Location: Cascade Locks, Oregon
Distance: 2.5 Miles Out and back Time: 1-2 Hours
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation Gain: 300 Feet
Season: Open Year Round but best from April-November
Foot Traffic: Heavy
Date Hiked: Thursday, July 15, 2021
Overview
Wahclella Falls is a stunningly beautiful waterfall along Tanner Creek, a tributary of the Columbia River, that comes to rest in a frigid cold, albeit, gorgeous pool. The falls plunge into two separate tiers to form a 350 foot waterfall. One of the most amazing parts of Wahclella Falls is its easy accessibility. The lower 60 foot waterfall can be reached along an easy 1.2 mile (one way) stroll to the falls base. The views and scenery along the short trail are stellar and the soothing sights and sounds of Tanner Creek will sooth hikers as they journey alongside it.
This area was ravaged by the horrific Eagle Creek Fire, that devastated so many areas and trails back in 2017. Most of the trail was reopened in 2019, although some parts still remain heavily affected from the fires. This trail is short and sweet and due to its easy accessibility often draws large crowds. Get an early start to experience the falls in a more intimate setting and I hope everyone enjoys this magical trail as much as we did.
Trail Description and Scout’s Story
My wife, daughter and I were now about two weeks into our 4 month road trip. While we have spent some time in the past in the Portland area and around the Columbia River Gorge, this is typically an area we don’t spend to much time in, due to the infamous crowds that typically flock here to take in the exceptional beauty and waterfalls along the gorge. On this day we would elect to start early and hike to a few different waterfalls before driving and camping at Panther Creek Falls, just across the border in Washington.
I was a little surprised as we pulled into the parking lot and there was already no parking available. We drove up the street and were able to find some street parking a short walk from the trailhead. Our daughter, Scout, was now 2 months old and we elected to just carry her as we started our walk. The trail begins along an old gated road. Tanner Creek was present to our right hand side as we continued down the road. Never did I imagine that I would have the ability to do multiple trails a day, for a few months. Even more shocking to me was that I was hiking, holding a newborn, as we trudged along while feeding her her morning bottle.
I couldn’t help but remember how many of our friends told me and my wife how our hiking and traveling days were over once we had found out that we would be having a kid. The truth is that I am sure things will get tougher as Scout grows older. However, we have found that traveling and hiking with a newborn has been fairly easy.
Munra Falls to Wahclella Falls
Eventually Scout finished her bottle and looked around at her surroundings as we passed by an intake dam and drew further into the canyon. At about a half mile into the trail, I was surprised by the sound of rushing water. We came to a small bridge and to my surprise, a pretty little slide waterfall named Munra Falls.
While not spectacular, it is a cool little stop off along the trek. At this point the trail started its only real climb of the hike. We were now above Tanner Creek and the scenery was absolutely stunning. We came to a flight of the stairs and then began a brief descent. Arriving at the Wahclella Falls trail junction, we dropped down to the right and made our way along a few switchbacks and then to a wooden bridge. There was a junction heading left, however, this part of the loop trail was still closed due to the Eagle Creek Fire.
The first, lower bridge is where the true beauty of Tanner Creek really starts to exhibit itself. The views of the creek and into the canyon are gorgeous from here.
After crossing the creek on another footbridge, the impressive 60 foot Wahclella Falls now lied in front of us.
Reaching Wahclella Falls
As we crossed over the footbridge, we made our way over a few logs and down towards the waterfall.
Scout’s 2 month old eyes got super huge as she tried to figure out what the sound of rushing water was.
My wife hurried to set her tripod in front of the now mist filled waterfall, before sunlight completely overtook the base and top of the falls. I stayed at the back of the pool with Scout who had now gone from wide eyed to eyes shut and falling asleep to the sound of the falls. I retreated to a little knock in the rock face to keep her dry and watched as the falls gushed over the ledge from above.
The joy and happiness of these days and moments are undeniably not lost on me. Being able to spend the majority of each day exploring and traveling with our newborn daughter has been beyond description. I am hoping that the outdoors will touch her in the same way in which it has touched us and will be as big a part of her life moving forward as it has been ours.
Getting to the Wahclella Falls Trailhead
From Portland, Oregon head East on Interstate 84. Take exit 40 (Bonneville Fish Hatchery). Turn right and then right again and follow the road to the trailhead.
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- Yes, a day use fee is charged to visit this trail. Fees are $5 per vehicle/per day. Northwest passes ($30 annual) are also accepted as well as an Interagency Pass such as an America the Beautiful Pass. The America the Beautiful allows visitors to gain entrance into every National Park, National Monument and National Recreation Area for one year, starting at $80.
Are dogs allowed on the Wahclella Falls Trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed but must be leashed and kept in control at all times. Please pick up and properly dispose of all animal waste.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- Yes, a portable toilet is on site in the parking lot, year round.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
