George W. Joseph State Natural Area
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Protects Punch Bowl Falls — a 35-foot waterfall plunging into a bowl-shaped basin in Eagle Creek canyon, one of the most photographed waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Columbia Gorge, Oregon |
| Entry Fee | Free (Oregon Coast) / Day-Use Permit |
About George W. Joseph State Natural Area
George W. Joseph State Natural Area protects the stunning Punch Bowl Falls on Eagle Creek in the Columbia River Gorge. The 35-foot waterfall plunges into a turquoise-green pool carved from basalt — it’s one of the most photographed waterfalls in Oregon. The natural area is named for Portland attorney and conservationist George W. Joseph, who championed public power and scenic preservation in the 1920s.
George W. Joseph State Natural Area in Hood River County protects forest and dramatic Tamanawas Falls — a 100-foot waterfall cascading over a basalt amphitheater on the slopes of Mount Hood. The trail to the falls crosses the East Fork Hood River and passes through old-growth forest. Mount Hood (11,250 feet) is Oregon’s highest peak and one of the most iconic mountains in the Pacific Northwest.
Things to Do
The hike to Punch Bowl Falls viewpoint is a 4.2-mile round trip along the Eagle Creek Trail — one of the most popular hikes in the Columbia River Gorge. The trail traverses dramatic basalt cliffs with cable handrails, crosses narrow bridges, and passes behind Tunnel Falls further upstream. Swimming in the pool below Punch Bowl Falls is popular but the water is cold. A Northwest Forest Pass or Recreation Day-Use Pass is required.
Hiking to Tamanawas Falls (3.4 miles round trip), waterfall photography, creek wading, birdwatching in old-growth forest, and enjoying the Mount Hood landscape. A bucket-list Oregon waterfall hike.
Getting There
Located at Eagle Creek Trailhead off Interstate 84 (exit 41) in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Limited parking — arrive early on summer weekends.
Insider Tips
Columbia Gorge waterfall: This natural area protects the access trail to Wiesendanger Falls and Ecola Falls in the Columbia River Gorge. Pro tip: These falls are accessed via the Larch Mountain Trail from Multnomah Falls — less crowded than Multnomah itself. Gorge hiking: The Columbia Gorge has more waterfalls per mile than anywhere in North America.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Peak waterfall flow and wildflowers. Fall: Gorge foliage. Summer: Comfortable hiking weather. Winter: Ice formations on falls (trails may close).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many waterfalls are in the Columbia Gorge?
The Columbia River Gorge contains over 90 waterfalls on the Oregon side alone. The Historic Columbia River Highway connects many of them. Multnomah Falls (620 feet) is the most famous, but dozens of others — including Wiesendanger, Ecola, Wahkeena, and Horsetail — are equally stunning and far less crowded.
Wildlife & Nature
George W. Joseph SNA — in the Columbia River Gorge. The area’s temperate rainforest, waterfalls, and basalt formations support bald eagles, American dippers, and Roosevelt elk.
Nearby Attractions
Columbia River Gorge NSA — surrounding. Portland — 30 miles west.
