Metlako & Punchbowl Falls

Note: The overlook at Metlako Falls is closed. Find out more info here.

This is a fairly short hike. 2 miles in to Punchbowl Falls (past Metlako Falls) and then 2 miles out. I’ve done it in all sorts of conditions from 95 degree sunny summer days to a trip in a deep freeze where I got in my wetsuit and shot under/over shots of Punchbowl while snow dumped down on me. To check out Metalko Falls, it's a quick side trip just off the trail. After you've been hiking for about a mile and half, head onto the spur trail the shouts out to the right. It's a quick hike out and back to check it out.

This is an amazing hike because for the short 2 mile hike into Punchbowl you see so much. You are deep in the woods, you climb to tall exposed cliffs along steep besalt cliffs and you see 2 huge waterfalls plus a bunch of creek crossings. Bang for you buck? This is the best hike in the gorge for any first time visitor.

Be prepared to pay the $5 fee at any Gorge trailhead OR just buy a Northwest Pass if you do enough hiking to justify it. Those are only $30 and you can pick them up at your local REI or other outdoor retailers. In the summer and on weekends are times for the biggest crowds. If you can get there on a weekday you might just get the place to yourself. It’s worth one day of PTO!