Wahclella Falls Trail is a 2.4-mile there-and-back path that runs close to Cascade Locks, Oregon. It usually takes an hour to finish and is regarded as being easy. Since jogging, hiking, and birdwatching are all fairly popular activities here, you can stumble across other individuals while exploring. The route is lovely to explore at any time of the year and is open all year. Dogs are permitted, but they must be leashed.
About Wahclella Falls
The trail is relatively short and the falls are beautiful that said the trail can be very muddy or slick in some spots depending on the recent weather. The trail is level and well maintained at the beginning then climbs in elevation (320 ft) toward the fall.
The fall is measured at 350 feet in total and has two drops that pour out into a pool you can walk up to or swim in if you’ll feeling adventurous. The lower, “horsetail” type falls plunge into the huge splash pool, while the smaller upper falls are between 15 and 25 feet tall.
In the late fall, you might see salmon at the base of the falls as well as water ouzels bobbing and diving on the stream’s edge. The trail also features some other unique features like a small cave that is near the falls.
Additionally, there’s some very pretty scenery of Tanner creek and the wooden foot bridges that pass over the creek as well as some smaller falls like Munra Falls.
- Fees: $5 day pass or $30 Annual Northwest Forest Pass/America the Beautiful Pass
- Highest point: 335 feet
- Elevation gain: 320 feet
- Amenities: Restroom & picnic area
- Open: Year-round hike
How to Get to Wahclella Falls (Map)
- From Portland get on I-84 E
- Follow I-84 E to Yeon State Park
- Take exit 40 from I-84 E (toward Bonneville Dam)
- Take a right turn onto Yeon State Park
- Take another immediate right and follow the road down 500ft to the parking area
Parking at Wahclella Falls Trail
The parking at Wahclella Falls trail is somewhat limited with about 12 spots on either side of the road. If it’s full park at the Tooth Rock Trailhead just up the road. This will add .4 miles to the hike but there’s much more parking there and no fee to park.
Note: In recent years, trailheads in the region have seen an increase in car burglaries. Hikers are advised to keep valuables with them even though this parking lot is less vulnerable than others nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Wahclella Falls is 39.1 miles from Portland or around 41 minutes driving time.
Yes, the water can be a bit chilly but you can swim in the pool that the falls drains into.
Yes, a permit is needed for Wahclella Falls. You can purchase a $5 day pass online of you can buy/use an annual pass which costs $30. Both are honored at all Forest Service operated recreation sites in Washington and Oregon that require a day use fee.
Yes, Wahclella Falls trail is open. It’s a shorter year-round hike so it’s a good choice if you’ll looking for a fall or winter hike in the columbia river gorge.