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 Reporter |
Summary: This is a nice family hike for any one with the ability to walk a mile, rest, and walk a mile back. The trail starts out very broad and easy, climbs a bit and has one or two steep spots, but overall it's quite easy. Little kids will be fine - just hold their hand in one or two spots where there are drop offs. Near the falls the trail loops - you can stay to the right and come back the same way to avoid the sheer drops on the upper trail. It didn't look as though there was anything to be gained by taking the upper loop except some anxious moments, so we stayed low. Near the falls the space opens up and there is plenty of place to throw rocks and play. Take a picnic and find a nice spot to relax. The falls are beautiful and powerful even in late season. We went in mid-September. The leaves were just starting to change a bit, and the canyon and cliff walls were quite impressive near the top. This was a very nice way to spend a few hours with the family on a gorgeous day. Trailhead: Wahclella Falls is on Tanner Creek, right by Bonneville Dam on the south side of I-84. Go east on I-84 to exit 40 - 40 miles from downtown Portland. Take a right and the trailhead is right there at the end of the parking lot. There are a few other trailheads immediately off the freeway, but this one is tucked back a few hundred feet - just follow the exit to the right and keep going until you find it. Several parking pass types are honored here, including the Federal NW Forest Pass, and if you don't have a pass you can pay your $5.00 day use fee at the trailhead. (Lat:45.63119 Lon:-121.95403) Trail Guides for Wahclella Falls, near Bonneville Dam: Pacific Northwest Hiking 1000 Hikes in OR and WA by Ron C. Judd and Dan A. Nelsen (Avalon Travel Publishing) Best Seasons: Year-Round User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Ranger Contact: Columbia River Gorge Nat'l Scenic Area, 503-668-1440 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Steve Snyder, who has posted 13 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Kiley on 5/27/2009 Last year was the first time we ever hiked Wachlella and boy was it a beauty. Standing at the falls looking up at the basalt(?) cliffs makes you realize how powerful nature is. From the roar of the falls we sat and had a picnic. It was one of the most memorable hikes we have done.
Reviewed by John on 11/26/2008 Salmon in the creek along parking lot blew me away. Just happened to pull into parking lot and decided to walk down to the creek. WOW! Ten to twelve molting salmon skiffing about in the shallows. I've driven the Gorge, literally, hundreds of times and never imagined. There was a family with children getting ready to head up the trail. I informed them of what I had seen and they went to take a look. They were amazed as well. The children loved it. You could almost touch the fish. Take polorized sun glasses. Mine worked great for viewing the fish. There really should be mention of this at the trail head. 
Reviewed by tomalia on 8/3/2008 Excellent short hike- lots of oregon beauty. Water was definitely colllllllllllld, but unbelievably clear. Easy hike with slight inclines just enough to give you a small workout but not too tough for anyone. Also liked small parking lot which limits visitors-{since i got a spot i guess}.......Only thing was I didn't feel it was long enough- but was too lazy to slip around the corner and check out the trailhead next to it. Also, use a restroom before going there- no facilities.
Reviewed by Donovan Mattole on 11/24/2007 This is a family favorite for us. We've been taking it for years and it is especially great for families with young kids. According to my hiking notes, we first did this hike in June 1994, when our daughter was three and she loved it. Well, we just did this hike last month with our five year old son and he made it fine. One of my favorite things about this hike is that while it is easy and quick, the falls are as majestic and the creek as beautiful as some of the hard hikes that take hours to get into.
Reviewed by ARL on 6/29/2007 My 5 year old son has renamed this hike Butterfly Woods. The hike itself was absolutely beautiful and there were butterflies everywhere leading up to the stairs. This is a great family hike. I took my dog and my son and none of us had any problems with the terrain. There are a few spots to hold the kids' hands, but other than that it's a great beginners hike. Once you get to the end of the trail the view is breath taking and the spray from the waterfall is very refreshing.
Reviewed by ab on 5/23/2007 This was my daughter and my first hike. Its a great starter hike for the season. There are 2 hills that were steep but we managed just fine. The falls are beautiful and there a couple places you can stop for a snack or to put your feet and the water to rest. I would recommend this to hike to the average place. You don't have to be in shape in order to enjoy this hike.
Reviewed by marsha p on 3/10/2007 Very enjoyable hike specially when we've been indoors all winter long. Great hike to get back into the hiking thing. Will go again.
Reviewed by snow on 11/13/2005 The beauty of this hike is that there is a payoff as soon as you walk down the trail...a gorgeous creek with lots of fall color and spawning salmon this time of year. If you go a bit further you get to see several amazing waterfalls with really nice little wooden foot bridges. If you feel like continuing around the loop, it is enjoyable even for small children, although there are a few sections with steep banks. Rock formations, forest, waterfalls, moss, excellent trail...everything I enjoy about the gorge trails. Good hike for anyone who might not be up for a steep climb but who would enjoy a stunningly scenic walk in the woods. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Oregon Hiking, Oregon Trails, Oregon Hikes, Multnomah County Hiking, Multnomah County Trails, Multnomah County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||