Ruckel Creek Falls is located between the original Columbia River Scenic Highway and Interstate 84. The bridge above the top of the falls in this picture is the original Scenic Highway Bridge. If you are driving eastbound on I-84 toward Hood River, watch for Ruckel Creek Falls on your right in the woods about a quarter mile past the Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery. It is most easily seen on an overcast day.
To reach Ruckel Creek from Portland, drive east on I-84 to the Eagle Creek exit. Park in the lot on the south side of the fish hatchery. This is a fee site. A day use fee of $5.00 is required, or display your Northwest Forest Pass.
Between hatchery and the town of Cascade Locks a few miles to the east, the original Historic Columbia River Highway has been restored to accomodate bicycles and hikers. Follow the HCRH around the north side of the hatchery and parallel to the freeway for about 3/4 of a mile to Ruckel Creek.
If you want to walk to the base of the falls, backtrack west about a quarter mile to the grassy meadow. Cross the meadow toward the creek and make your way to the falls.
According to the USGS map, there is another waterfall about a mile upstream from the Scenic Highway bridge.
The canyon walls are extremely steep, so the only practical access is probably straight up the streambed, scrambling over boulders and logs.
Ash Creek Images
Photographs of the West by Doug Gorsline
A View of Ruckel Creek Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
