We couldn't wait to get back to Eagle Creek to do the hike to Punchbowl Falls. I can't express how beautiful and wild this trail is. I've only been there in summer before, and it's pretty then, but the winter landscape is incredible. I was literally walking in circles trying to take everything in. Around every corner was another breathtaking scene, and my very amateur pictures don't come close to doing it justice. If you take your child, I would recommend close supervision as there are a lot of drop-offs, narrow patches, and rocky/mucky terrain in spots. It's a 4-mile hike to Punchbowl Falls and back, with options to go on (Tunnel Falls is 6 miles in and Wahtum Lake is 13 miles in), but that is as far as we went this time.
I was a little disappointed not to get a shot of the falls - I would have had to wade out in water to see around the corner to the falls and I didn't want to hike back cold and wet in the January air, but next time I'll put some rubber boots in my pack.
We arrived pretty early - we were back to our car by about 12:30 - and though there were other people on the trail, for the most part we missed the heavy stream of hikers that were just getting there. If you go, go early. The early morning fog hanging in the trees makes this already amazing place seem almost unreal.