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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 2 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by aaa halim on 8/15/2005 Excellent hike for us. Kids love and enjoy playing in the water. Would love to come back again.
Reviewed by Christina Starr on 7/20/2005 We have hiked this twice now & the kids love it!!! We took a jogging stroller up it....which worked out pretty good!! we had to take the baby out and carry the stroller over the stairs, but other than that..It was great!!! It is especially nice on a hot day!! The water felt wonderful we will definately do it again.....
Reviewed by Jimau on 10/12/2004 Beautiful scenery at the end of the short hike. I really loved the towering rock walls surrounding. Next summer I'll consider jumping into the waterfalls pool, like we saw two guys doing on this cool day. Our 4 kids ages 3-10 loved it. It was not too hard for anyone. 
Reviewed by BD on 9/29/2004 I am amazed I have never heard of this hike before, it is so beautiful. The falls are great, but so is the hike. A crystal clear stream zigzags through HUGE bolders that have fallen from the high gorge walls, making you feel as though you are the size of an ant.
Reviewed by CC on 7/26/2004 To describe this waterfall as beautiful would be a tremendous understatement. Truly a magical spot.
Reviewed by JM on 6/27/2004 This hike is accessible to most anyone. There is a little gain here and there, but for the most part ... this is pretty simple. The payoff is the most beautiful scenery in the area. The falls are so impressive and very large. Photos don't do the falls justice. I'll take this hike over Eagle Creek any day. 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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||