Punchbowl Falls County Park

Finally A Public Park

Photo Courtesy History Museum of Hood River County

For more than 100 years, people in Hood River have dreamed of acquiring Punchbowl Falls as a county park. In 2015 that dream became a reality when we had the honor of working with the public, Hood River County and Western Rivers Conservancy to create a concept park plan and craft a successful $470,000 acquisition grant from Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

Located near Dee 12 miles south of Hood River, Punchbowl Falls County Park can be found at the glacier-fed confluence of the Hood River’s East and West forks, home to its namesake wide-basined waterfall (there are lots of “Punchbowl Falls in Oregon, make sure you are going to this one). Now that this iconic 103 acre property has been saved for the public – go and enjoy it. The park offers stunning columnar basalt canyons, two raging waterfalls, rich flora and fauna and river access for whitewater enthusiasts and fishermen. The confluence of the East and West forks is a favorite swimming hole on hot summer days.

The new trail system offers a lot of bang for the buck: the trails are short (most less than .5 miles) but offer a rich variety of experiences and scenic views. View the Concept Plan.

Trail Building

TKO Volunteers working on the Dogwood Trail, Punchbowl Falls County Park

Our pals at Trailkeepers of Oregon (TKO) have been hard at work for 2 years developing an awesome trail system. Last summer a crew of American Hiking Society volunteers came from around the country to Hood River to build a comfortable new trail to the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Hood River. Then this fall, TKO outdid themselves by installing the Yew Trail, a exciting path along the steep banks of West Fork to the Confluence

And there is more in the works. In 2019 TKO will be tackling a trail along the East Fork. The work is dirty, fun and you’ll meet the nicest people. Plus if you volunteer for several sessions you get your own personalized hat! Contact Steve Kruger at TKO for 2019 volunteer trail building opportunities.