Wahclella Falls in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon are some of the most powerful and forceful falls in all of Oregon. As well as some of my favorite!
About The Hike
Wahclella Falls Trail is closest to Cascade Locks in the Columbia River Gorge. It's a 2 mile loop trail with the furthest point being the falls. You have the choice at a quarter-mile in to go the high path or the low path, my preference was the low path to get some good views of Tanner Creek on the walk in.
The low path descends, crosses Tanner Creek, and follows the creek up about a half-mile before the falls come into view. The trail makes its way through a partial overhanging cavern with lush ferns before arriving at the bridge you see in the first picture.
After crossing the bridge you've arrived at the apex of the loop and are situated in prime viewing area of Wahclella falls.
Wahclella Falls Trail:
Distance: 1.9 Miles
Type: Loop
Ascent: 223 feet
Tanner Creek is the source of Wahclella falls and because it's fed primarily by an underground spring the flow does not fluctuate a whole lot. The waterfall is perfect to visit year-round including late summer and early fall months when Oregon is in drought.
The total height of the waterfalls are 350 feet but the visible portion you see is only 60 feet. Most of the falls are partially blocked by the narrow basalt gorge above.
Getting There and Important Information
A small size parking area is located off of I-84 near Cascade Locks and Bridge of the Gods. If this parking lot is full there is a side street called Star Route that allows parking along the edge.
This hike is suitable for people of most ages with the well built paths and small elevation gains and descents.
No overnight parking is allowed and no camping is allowed.
Unlike other trails in the gorge area this trail does not connect to any other trails in the area.
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Photography exclusively by Dan Oliver unless otherwise stated and cited. Embedded maps are provided by Embed Google Map (embedgooglemap.net) and map images shown are provided as stated and cited.
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This website is provided for entertainment purposes only, and is not meant to serve as an instructional guide, or present itself as an authority for any of the locations written about. The locations mentioned, written, and photographed herein are nothing more than my personal adventure archive. If you are interested in visiting any locations you should not depend on the information in this website to plan any excursions. You should research a wide variety of informational sources, websites, hiking guide books and maps found elsewhere. Many locations are dangerous and potentially illegal to access which can lead to fines, injury or death even when prepared. I do not encourage anyone to trespass or put themselves or others in way of harm. This website, and therefore its’ owner/author, cannot assume any responsibility for anything you may incur while hiking or exploring any of these locations or anywhere on planet earth. Thank you for viewing!