Wahclella Falls

Cascade Locks, Oregon

4.7/5

based on 14 reviews

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Distance

1.74 miles

Elevation Gain

410 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Vic Garcia

Quick and easy trail to take in the powerful 65-foot Lower Wahclella Falls.

This is a very short and fairly easy, 1 mile in – 1 mile out, hike with a little bit of elevation gain. I took my time hiking and enjoying the scenery with the intention of this being a photo heavy trip. When I got to the end I spent at least an hour shooting from every angle I saw fit. Once you arrive at the falls though, all you can do for at least a minute is stand in absolute awe at the power and beauty of this waterfall.

What makes this hike so great is its accessibility. The trailhead is easy to find and the hike is short enough that once you are done gawking, you have time to jump back in the car and do another hike.

Something to remember - Be prepared to pay the $5 fee at any Gorge trailhead OR just buy a Northwest Pass if you do enough hiking to justify it. Those are only $30 and you can pick them up at your local REI or other outdoor retailers.

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Wahclella Falls Reviews

Kevin Li

Wahclella Falls

07/22/16

I always take my guests and family who come from other states here. It's an easy hike to a beautiful waterfall. However, it does get crowded during the day, so try to aim for an early morning.

5.0

Jay Hippy

Wahclella Falls

06/22/16

I went on a foggy day so there were less people around, but that meant it was a little slippery around the falls. The water flow was gushing though and was stunning. I set up my hammock between two trees and had a great view of it, as well as the lovely tree tops above me when I wanted to lay back and relax. It was a short hike with a rewarding end, and there's several other hikes nearby to keep the nature fun going.

5.0

Fee Robles

Wahclella Falls

06/17/16

The 2 mile out and back hike to the falls is perfect for photographers who have heavy gear, kids, and also for dogs!! Be careful though it does get crowded on weekends and the parking lot is pretty small.

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Snow Hike to Wahclella Falls

The wooden bridges, Munra Falls, beautiful canyon walls, and the mossy grotto at the end of the canyon itself would be enough of a draw for this hike, but you round the last corner and 65 foot Wahclella Falls comes in full view.The big snow covered river rocks looked like giant marshmallows, and Wahclella fully shined as the main attraction. It was truly a winter wonderland.Normally, this is ea...

Munra Point

This trail is temporarily closed. Please visit the Forest Service website for updates to trails in the Columbia River Gorge. This hike starts at the Wahclella Falls trailhead, but does not use that trail. Instead, walk back towards the freeway and take a left onto the Columbia River Highway Trail. Go over the Tanner Creek bridge and take a left onto Trail #400. From here, follow Trail #400 u...

Ruckel Creek Falls

Park at the Eagle Creek Trailhead, and backtrack out towards the highway. Take the path to the right and walk alongside the highway for nearly a half mile. Stop when you are on the bridge and see the Ruckel Creek Trail to your right. If you look left, you will notice a waterfall dropping below you. This is Ruckel Creek Falls, not to be confused with Mossy Grotto, its neighbor up the stream. To ...

Backpack the Mark. O Hatfield Wilderness Via Eagle Creek

This is a somewhat incomplete report because we did not venture too far into the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness. The sky had been threatening us with rain for the duration of our hike along Eagle Creek and we did not want to push our luck too far since we were hoping for an early start on our drive back to Spokane the next day. We are hoping to return soon to do some more exploring, but thought th...

Metlako & Punchbowl Falls

Note: The overlook at Metlako Falls is closed. Find out more info here. This is a fairly short hike. 2 miles in to Punchbowl Falls (past Metlako Falls) and then 2 miles out. I’ve done it in all sorts of conditions from 95 degree sunny summer days to a trip in a deep freeze where I got in my wetsuit and shot under/over shots of Punchbowl while snow dumped down on me. To check out Metalko Falls,...

Hike to Mossy Grotto Falls

Note: This trail may be closed. Additionally, getting to Mossy Grotto Falls is a very challenging adventure, especially when conditions are muddy. Before exploring this adventure, consider checking for updates with the Forest Service for the Columbia River Gorge: (541) 308-1700. This newly discovered waterfall has become a favorite for photographers – even so, it has yet to receive an offic...

Wahclella Falls

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Wahclella Falls Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Snow Hike to Wahclella Falls

Munra Point

Ruckel Creek Falls

Backpack the Mark. O Hatfield Wilderness Via Eagle Creek

Metlako & Punchbowl Falls

Hike to Mossy Grotto Falls

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