Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
(Multnomah Falls OR)
The 242 foot high, 15 foot wide Wahkeena Falls drops down the north side of Larch Mountain in neat steps like following a curved staircase. Fed by Wahkeena Spring, the water flow, though much slighter than its neighbor, Multnomah Falls, is year round. Of course, it is more abundant in the late Winter and Spring months when snow melts increase the amount of ground water.
Though you can view Wahkeena Falls from the highway, a short, easy footpath takes you to the base of the falls. Folks inclined to traverse more challenging trails can continue on, up the steep slope, to the top of Wahkeena Falls and, if desired, several other falls.
Wahkeena Falls is only a half mile from the famous Wahkeena Falls Lodge, a historic landmark, and now functioning as a Forest Service Information center. Rock hounds will be interested that every type of rock found in the Columbia River Gorge is represented in the Lodge.
In the upper portion of the lodge is a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is assessible by elevator for people with disabilities.
The U.S. Forest Service maintains what they call a ‘Day Use Area’ at the Wahkeena Falls including a picnic area with many picnic tables and barbecue grills, 2 restroom facilities with flush toilets, potable water, and a large picnic shelter with a stone fireplace.
How to get there:
I-84 at exit 31 (Wahkeena Falls) and go 0.5 miles past (west) the Wahkeena Falls Lodge to the parking area.
For photos of Wahkeena Falls, see:
- USDA Photo (poor photo)
- Oregon Dept of Transportation Photo
For more information about Wahkeena Falls you may phone the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Hood River at 800-551-6949 (toll-free) or 503-695-2261.
| Hotel and Motel accommodations, usually at a discount, are available in the following communities: Cascade Locks (east of Bridal Veil Falls) Portland (west of Bridal Veil Falls) Troutdale (west of Bridal Veil Falls) |
