that measure up to 10 feet in diameter. Throughout the hike the trail keeps its distance from the river, however the white noise of the flowing water is always audible and several side trails offer connections to the river. Farther along the hike, numerous charming side creeks cross the path along the length of the trail and offer wonderful resting points.