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Skoonichuk Falls is one of the several overlooked waterfalls along Eagle Creek. The falls are plainly audible from the Eagle Creek Trail, but one has to pay attention to see the falls through the trees. The falls stand about 50 feet tall, with tiers of 35 and 15 feet, the lower stretching almost twice as wide as the upper. The top of the falls is accessible from near a series of camp sites to the left of the trail, but exercise caution as the rocks are slick and unstable.
- Skoonichuk Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
The exact meaning of the name of the falls eludes me, but its surely of Chinook origin. Chuck or Chuk means Water, and various derivations of Skook- refer to some sort of evil, creature or spirit of sorts, so the meaning likely lies somewhere thereabouts.
Skoonichuk Falls is accessed from the Eagle Creek Trail near the Bonneville Dam in the Columbia River Gorge. Depart Interstate 84 at Eagle Creek (signed, but only accessible to eastbound traffic, westbounders need to turn around at the Bonneville Dam exit), turn left and proceed to the trailhead. Skoonichuk Falls is passed approximately 3 3/4 miles from the trailhead. The steep path leading to the base of the falls is located a little over halfway between High Bridge and the top of the falls.
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