This review is for Wahkeena Falls, Ecola Falls and Multnomah Falls Loop which was a ~5.1 miles round trip that took ~3 hours to complete. The loop takes you from Wahkeena Falls to Fairy Falls to Ecola Falls and finally to Multnomah Falls. Spectacular views from beginning to end. Steep inclines in the beginning to Wahkeena Falls and easy declines to the base of Multnomah Falls. Extremely crowded and popular around Multnomah Falls. Limited parking; start early. Short video of the hike for those interested! https://youtu.be/kEpEn3k8a0w read more

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Great loop hike! We chose to start at Multnomah and finish at Wahkeena, and taking off on Sunday about 9am we beat most of the crowds. Even though you're in a burn zone much of the way, the forest and waters are still beautiful. It's about 5 1/2 miles, starting with the elevation zigs and zags of the Multnomah climb, you'll reach little Dutchman Falls not long after you've made it to the top, followed closely by Weisendanger (with its gorgeous approach) and Ecola (you'll walk right next to the drop). Signage is good, as you make the turn away from Larch Mtn and towards Fairy Falls (a magical lil drop)...and back down the zigs and zags to Wahkeena (always pretty). The trail was in pretty decent shape this weekend, but watch your step...not just for loose or rocky footing but for all the caterpillars currently crossing the path. We got so sad seeing so many lives cut short that we started helping them along to safety as we hiked. No matter from which falls you opt to start your loop, there's a great connector trail between the two to get you back to your car safely. Great loop, great trail, and great waterfall fun. :) read more

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We did not complete the entire Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail. Most of the family members we were with are not fans of hiking. Lol!! It would have been about 5.1 miles and 3 hours to complete the hike. Maybe next time! The portion we did hike brought us to the Multnomah Falls lodge on one end, and Wahkeena Falls at the other end. Beautiful scenic hike that was pretty easy for most of us in the group. Definitely recommend the hike for folks in decent health. read more

It was a beautiful time taking a long drive and seeing historical artwork from so many people read more

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There's so much to explore ! I wish we had planned a longer day to dedicate to the whole area but unfortunately we didn't realize all the hiking opportunities there would be ! It's important to note that you do have to reserve a time slot to do the scenic drive to the falls (which we did). There's limited parking on the scenic drive when you're visiting during peak time at the major fall stops. However, it's my understanding that you can park off the regular highway/not on the scenic road and walk over to the falls. There's also a shuttle from one of the parking lots. We were able to grab a spot at Wahkeena Falls. There's a nice view of the fall at the parking and a hike up to it (which we didn't do). We did follow the trail from Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls which was a relatively quick hike with some small dips/climbs. Not flat but not hard either. It spits you out right at the restaurant/gift shop area. This space was very crowded! We decided to do the hike to the top of Wahkeena Falls which has 11 switchbacks and is about 1.25mi to the top (according to the posted signs). The initial walk up to the bridge was easy and very crowded! We were still able to get the *postcard* shot though and continued on up. We consider ourselves relatively experienced hikers , but the long uphill switchbacks and the heat (103 today in the heat wave which was unexpected!) Caused the hike to be more strenuous than expected ! While most of the crowd turned back around the 3rd switchback, there were still people of all ages heading to the top. Once at the top it's nice to take time to look out at the overlook, however the best part was dipping our toes further back from the falls where the water was safely flowing. It was super cold but welcome after the very hot hike ! While it was a challenge, it was a very welcome one and we can't wait to come back to visit more of the falls when it's cooler out. read more

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This was such an amazing adventure. My boyfriend did research on which hike we could do as a family, since it would be my kids and I first uphill hike. We started the trail around 8am at Multnomah falls and made our way up to the highest point of 1,600 feet. My kids are 16 and 13 and were in awe the entire time. They just kept going and loved every min of it! I would recommend to wear hiking shoes if you can, bring snacks lots of water, luckily we each had camelbaks. The trail was a total of 6 miles of beautiful, breathtaking scenery. We did a lot of off the trail hikes that led us to be up close to other falls. Going down was difficult in some parts for our first timers but we made the best out of it! It took us around 4 hours and 45 mins to complete it. I wholeheartedly recommend anyone that truly loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking to do this trail. read more

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Beautiful moderately easy hike that is somewhat paved along the initial portions. Numerous waterfalls, including one practically at the trailhead. This is a hike that I would take repeatedly. At a minimum, hike at least to Fairy Falls (about 1.5 mi). Park either at the trailhead, the adjacent Benson Lake park, or even at Multnomah Falls (there is a short connector trail. Highly recommend read more

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The steep and steady climb up us worth the views and the falls! In the rainy season, the rivers are rushing and there are so many waterfalls to experience. Although a bit treacherous in some areas, the trail is well maintained. (The occasion downed tree may also require you to hoist yourself over, so be prepared.) Trying to get back on the trail from the Multnomah Falls lot to return to one's car in the Wakheena lot is a bit sketchy, so be careful! You must go over a barrier and cross the sometimes-busy road. read more

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Another beautiful waterfall following the Columbia River highway. This 242 ft tiered waterfall runs and connects many trails if you feel like stomping around. I couldn't help myself from jumping out and taking a few snaps in the rain on a road trip back home before the storm. Make sure not to pass up this beautiful waterfall. read more

Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail - Wahkeena falls - Hiking Near Me - Troutdale, Oregon

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Great at the start, crowded at the finish. Take a natural shower on the short jaunt from Multnomah to the parking lot.

This is arguably the BEST hike in the Columbia Gorge, balancing all the different aspects of a great trip, from accessibility (very well maintained and marked trail), scenery (beautiful waterfalls), shade (perfect for a hot day), length (about 5 miles), elevation (only 1600 ft), and yes, it even has ice cream and fudge at the end of the trip. Check out the details by searching the Wahkeena Falls Loop at oregonhikers.org, but essentially you start at the Multnomah Falls parking lot, hike a hundred yards west to the base of Wahkeena Falls, hike the switchbacks to the top of the ridge, cut back east, and descend the famous Multnomah Falls trail. It's really the perfect hike in a lot of respects, especially for beginner/slower hikers that aren't prepared for higher/longer (yet possibly more rewarding) hikes like Dog Mountain, Silver Falls State Park, etc. read more

Start point: Wahkeena Trailhead Ending Point: Lemmon's Viewpoint Trail Log: Trail Log Hike Type: Out and back Distance: 1.4 miles round trip to the top, 0.4 round trip to the bridge Elevation gain: 850 feet Difficulty: Moderate Seasons: All Family Friendly: Yes Backpackable: No Crowded: Yes Wahkeena Falls is one of the more popular destinations in the gorge and there's a reason for that. Wahkeena Falls has a beauty all its own. It's not a huge, single fall like Multnomah or Latourell and there's no lodge or fancy freeway exit to draw people. Wahkeena Creek falls this way and that, now a plunge, now a horsetail, now a cascade. It's just beautiful. Even though there's a lot of climbing here, the surface is good, a lot of it recently paved. One of neat things about the Wahkeena Trail is that there's something cool every few hundred feet. It might be a Columbia River view, or it might be a cascading stream. Lots of rewards make it easier for people to challenge themselves. Every time I'm there, I talk to a new hiker and they tell me how tired they are. I encourage them to climb a bit further. Later in the day, I'm likely to find them 500-1000' higher, still tired, but happy and proud. The trail starts with some beautiful stonework and a wooden bridge over Wahkeena Creek. Make sure you're headed right here. The trail to the left leads to Multnomah Falls. The trail climbs in one long switchback to a stone bridge at the base of Wahkeena Falls. Expect a bit of spray on the trail here year-round. In winter, things can get really icy. A large log here was cut away to clear the trail after it fell down the falls. After the falls, look across the valley at the trail you just traveled and you'll see old stonework that's slid from the trail. A bench makes a good resting spot, or a turnaround if you're pressed for time. From here, the trail starts up a pretty steep section, climbing about 400' in about half a mile. I have several guidebooks that reference 10 switchbacks, but I counted 12. There are beautiful rock walls, another bench cemented into a wall and better views the higher you climb. The most alert hikers will find a Lego cemented into one of the walls. At the top of this first climb, you'll crest a ridge. Follow the pavement out to the point, called Lemmon's Viewpoint. A plaque here commemorates a firefighter who gave his life fighting forest fires near here. The views from the point are really good up and down the river. This is the end of the hike presented here and this spot makes a pretty good turnaround. On the other hand, better stuff awaits for those who are willing to venture a bit farther. There's an abandoned trail to the top of Wahkeena Falls that's not really for the faint of heart. The hike to Fairy Falls and beyond is on a very well maintained safe trail. read more

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We did the full loop from Wahkeena falls to Multnomah falls. It was more than moderate at some points but they were very short bursts. I would definitely do the counter clockwise as it was so much better going down at Multnomah. The only problem was that even though we were there early and got a great spot by the time we got to the end it was busting with tourists. Just be mindful that if you're an actual avid hiker, a LOT of people on this trail are not and will not give courtesy, so don't be upset (like I was when almost knocked off the mountain.) Overall, stunning views. Nature at its glory! read more

If you enjoy nature, this place is full of it. There is a beautiful waterfall so I like to bring a sandwich and a drink to enjoy while viewing the falls. It is such a beautiful site. read more

When doing a hike with a six year old you tend to want to find shorter trails. At just around two miles round trip from Wahkeena Falls to Fairy Falls, this hike is perfect but steep. Wahkeena Falls at the trailhead is amazing and then you start hiking up the 14-15 switchbacks to start with but it levels out for a scenic overlook and up again till you get to Fairy Falls. It's all beautiful, and since Multnomah Falls are just two miles away, these falls are a little less traveled as we didn't have the crowds that you get at Multnomah. Onto the next hike. read more

As far as quick access, down and dirty hikes with elevation that are fairly close to Portland go, this is one one of the best. It's around five miles, with about 1600 feet of elevation gain. It's pretty picturesque as well, with lots of waterfalls (not just Wahkeena and Multnomah). I hear a lot of people do this starting at Wahkeena and looping around down to Multnomah Falls. I prefer to go clockwise, parking at Multnomah Falls. That way I get get the tourist crowd out of the way first rather than finishing with them. But no matter. Whatever floats your boat. Regardless, there is a little trail above the highway linking the Multnomah and Wahkeena trailheads (and parking lots) to complete the loop. Near the top there is also a break off trail that takes you to the summit of Devil's Rest, which is a good way to add an additional 3 miles and a bit more elevation. Not the most hardcore training trail, but like I said, it's close and a bit more of a challenge than Angel's Rest (which is also close to Portland). And it's a heck of a lot closer than driving all the way to Ruckle Ridge or Dog Mountain or Mt. Defiance, or Table Mountain, etc. I find myself running out here for quick exercise frequently. read more

I have a love-hate relationship with this trail. This trail features breathtaking views and lots of waterfalls. A fantastic authentic Oregon experience. In perfect weather, this hike is not for the faint of heart. If you start the western route of the 5.5 mile hike - ending at Multnomah Falls - you should really be in overall good physical condition. About one mile in the pavement disappears and if you worry about your knees or overall physical condition, you should end your hike there and walk back down. However, for the young and the healthy, journey on! You encounter a bunch of waterfalls and natural untouched Oregon beauty. A hike worth hiking for sure! However, on our trip we did have one major con, the downpour that started 1/3 of the way into our hike which proceeded to make me cold, wet, and dampen my spirits. I was good for a while, but the wet trail made down pretty difficult without proper hiking footwear. I'd totally do this again, but probably only if I knew it was going to be dry. Yikes! read more

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Beautiful waterfalls! This is a very enjoyable hike. You can park and start the hike at either Wahkeena Falls or Multnomah Falls. The loop (without side excursions) is about 5 miles with 1600 feet of elevation change. Food, tourist information and restrooms are available at Multnomah Falls Lodge and visitor center. The hike is a little steep at times and is paved near Wahkeena and Multnomah falls. There are several side trails that are well marked that will lead you to overlooks or other locations such as Devil's Rest or Larch Mountain. This scenic trail leads you to several other waterfalls. The falls with names are Weisendanger (55'), Ecola (55'), Dutchman - upper (20') and middle (10') and Fairy (20') falls. You will also pass Dutchman Tunnel which is a large semicircular cave washed by Multnomah Creek from underneath a lava flow. If you have a few hours to spend exploring streams and waterfalls, this trail is highly recommended since it packs so much into just a few miles. It located not too far off the highway and is less than 30 miles from Portland. read more

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Whoever wrote the song "Happy Trails" could very well have been talking about this little local hiking gem. Presumably before and after the hiking of the trail. Because it's a really good trail. Starting at either Multnomah or Wahkeena Falls, you go up about 1600 feet or so, cut horizontal a ways, and then come all the way back down and around again. You know, like loops go. Either way you go up, you'll be enjoying waterfalls, rushing water, views, and lush green forest. And plenty of 'up'. As such, there may be some moments of unhappiness, at least among one or two people in your group, potentially about halfway up the 'up'. So anyone happily humming the tune at the start of the trip will likely quiet down for a while, or simply run out of breath to hum. And assuredly everyone will be happy to get back to the car. This is moderate as far as Gorge hikes go. Either way you cut it, the ups are fairly relentless switchbacks that really don't stop. Any hike on the Gorge save for maybe Eagle Creek faces the same geographical reality - the Gorge walls go up, so the trails must follow. However the rewards are plenty. You get not just Wahkeena and Multnomah falls, but a series of various other falls along the way, all stunning. There are numerous areas for breaks including the monument viewpoint about halfway up Wahkeena, and plenty of spots for a rest/breath-catcher. The path is paved up to monument viewpoint on Wahkeena, and up to the observation deck atop Multnomah. The rest is dirt. And on wet days, a decent amount of mud. From either way you can connect with a variety of other trails that go miles and miles up and around the forest above these two falls. But this one is about the loop. Unless you have a shuttle car, you'll be walking on the cut back trail either from Multnmomah to Wahkeena or vice-versa. I think it's about .5 miles. Each trailhead has parking and a restroom, as well as some picnic areas at Wahkeena. Bring water and a camera. You won't regret it. read more

Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail to Multnomah Falls is a great, popular hike to see tons of waterfalls (about 8) and to be in the forests. It is about a 5-mile loop with a moderate elevation gain of 1,600 feet. Park at the Multnomah Falls parking lot and the trail starts by the entrance to the parking lot. You'll see a sign that says "Return Trail #442". You'll be hiking along the highway and the Columbia River at first but in about a mile and a half, you'll reach the Wahkeena Trailhead. The Wahkeena Trail #420 will lead you to a stone bridge at the base of Wahkeena Falls. Throughout the trail, there will be several sections that have switchbacks but nothing too strenuous. After, you'll come to a sign that says "Lemmon's Viewpoint". Check it out for a view of the Columbia River. Return to the main trail and you will notice it becomes a dirt trail indicating that you have entered Wahkeena Canyon. Continue onward and you will eventually see Fairy Falls, a beautiful fan-like fall unlike the other tall, powerful ones. It looks so cool as it trickles over the rocks. As you continue to hike up, you will reach a junction with the Vista Point Trail #419, stay right to continue on Trail #420 and then you will reach a junction with Angel's Rest Trail #415. You can make a small detour here to Wahkeena Spring. After, get back on the Wahkeena Trail #420 where you will come to 3-4 trail split and lots of signs. Thankfully below these signs there is a map and it tells you where you are. Go slightly right to stay on the trail. At this point, you have done most of the climbing and should be easy peasy from here. You will then encounter another sign for the Larch Mountain Trail #441, make a sharp left that will take you down. Don't continue straight and up from here or that will take you to the Larch Mountain Summit. We made this mistake but thankfully we only went halfway after asking a few hikers if we were going the right way. As you continue down, you'll see this cool waterfall where you can climb to the base of it. Be careful though! It was kind of a struggle to get down. Keep hiking down and you will come to Multnomah Falls Overlook which takes you off the main trail to the top of Multnomah Falls! Get back on the main trail and you will end up at the middle bridge and then finally after 11 switchbacks, you will arrive at the bottom of the famous photographic spot of Multnomah Falls! You made it! There is a lodge, exhibit, restaurant, gift shop and restrooms by the Multnomah Falls parking lot. I really like this trail because you get to see so many waterfalls and the hike itself is really nice. So much greenery around you and I brought my DSLR and it was so fun to shoot around here. It took us about 5 hours to hike this trail since we were stopping a lot to take pictures and soak in the scenery. You can definitely hike this in like 3-4 hours but I wouldn't rush it. Give yourself time to enjoy the view :) Although this is definitely a popular hike, I didn't think there were TOO many people on the trail. We went on a Saturday at around 1:30pm. read more

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Bring your hiking shoes, water, and a walking stick. These trails are pretty well defined, so you won't get lost. For the most part it's paved so you can trek pretty quickly. The paths are generally peaceful. Put your big boy pants on no whining allowed! read more

At first, I thought the hike was going to be terrible. If I decide to go on a hike, I want to get AWAY from the city, the cars, the noise and the people. When we arrived, my wife and I found people everywhere, tents and vendors galore and even a wedding party taking pictures along the path! Well, thankfully most people dissipate after the Multnomah Falls bridge. And it thins out even more after the falls overlook. We started off at the base of Multnomah Falls. Our hike took us up the Multnomah Falls path, around a little connecting trail and down the Wahkeena Falls path. 5.6 miles total for the loop according to the free map we got from the (extremely friendly and helpful) gentleman at the information booth. He even gave us some alternative ideas that we plan to do next time we're up that way. We went on a beautiful Saturday (hence all the peeps at the bottom of the falls). After we got past the Multnomah Falls overlook, we hardly ran into anyone. And it's a beautiful hike. Pretty much straight uphill for the 1st half and then you get to enjoy the 2nd half chock-full of endorphins! Afterward, it was nice having the tent vendors there. We picked up some great fudge for the way home. They even have espresso drinks if you need a little pick-me-up after your hike! read more

An excellent hike. Everyone's basically said what needed to be said. Like Jessica said, I do recommend starting at the Wahkeena Falls trail and hiking back to the Multnomah Falls trail head. You get away from the touristy crowd and you get to look at some beautiful waterfalls along the way. You can park at Multnomah Falls and hike to the Wahkeena Falls trail head, which adds 1/2 mile to the hike along the highway, or park at the Wahkeena Falls trail head itself, but then you'd have to walk back anyway at the end. So you might as well get it over and done with. Along the way, you pass the Wahkeena Falls, two beautiful viewpoints and the Fairy Falls, along with some pretty cool scenary. At the top, you have the option of taking a short walk to the springs. You can also go another mile up to Devil's Rest, which is an elevation of 2,000 feet. Or the other option is making your back down toward Multnomah Falls. It is pretty physically demanding for the terrain and the length of it so be prepared to walk a few miles uphill. Bring water and snacks for a near four-hour hike or so like others have mentioned. In the end, however, it's all worth it and you feel very accomplished as you walk down Multnomah Falls and you see the "touristy" hikers going up and looking gassed already. You definitely feel better about yourself. read more

Highly recommend to people looking for a hike in the area. It is AWESOME. At a little over 5 miles, the hike isn't so hard that I wanted to stop but it isn't so easy that I felt like I was just strolling along (for the record - I am a pretty active 20-something). It's also not so long that you need a really early start. There are tons of waterfalls along the hike, so it doesn't get boring for very long. Really just breathtaking scenery. It was a bit rainy the day we went but no worries - the trees blocked some of the rain and the hike itself seemed pretty wet due to the waterfalls and rivers anyway. It's a very well maintained trail so no concerns with doing it in regular sneakers and not hiking boots. Boyfriend and I parked at Wahkeena Falls and then walked down to Multnomah Falls to start the trail. I liked doing it this way because the Multnomah Falls hike to the top has markers telling you how many switchbacks you have left. Nothing like knowing you're only on 2 of 11. Make sure you have a picture of the map - we ended up walking off in the wrong direction for a bit before realizing we had to turn around. read more

Starting off at the Wahkeena Falls trail-head feels like being at Disneyland. It's just that it's so beautiful I expect the rocks are plaster and the moss has strategically been placed on them to create the fairy dreamland that is Wahkeena Falls. My buddy and I totally missed the loop part and instead kept going up to Devil's Rest. This is a difficult hike! It's pretty much straight up with a sh*t ton of switchbacks and parts of it are so rocky you have to keep your eyes on your feet so to not trip. To my reassurance, lots and lots of people were resting on the side of the trail completely out of breath. This is a good hike to really test your stamina. My calves were in knots for 3 days after. There's not really much incentive to continue up to Devil's Rest instead of doing the loop to Multnomah falls, especially because it doesn't have a viewpoint. I felt so insulted realizing that once we made it all the way up there. DAMN IT, DEVIL'S REST. However, it does continue on to Angel's Rest, which DOES have a viewpoint. If you want to do that. So, do the loop, it's the best option. Grab yourself an ice cream cone at the Multnomah Falls Lodge once you're done. Also, some parts of the trails go through a little bit of water. I wore my Tevas and felt super vindicated. WHO THOUGHT AHEAD, GUYS? WHO THOUGHT AHEAD. read more

Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail - Shut up, Oregon. You're too beautiful. - Hiking Near Me - Troutdale, Oregon

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A great hike to go on to exercise, enjoy Oregon's natural beauty and to take photos your memories there. The hike includes views of the Columbia River as mentioned by Esther Y as well as views of the waterfalls from the Wahkeena towards the Multnomah. The hike is about 5.6 miles long depending which routes you take in your hike, but about 6 miles overall. This took about 4 hours for my group troopers because we took time to take mini breaks to catch our breathe up the steep hills, to allow other hikers to pass us up or to take pictures and took a couple detours to get closer to the falls. As Esther Y has also mentioned, "If you're not in shape, prepare to have a sore" body in general. Everything from your back, buttocks, hips, knees, calves, ankles, thighs. Where did we hike? Loop #2 according to the Multnomah Falls Hiking Map. My group started our hiking trail parked at Multnomah Falls and walked towards the Wahkeena Falls (0.6 miles). We climbed up the Wahkeena Trail and up to the top and made our way down to end at Multnomah Falls again. The trail is a mixture of dirt and paved gravel near the major water falls. It was cute seeing a bunch of couples hike as their date. Wear tennis shoes though or a bearable shoe for some exercise. One lady was hiking up in wedges and another in flip flops. I hope their feet aren't in pain the next day. Parking can be bit of a pain but just wait around because there are always people coming and going because they're usually just there to see the waterfalls and leave. I do advise to check out the Information booth because they have a map of the trails around Multnomah Falls in case you wanted to do another. Also, STAY AWAY FROM POISON OAK! There are pictures of what the plant looks like in the info booth. My friend mentioned that "Leaves of three, let them be." Meaning that if you see leaves in a trio, leave them alone because most likely they could hurt you. I also recommend using sun block and a bug spray on top of that. Even if there is a cloudy day or a bit of sunshine, you can still get sunburned. My friend got bitten by a mosquito during one of our mini breaks and it was about an hour into our hike. Overall, the hike is exhilarating and wonderful. When finished, you know you've accomplished something good for your health and your memories from the photos you've taken. Bring lots of water! read more

I just love how there are waterfalls everywhere! Gorgeous! The hike itself wasn't too bad - it wasn't too long (a couple of miles I think) and it wasn't particularly though though there was a couple uphills. It's so worth seeing all the waterfalls and gorgeous greenery. Overall, great hikes and pretty views! read more

Enjoyable hike! If your already at the top of Multnomah Falls you might as well continue the path that loops around the mountain. This is a long hike so best be prepared. Bring water and snacks. There are many great spots to snap some photos. The awesome vibrant greenery is what makes this place pop! read more

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My bf and I came here on a Sunday morning during our weekend get away to Portland. A friend of mine recommended this hike and we're so glad we did. Even though the trail was WAY longer than I thought, I enjoyed hiking through the trails and see the may different waterfalls that were both large and small. I'm so glad we hiked the entire trail because we were able to see the Mulnomah Waterfall which is HUGE. We stood at the bottom for quite some time, just looking and trying to grasp the beauty of the waterfall. The only thing I wish about this trail, is they'd put some out houses along the 6 mile hike! There's not a site of bathroom anywhere until you reach the very end where the tourist center is located at! But I'll still give it 5 stars, just because the hike was one of the most beautiful trails I've been on. read more

Beautiful hike with lots of "rewards" along the way -- big and little waterfalls, paths along the creek, viewpoints overlooking the Columbia River, etc. Just under 6 miles, pretty strenuous going uphill, with lots of switchbacks. If you're not in shape, prepare to have a sore butt (or hips, or knees, or all of the above) the next morning. Downhill is pretty steep too, so take it easy on the knees! We went on July 4, thought it would be really crowded, but got lucky on a parking spot in the Multnomah Falls parking lot (most people come, look at the falls, then leave, so there's a constant in and out of cars), pushed our way around the crowds at the bottom of the Multnomah Falls, and were constantly surrounded on the hike up to the top of the Falls. But thereafter, on our way to Wahkeena Falls, there was practically nobody...we saw a couple people every 30 minutes maybe. The big falls along the trail are Multnomah Falls (where I started from), Fairy Falls (2/3 in?), and Wahkeena Falls (last one). The return trail hugs the highway back to the Multnomah Falls Lodge for maybe 10 minutes. The hike took us about 4 hours total including plenty of time for taking photos (out of the 4 of us, 3 had DSLRs, so you know how that goes...pop the camera on the tripod, set the shutter speed 2-10", small aperture, and wait). Some beautiful silky waterfall pictures are possible. Great place for jumping pictures too! read more

This is a gorgeous hike. At about 5 miles and about 1,500 ft of vertical gain, it gets your blood flowing, but you don't need to bring a pack and supplies. Just grab a water bottle and a Clif Bar and start walking. There are dozens of things to see along the way...small waterfalls, rushing creeks, footbridges, lookouts into the gorge. My favorite thing to stop and take in is Ecola Falls, which is just above Multnomah Falls. read more

Fantastic waterfalls and nature. Lots of trails and lots of people (parking not ideal but not surprised!) One of the best things to do around Portland. Must see! read more

Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail - Multnomah Falls - Hiking Near Me - Troutdale, Oregon

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Medium waterfall, but still cool to see. Watch your step and your kids because there's no barriers keeping you from slipping and falling from the hike trails. About a mile up is the real waterfall wonder - Multnomah Falls. read more

Love it. The people who only walk up to the bridge at Multnomah are missing the best part of the Gorge!!! I love the area of this trail past the top of Multnomah Falls. So many little waterfalls in addition to the biggies of Multnomah and Wahkeena. This is easily one of my top hikes in Oregon. Oh, and loop trails rock. read more

It's amazing how he goes on and on and super Green. Lots of different paths you can take definitely a hike hike I would do it again. Extremely green with lots of waterfalls and lots of water or just running. read more

Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail - Hiking Near Me - Troutdale, Oregon

This was the perfect hike! I went this past weekend and even though I was sore from a run the previous day, the beauty around me as I hiked made me forget about the pain. Let's start with the perfect length of the trail....4.7 miles, I think, which is enough to feel like you accomplished something substantial, while not being too long, which could result in feeling a bit hiked out. The weather was an awesome 70-ish degrees with a bit of haze...That was perfect for us, since we did not need extra heat while we generated our own. The trail was relatively empty, which surprised us being that the weather was so nice...The people we did bump into, though, were super nice and friendly. One couple even offered us water when they stopped to speak to us. The sights along the trail included several waterfalls - my most fav being wahkeena, the one you start off and end at. Multnomah's nice too, but I find that the straight drop down does not give me as much of that "oooh ahhh" effect in comparison to the elegant curves of the wahkeena...a smaller waterfall was hidden in the hills and only accessible if you hiked on the trail. it was really nice, since it was secluded... One thing that I noticed was that there were hardly any bugs!! That's a pet-peeve of mine when i hike..All the little nats that fly around (I'm really not a naturally outdoorsey person, can you tell?). There weren't any, which made the hike even more pleasant. I would rate the difficulty of the hike as easy to moderate...There were points in the trail that had about a 45 degree incline but those parts of the trail were short. The majority of the hike was quite do-able, although I wouldn't wear dress shoes or flip-flops (a friend of mine once wore flip-flops to hike up another trail at Multnomah Falls). Explore this trail and you'll know what I mean when I say it's the perfect hike. Enjoy! read more

Stunning. Parking is tough. Go on a lousy weather day, and you'll have it to yourself.

If you ever visit Oregon, this is a great start from a beginner hike for the novice hiker (without hiking to the top of the waterfall) from one "Wahkeena" waterfall to another, "Multnomah Falls" (less than 1 mile) to a more moderate challenging hike for the avid hiker up to several other waterfalls and views of the top of these falls! (Approx 8 mile loop) The great thing to know is that there is a break that connects from one parking lot to another if you decide just to drive instead or need assistance for any reason. But good luck on finding a parking with all the tourist who visit here on a daily basis. (Of course the weekends are even worse to find parking!) These trails are well maintained with some having your typical trail with dirt and rocks to watch out for and or your flat dirt trail, to a paved cement trail and absolutely beautiful to hike with amazing scenic views of the dark green forest all around you. There are some really cool rocks covered with moss and scenic views of the Columbia River adjacent and other mountains afar! If your there at the right time, you might even see a train going by in between all of this beauty like we did! It definitely won't disappoint. There is restrooms, water fountain to fill up your water bottles, gift shop, exhibit, booths selling snacks, drinks, and even a restaurant located in front of Multnomah falls. (FYI: Multnomah falls has the biggest parking lot area in front of it since its one of the main attractions with a 620ft waterfall.) Parking is all free. read more

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Couldn't find the trail to get to the top because everything was covered in snow. But it's definitely beautiful! I made a quick stop to take some photos before continuing my drive to Multnomah Falls! read more

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Another classic PNW hike at the Columbia River Gorge! Wahkeena Trail Loop was on the easier side of a moderate hike. You gain 1600 feet in elevation, and round trip, it's a little over 5.5 miles! There are a few viewing points throughout the hike, such as Lemmon's Point, where you get an amazing view of the Columbia River and the mountains! The hike up definitely has a bite to it, although much easier than Angel's Rest and Dog Mountain Trail! Plenty of benches early on in the trail, and plenty of places to pull over to catch your breathe! No parking fee to park, and we got there around 645 am and were the second ones there! The earlier the better! When we got back down to the parking lot around 825 am, the parking lot was already full. Took us less than 2 hours to do nearly 6 miles! The workout was good, and the trail was challenging; especially in the parts where you had to hike through rocks and water to get to the other side! Definitely worth seeing it for the falls! read more