Eagle Creek Trail 22 miler

I'll start by proclaiming that this was one of the best runs of my life.

It began with two strokes of genius. First, Ann and I took Monday off work to fit in a long run so that we could go out to the Gorge, try a new route, and not be rushed for time. Second, Ann planned the run on Eagle Creek trail (440)-- a scenic, well-graded path past breath-taking waterfalls, uphill for 11 miles (plus an additional 1/10 mile to a lovely waterfall) to our turnaround (about 3,100 ft of elevation gain), at which point it would be all downhill.  As I said, brilliant.

Eagle Creek trail map

The weather was perfect (mostly cloudy, mid-low 60s), company scintillating (Ann!), and I couldn't have asked for more. We had to walk several places where the path was rocky, narrow, wet and slick, and of course when I wanted to stop and take photos of the gorgeous scenery. I was pretty tired by 11.2 miles when we sat down to eat, but the delicious potatoes Ann made and the vegan brownie I brought really perked me up.

This was our first run over 16 miles or so without passing back by the car, so we were careful to start a list of things to bring in our packs and work to refine it. We can't wait to get back out into the wilderness for a long run on a day off!

Elevation map

Gear:
Nathan Intensity Race Vest
Nike Lady Tech Capri Running Tights
Smartwool PhD Running Light Micro Socks - Women's (Ann)
Brooks Women's Cascadia 7 Trail Running Shoe (Ann)
Injini crew socks (in rainbow, of course) (Susan)

Fuel:
Nuun Active Hydration (Ann)
Clif Shot Energy Gel (Ann)
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews (Ann)
Luna Sport Moons energy chews-- no longer available (Susan)
Clif Shot Electrolyte Replacement Drink, Cran Razz (Susan)
Potato Chips
Salted Boiled Potatoes
Vegan Brownie
String Cheese (Ann)

Ann on High Bridge-- very high above Eagle Creek! (Around mile 3)

Eagle Creek Trail No 440 The next six miles of trail passes through an area burned by a forest fire in 1902. Young Douglas fir tress now replace the burned forest. (Around mile 5)

Entering the Hatfield Wilderness (Around mile 5)

Ann enters the tunnel behind Tunnel Falls (130ft drop) (Around mile 6)

Susan under the spray of Tunnel Falls

Twister Falls (Around mile 6 1/2)

An orchid near our turnaround (Around mile 10 1/2)

Turnaround point waterfall (Mile 11.1)

Taking a break at the turnaround (Around mile 11 1/2)

Another waterfall from the other direction

Ann enjoying the trail

Back near Tunnel Falls (Around mile 16)

A beacon in the distance-- just a mile and a half from the trailhead.

Ann's lost shirt!

Sights and mileages