Discover the Majestic Wahclella Falls in Oregon
Explore the enchanting Wahclella Falls in Oregon, a breathtaking waterfall surrounded by lush forests and stunning natural beauty.
Wahclella Falls is a stunning natural wonder in Oregon, offering breathtaking views and an invigorating hiking experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. With its picturesque cascades surrounded by lush greenery, this enchanting waterfall is perfect for a day of exploration and relaxation in the great outdoors.
A brief summary to Wahclella Falls
- Oregon, US
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the falls in a more peaceful setting.
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be uneven and slippery in some areas.
- Bring a camera to capture the stunning views, especially on sunny days when rainbows can appear in the mist.
- Consider visiting in the spring when the water flow is at its peak, making the falls even more spectacular.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the picnic tables near the trailhead after your hike.
Getting There
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Car
If you're traveling by car, start by navigating to the Columbia River Gorge area. From Portland, Oregon, take I-84 East for approximately 30 miles. Exit at the Cascade Locks exit (Exit 44) and turn left onto WA-35. Follow WA-35 for about 4 miles and turn right onto the Gorge Scenic Highway (Historic US-30). Continue for another 3.5 miles. Look for the Wahclella Falls Trailhead on the right side of the road. There is a small parking area available, but be aware that parking is limited and may fill up quickly on weekends.
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Public Transportation
If you prefer public transportation, take the MAX Light Rail from downtown Portland to the Gateway Transit Center. From there, transfer to the Columbia Gorge Express bus service, which operates between Portland and the Columbia River Gorge. Make sure to check the schedule beforehand, as service may vary seasonally. Get off at the Wahclella Falls stop. From there, it’s a short walk to the trailhead. Note that the bus service may charge a fare, so have some cash or a transit card ready.
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Hiking
Once you reach the Wahclella Falls Trailhead, you can begin your hike to the falls. The trail is well-marked and approximately 1.5 miles round trip. It's an easy to moderate hike that provides stunning views along the way. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring water, especially during the warmer months. The trailhead has a Porta-potty, picnic table, and trash can available for use.
Discover more about Wahclella Falls
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Columbia River Highway Scenic Highway
2.2 km
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Fort Cascades Historic Site
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Elowah Falls
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Historic Columbia River Highway state trail bridge at McCord Creek
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WA State Historical Marker - Beacon Rock
5.6 km
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WA State Historical Marker #19 - Bridge of the Gods
6.3 km
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The Oregon Pony
7.1 km
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St Peter's Dome
7.5 km
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Historical Marker
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Dry Creek Falls
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Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness
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Ainsworth State Park
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Columbia Gorge Museum
8.5 km
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Rock of Ages Arch
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Ponytail Falls
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Unmissable attractions to see
East Fork Falls
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Munra Falls
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Wahclella Falls Trail
1.4 km
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Bonneville Fish Hatchery
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John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor
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Ft. Cascades Historic Site
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Bradford Island Visitor Center
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Eagle Creek Trailhead
3.3 km
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Upper McCord Creek Falls
3.4 km
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Elowah Falls Parking
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Punch Bowl Falls
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Beacon Rock Boat Launch
5.4 km
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Hamilton Mountain Trailhead
5.6 km
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Beacon Rock Trailhead
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Pool of the Winds
5.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Brigham Fish Market
6.7 km
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Cascade Dining Room
8.5 km
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River Rock
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Big River Grill
10.0 km
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Ivy Bear Pizzeria
29.1 km
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Rendezvous Grill
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Koya Kitchen
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Mogul Mountain Pizza
30.2 km
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Barlow Trail Roadhouse
30.4 km
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Zigzag Mountain Cafe
30.4 km
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ZigZag Inn
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Skyway Bar & Grill
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Altitude
31.1 km
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Mallards Café & Pub
31.5 km
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Twin Peaks Drive In
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Spruce Gifts and Provisions
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Bridgeside
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Bike the Gorge
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Columbia Market
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Eastwind Drive-In
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Bloomsbury of Kanaka Creek Farm
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Carson General Store
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Wind Mountain Ranch
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Cedar Creek Alpacas
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The Old Trunk
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Hoodland Thriftway
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Hoodland Shopping Center
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Hoodland Bazaar
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Apple Valley Country Store
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Mt Hood Foods
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Gorges Beer Co.
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Walking Man Brewing
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Red Bluff Tap House
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Bungalow Bar & Grill
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Backwoods Brewing Company
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Whistle Stop
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Pub 26
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Red Carpet Inn
32.9 km
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Thirteen 0 One
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The Beer Den
34.5 km
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No Place Saloon
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