Trail Information

Topographic Map

Elevation Profile

Hike Location Overview









Email this page to a friend



Reporter


Google

Printer Friendly

Weather

MapQuest

TopoZone

TerraServer

Help

Wahkeena Falls/Fairy Falls Columbia Gorge Hwy


Highlights:

A fairly steep hike up to a viewpoint of the Columbia and on to a small falls
Near:Bridal Veil, OR
Scenery:
Distance:2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:970 ft
Hike Time:1.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Out and Back


Summary: The view of Wahkeena Falls is best right next to the highway. You can walk .2 miles on a paved path to a spot right next to the lowest stage of the falls, and there's a nice bench to rest on. From here up to the viewpoint, the fast switchbacks take you hundreds of feet up in a very short period of time. This is a very old trail, so it's well established and fairly wide. The viewpoint at the top affords a view of the Columbia, but not of the falls. Take the path south up the hill for some pretty stream views, then up a few more switchbacks to Fairy Falls. Just above Fairy Falls the trail splits. You can get to many of the Gorge trails and destinations from here, including the Larch Mountain Trail, Devil's Rest, Angel's Rest and more. If you stay to the right you can go up to Wahkeena Springs and then over to the Larch Mountain Trail and then loop back to this spot and down to the trailhead. The distance recorded for this trail is just for the hike up to Fairy Falls.
Trailhead: From Portland head east on I-84 and take the Bridal Veil exit. At the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway, take a left heading east and go approximately 3 miles, just before Multnomah falls. There is parking on both sides of the highway, and the trail head is on the south side of the highway, heading west. There is another trail that connects this trail head to Multnomah Falls, heading east. (Lat:45.57552 Lon:-122.12741)
Trail Guides for Wahkeena Falls/Fairy Falls Columbia Gorge Hwy:
Pacific Northwest Hiking 1000 Hikes in OR and WA
by Ron C. Judd and Dan A. Nelsen  (Avalon Travel Publishing)

Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer,
User Groups: Hikers, Dogs,
Ranger Contact: Columbia River Gorge National 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 Jason on 8/22/2007
We started out at Angels Rest Trailhead and after getting to the top proceeded on the Wahkeena Falls Trail. It would bring you all the way around to Multnomah Falls. Good Piece of advice.....Park a car at both sides. The walk back on the road was a pain in the butt

Reviewed by Ron (vancouver) on 6/2/2007
This is a great hike. I suggest parking at Wahkeena Falls and hike the 0.5 miles to Multnomah Falls. Then climb the 1 mile to the top. There is a trail that follows Multnomah creek up stream. Follow that to Wahkeena springs and hike back down.

Reviewed by ALS on 4/20/2007
Being a Nice Sunny with camera in hand I venture to the falls...decided to go to the top. I had to take it slow since I am out of shape...it is a steep climb with switch backs. The view is amazing. Decided to head up to Fairy Falls, but my late start only let me go up the trail a short distance...low camera battery told me to turn around a come back later. The gorge is a wonderful area...I will return.

Reviewed by cf on 10/17/2006
this is a very beautiful place i will love to come here again

Reviewed by Sonja on 10/2/2006
My dad and I loved this hike. We went up to vista trail and made our way down to Multnomah and were thrilled about the beauty we got to enjoy the entire way! Fairy Falls is my favorite.

Reviewed by Viewer on 9/14/2006
This is a great hike for everyone. If you're a bit out of shape, plan on a lot of time and you'll find it well worth the effort. There are benches and walls to sit on on the way up. There's quite a bit of elevation gain for the beginner, but the scenery is stunning. With enough rest breaks, most people will make it up just fine. The biggest mistake people make on this trail is turning around at Lemmon's Viewpoint. Sure, it's a great view and worth a pic or two, but the really neat stuff is just up the trail another 1/4 mile or so. You've already put in the hard work, don't miss your reward!

Reviewed by M A Smith on 8/7/2006
My wife and I went on this hike with another couple. It was one of our first of many to come. We have recently adopted a healthier way of living and hope to make hiking a part of it. The trail was well maintained and fairy easy to meander along. Lots of great photo opportunities so bring you camera. Not too many people and the few that we did encounter were very nice. Would highly recommend.

Reviewed by LL on 6/2/2006
I went on the Wahkenna Falls hiking trail with my classmates on a field trip. It was awesome. I had so much fun even though it was raining. From there, we headed to Multnomah Falls.


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

Add Hikes To Your Website
About Us    Help    Contact Us
Site Map Of Available Hikes
Copyright © 2003 LocalHikes, Inc.