Wahkeena Falls, Wahkeena Falls Trailhead, Portland - Columbia River Gorge, Oregon
Wahkeena Falls - .4 miles
Wahkeena Falls Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | .4 miles (trail continues to Fairy Falls and beyond) |
| Start-End Elevation: | 110' - 246' (at bridge across falls) |
| Elevation Change: | +136' net elevation gain |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Wahkeena Falls - .4 Miles Round-Trip
Wahkeena Falls is located .2 miles from Wahkeena Falls Trailhead on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Wahkeena, a classic tier waterfall which drops 242' in multiple stages, is derived from a Yakama word meaning 'most beautiful'.
A paved path climbs to a stone bridge spanning the lowest tier, and continues steeply to Lemmon's Viewpoint (.7 miles : 643') and Fairy Falls. (1.05 miles : 910') - each arguably of greater interest and worth the extra effort. The pavement up to Lemmon's can be icy in winter months, and travel up Wahkeena Canyon on standard tread to Fairy Falls is quite steep.
This short out-and-back hike features great views and cascading creeks between the two waterfalls. For those seeking a longer trip, you can link the Wahkeena, Larch Mountain and Gorge trails for a 5.1 mile loop that includes Multnomah Falls, Dutchman Falls, Weisendanger Falls and Ecola Falls. Read more here!
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N45 34.518 W122 07.684 — 0.0 miles : Wahkeena Trailhead
- N45 34.460 W122 07.649 — .25 miles : Wahkeena Falls (lower tier)
- N45 34.425 W122 07.587 — .7 miles : Lemmon's View Point
- N45 34.229 W122 07.485 — 1.05 miles : Fairy Falls
Worth Noting
- Watch for ice on paved portions of the trail.
Camping and Backpacking Information
Camping Rules and Regulations
- An overnight fee is required (see rules and regulations).
- Group size is limited to 12 individuals or any combination of people and stock.
- Camp in established sites whenever possible. Sites are first come, first served. Some may be closed for restoration.
- Bury human waste 6-8" deep, at least 100' from any trail or water source.
- Campfires - Columbia River Gorge NSA: Campfires are permitted in the CRGNSA, with potential seasonal and area-specific restrictions. Up-to-date rules are posted at the trailhead and along the trail.
- Campfires - Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness: Campfires are not permitted June 1 - September 15 (peak season) along the Eagle Creek Trail from the wilderness boundary to the Eagle-Tanner Trail. Fires are permitted from September 16 - May 31 unless otherwise posted.
Rules and Regulations
- Dogs must be leashed at all times.
- No fee or recreation pass is required to access Multnomah Falls or Wahkeena Falls.
Directions to Trailhead
Directions to Wahkeena Falls
From Portland (points west):
Travel east on I-84 to Exit #28 (Bridal Veil Falls). Turn east on the Historic Highway and drive 2.4 miles to the Wahkeena Trailhead.
From Cascade Locks and Hood River (points east):
Travel west on I-84 to Exit #35 (Ainsworth State Park). Turn west on the Historic Highway and drive 5.6 miles to the Wahkeena Trailhead.
Contact Information
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
902 Wasco Ave | Suite 200
Hood River, OR 97031
541.308.1700
Hood River Ranger District
6780 Highway 35
Parkdale, OR 97041
541.352.6002
Mt. Hood National Forest | Headquarters
16400 Champion Way
Sandy, OR 97055
503.668.1700
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30a – 4:30p (closed 11:30 – 12:30)
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