[bkeavney]

Back in the early 1980s I frequently traveled I-84 through the Gorge with my dad. He always claimed to see a "tunnel" waterfall that emerged from a cave. I never saw it, and I've looked unsuccessfully for it ever since. I heard once of a waterfall that flowed from an abandoned mine shaft, but again have yet to find it. Anybody know what I'm talking about? My memory says it would be between Cascade Locks and Hood River, but it could be further east.

[Tag Man]

Are you thinking of Hole in the Wall Falls? http://www.portlandhikersfieldguide.org/wiki/Hole_in_the_Wall_Falls

[Sore Feet]

Chances are Hole-in-the-Wall Falls is indeed what you're thinking of. Except it doesn't flow from a mine shaft. What happened is when the original Columbia Gorge Highway was built back in the 20's the creek in its natural course would frequently wash out the road below its natural waterfall (called Warren Falls). So the ODOT blasted a tunnel through an adjacent cliff and routed the creek away from the roadbed to where it now spills right out of the side of the cliff. There are now some grassroots proposals to restore the falls to its original location since the original highway is being rehabilitated into a bike path.

[TrailPair]

There is also a Tunnel Falls. A tunnel has been cut behind the falls....K and I did this hike 2 years ago. It is about a 6 mile hike to this falls passing several other less spectacular falls along the way.

[bkeavney]

Thank you... I will look for Hole-in-the-Wall next time I'm in the Gorge. I'm surprised I've never stumbled upon it. Tunnel Falls I know--it is perhaps an equally striking example of 1930s hubris, but certainly not visible from I-84.

[grannyhiker]

Actually, the Eagle Creek trail was built at the same time as the Columbia River Scenic Highway--1913-1915. So it's pre-World-War-I hubris.

[Hiking addict]

I know exactly what mine you are referring to, it’s called Sweeney Falls Mine.