Eagle Creek originates in the high country of the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness on the western slopes of the Cascade Range, beginning in a cirque-shaped headwater basin before flowing westward through a deeply incised canyon to join the Clackamas River approximately six miles west of Estacada. This 13.5-mile tributary descends through old-growth Douglas fir and western hemlock forest, creating a corridor of exceptional ecological value within the Mount Hood National Forest. The designated Wild and Scenic River segment extends 8.3 miles from the headwaters to the national forest boundary, classified entirely as "wild" due to its primitive character and limited accessibility.

Paddlers encounter a challenging whitewater environment with Class II-V+ rapids concentrated in an 11-mile stretch from the fish hatchery to Eagle Creek Road. The upper sections feature continuous boulder gardens, log jams, and technical drops, while the lower reaches include the dramatic Punchbowl Falls—a 100-foot vertical drop that serves as a natural barrier to anadromous fish migration. Whitewater kayakers typically access the creek during late spring through early fall when snowmelt provides adequate flows. The run demands expert-level skills, with numerous portages required around fallen timber and dangerous hydraulics. The creek's confined canyon walls and limited egress points create serious consequences for swimmers. Most paddlers approach via the Eagle Creek Trail #501, which parallels the watercourse and provides the only practical access through the wilderness.

The riparian corridor supports populations of northern spotted owl, harlequin duck, and Cope's giant salamander. Cold water corydalis, a critically imperiled plant species in Oregon, finds suitable habitat in the undisturbed late-successional forest along the creek's banks. Native coastal cutthroat trout inhabit the waters above the falls, genetically isolated from downstream populations.

The Eagle Creek National Fish Hatchery, located near the forest boundary, has operated since 1915 and produces approximately 850,000 coho salmon annually. Below this facility, the creek flows through private lands before reaching its confluence with the Clackamas River. Access from Portland requires approximately 45 minutes via Interstate 84 and Highway 224. The Eagle Creek Recreation Area serves as the primary trailhead, though parking fills rapidly during summer weekends. The 2017 Eagle Creek Fire burned portions of the watershed, closing trails for nearly five years and leaving visible evidence of forest succession.

Anglers must observe fly-fishing-only regulations in most sections, with specific seasons for steelhead and salmon. The entire watershed lies within the Columbia River Basin Endorsement requirement zone. Wilderness regulations prohibit motorized equipment and limit group sizes, while Leave No Trace principles are essential given the area's popularity and ecological sensitivity.