Eagle Creek, July 2

I've never before visited Eagle Creek, one of the most popular trails in the Columbia River Gorge. Brad sprinted through a few years back on a whirlwind hiking trip and wanted to return. So we loaded our overnight packs, laced up our boots and explored Thursday and Friday.

It was a bit hot. OK - that's an understatement. But we took our time and tried not to overheat. We saw some beautiful sights on our way to camp.
Our destination was 7.5-mile Camp, specifically a spot Brad had seen last time on his way through. No one was in the coveted spot when we arrived, so we set up camp.

Brad cooked breakfast and hot drinks on his homemade, ultra-light alcohol stove:
A perfect lounging log. We read all Friday morning until it got hot enough to swim:
Our own private swimming hole! The water was REALLY cold, but we managed to eventually make it in for several dips:
The waterfall next to our private campsite:

Tunnel Falls, at the 6-mile mark, was spectacular - and a bit terrifying. I discovered that I can handle huge narrow dropoffs and waterfalls. But when you combine the two, a little panic sets in. But on the way home, I was able to control my fear and snap some pictures of the trail that passes through a tunnel behind the falls.
What a perfect backpacking trip!
:)