The Gate of Wood - the first Gate of Gondolin - lay at the foot of the cliffs where there was an opening leading to a low tunnel.

It was a wide arch with tall pillars on either side, hewn from the rock. Between them hung a portcullis of crossed wooden bars, carved and studded with iron nails. It rose silently with a single touch. After the Gate was a great ravine, carved when the Valar went to war.