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Ruckel Creek possesses one of the least appreciated waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. This is in part due to its overshadowing by the popular Eagle Creek Trail, accessed from the same exit, but also because the falls aren't easily noticed. When the surrounding trees are bare, the falls can be seen from Interstate 84, but otherwise are only visible to those hiking a rarely used section of the old Historic Highway trail. The mossy cliffs and the ornate stonework of the bridge above the 46 foot falls makes for a very photogenic scene. The creek has a moderately small drainage and as a result the falls don't have a lot of "oomph" later in the summer, but are exceptionally scenic during the spring months.
- Ruckel Creek Falls is the Adopted name of this waterfall.
The falls are accessed from the Eagle Creek Fish Hatchery, just off Interstate 84 (exit available to east bounders only) at Exit 41. Park adjacent to the Hatchery and follow the paved path along the freeway (signed for Cascade Locks) for ½ mile to the bridge above the falls. To reach the base, backtrack to the adjacent field and walk down to the woods at the bottom of the falls.
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