Heads up about the shortcut on Eagle Creek Trail near Hood River

I keep seeing people take that short cut down to the Punch Bowl Falls overlook and it's getting sketchy. Last weekend I watched three hikers try to scramble down that loose gravel slope and two of them slid about 15 feet before catching a bush. The main trail adds maybe 20 minutes but it's way safer, especially when the ground is damp like it's been all month. Has anyone else noticed that spot getting worse this season?

2 comments

2 Comments

nathanb7123d ago

Hold up, you watched a family with a TODDLER go down that death slope? That's insane. I'm just picturing the kid strapped to someone's back in a carrier doing a full-on gravel sled race towards the creek. I've seen folks in flip flops trying it too, like they're aiming for a free trip to the ER after their scenic overlook. The main trail is a twenty minute walk, not a two week expedition. Some people really treat safety like it's an optional suggestion.

carter.thea24d ago

Did you see that family last month trying to take that shortcut with a toddler? I swear I held my breath for like five minutes watching them slide around.