Looking for a waterfall hike in Oregon that’s short, family-friendly, and packed with great views? Wahclella Falls Trail in the Columbia River Gorge is the perfect choice.
The easy trail to Wahclella Falls offers incredible rewards with minimal effort, making it a perfect spot for locals and visitors alike. In fact, it’s one of my favorite hikes to share with friends and family when they’re in town—it’s always a hit!
Personally, though there are other, more famous waterfalls (like Multnomah Falls) in the Gorge, there’s something about Wahclella Falls that just captures my heart.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to plan your adventure to Wahclella Falls, from trail details to tips for making the most of your visit.
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Wahclella Falls Trail Overview & Hike Details
- Distance: 2 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 230 feet
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best time to visit: This trail is accessible year-round (my first ever trip was in January!), but my favorite time to visit is late winter to early summer when the waterfall is at its fullest.
- More Trail Details
The Wahclella Falls Trail is a short, relatively easy hike with plenty of payoff for the effort. At about 2 miles round trip and only 230 feet of elevation gain, it’s manageable for most hikers, even beginners or families with kids!
How to Get to the Wahclella Falls Hike & Important Things to Know
Directions & Map
The Wahclella Falls Trailhead is located on the Oregon side of the Gorge, about 40 minutes east of Portland. To get there, use I-84 and take Exit 40 for Bonneville Dam. From the west, turn right; from the east, turn left. Follow the signs for the Wahclella Falls Trailhead.
Click here for a map and driving directions.
Entrance Fee or Pass
A $5 day use fee or valid pass (Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass) is required for the trailhead parking lot.
Bathroom
There are portable toilets available at the trailhead. While not luxurious, they’re functional for a quick stop before your hike.
Parking Area
The parking lot at the Wahclella Falls Trailhead is small and fills up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak hiking seasons so I suggest you arrive early to secure a parking spot. If the lot is full, you can park at the nearby Toothrock Trailhead and walk a short distance to connect to the main trail.
What to Expect on the Trail
Wahclella Falls
At the end of the trail, the main attraction for this hike is, of course, Wahclella Falls. It’s a two-tiered waterfall surrounded by basalt cliffs that drops a total of 350 feet into a stunning turquoise pool.
Though it can change, there are typically a couple of large logs at the base of the falls that are great for photo opportunities or simply taking in the beauty.
Munra Falls
In addition to Wahclella Falls, just a few minutes down the first part of the trail, you’ll cross a wooden footbridge that takes you past another waterfall. Munra Falls is a slide waterfall that is literally a couple of feet from the bridge – it’s especially a hit with kids because of how close they can get!
Lush Forests
Though Wahclella Falls is the reason most people hike this trail, I love how lush the surrounding forest is. All the moss-covered trees and rocks, seasonal mushrooms and wildflowers, and fern covered forest floor makes it feel a bit like a fairy garden.
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Trail Conditions & Notes
The trail is well-maintained but does have some narrow sections with steep drop-offs. So if you’re hiking with littles, be sure to keep a close watch on them (especially if you have a runner like I did 😜)
The trail follows along the side of Tanner Creek, which flows along the base of the narrow canyon. There is a small loop towards the end of the trail – I prefer to take the lower trail (right) on the way to the falls and come back on the upper trail.
There area a couple of wooden bridges along the trail – the first bridge where you cross Munra Falls and another as you approach the base of Wahclella Falls.
Keep your eyes peeled along the canyon walls as you go along – you may be able to spot even more waterfalls during the rainy season! Most of these aren’t named, but when the water is flowing heavily, I’ve counted no less than 10!
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Weather Considerations
As with any outdoor adventure in the PNW, if you’re visiting during the rainy season, be prepared for rain showers and muddy spots on the trail.During winter and spring, I always wear waterproof hiking shoes or boots (I love these) and take a good rain jacket (this one is my current fav).
If there’s any snow or ice on the trail (I always check the weather and
And if you decide to visit in summer, there is a good amount of shade along the trail so you won’t be in direct sun the entire time.
📲 This app is great for getting recent trail reviews from real people.
Packing Tips for Your Visit to Wahclella Falls in Oregon
Essential Gear
The Wahclella Falls hike is relatively easy, but it’s always good to come prepared. In addition to the Ten Essentials that you should have for every hike, there are a few things to note for waterfall hikes in the Columbia Gorge.
Comfortable hiking shoes are a must, and I recommend wearing waterproof boots if you’re visiting during the rainy season. A lightweight rain jacket and warm layers are also great to have on hand for unpredictable weather.
🙌 I take this lightweight, breathable rain jacket on every hike.
Photography Tips
Wahclella Falls is a photographer’s dream, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone. If you want to capture long-exposure shots of the falls, pack a lightweight tripod (I love this one for my phone and this one for my camera).
I’ll share a couple of my favorite photo spots for this waterfall below – just keep in mind that grabbing photos in these spots are at your own risk (i.e. don’t come at me if you fall because rocks or logs are slick. 😉)
I really love this big rock for photos. It’s a great perspective.
In addition, there has been a large log at the base of the falls for a while that is another great photo opportunity.
The best time for photos is typically early in the morning before the sun is harsh and directly overhead. And if it’s a cloudy day, don’t think you need to skip out! Some of my best waterfall photos are on cloudy days when the light is more diffuse.
Extras to Consider
- Trekking Poles: Great for added stability on narrow or slippery sections, especially if there is snow or ice.
- Microspikes: A must-have in winter if there’s snow or ice on the trail.
Nearby Highlights
Dining Options
After your hike, stop by Sugarpine Drive-In, a local favorite located just a short drive from the Wahclella Falls Trailhead. Their menu, which features locally sourced ingredients, changes seasonally and includes delicious vegan options for both food and ice cream. It’s the perfect spot to refuel while supporting local businesses!
Where to Stay Near Wahclella Falls Trail
There are plenty of options for making your trip to the Gorge an overnight adventure. If you prefer camping, Ainsworth State Park is a convenient spot with easy access to trails in the area.
For something a bit more comfortable, consider staying in Cascade Locks, Hood River, or across the river in Stevenson, WA. These towns offer a range of accommodations, from cozy vacation rentals to well-appointed hotels like Skamania Lodge.
🛏️ This beautiful hotel has an indoor pool and stunning views!
Other Attractions in the Columbia River Gorge Near Wahclella Falls
Wahclella Falls is just one of many Columbia River Gorge waterfalls. If you have time, consider visiting Multnomah Falls, which is only a short drive away. It’s one of the most iconic waterfalls in the area and worth the stop.
You can also check out the Bonneville Fish Hatchery and Bonneville Dam, both located near the Wahclella Falls Trailhead. These are great options for families on a day trip (our kids loved the fish ladder!) and can easily round out a full day of exploring the Gorge.
FAQs
Is Wahclella Falls Dog Friendly?
Yes! You can bring your pup with you on this trail – just remember to keep them on leash and take poop bags so you can pack out their waste.
Is Wahclella Falls an easy hike?
Yes, this trail is fairly easy. It’s less than 2 miles and has ~300 feet of elevation gain. However, some resources do list it as moderate. It can have slick spots or washed out, narrow sections at times.
How long is the hike to Wahclella Falls?
The hike is approximately 2 miles round trip to Wahclella Falls and back.
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Final Tips for Visiting Wahclella Falls Trail
Wahclella Falls is one of the most beautiful and easy hikes in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, but there are a couple additional things to keep in mind to make the most of your visit:
- Follow Leave No Trace Principles: This area was heavily impacted by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire, and the ecosystem is recovering in recent years, but still needs us to do our part to keep it on the right track. Please remember to follow Leave No Trace principles to keep it in it’s best condition for others to enjoy!
- Check trail conditions: Weather in the PNW can be unpredictable, so be sure to check the weather and recent trail reports (I typically use
AllTrails ) before heading out.
Before you go…
Though it’s one of my absolute favorites, Wahclella Falls isn’t the only incredible waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. Besides – seeing one waterfall in the Gorge is kind of like eating a single potato chip. You’re going to want more!
Read my next article for another must-see waterfall to add to your Oregon waterfall bucket list…
Wahkeena Springs via Wahkeena Falls Trail
