What is it?
Cited at 630 feet, Multnomah Falls is often billed as the tallest waterfall in Oregon, and the 2nd tallest year-round waterfall in the United States. Though these claims are frequently debated among waterfall enthusiasts, there is no deliberation over the grandeur and beauty of the falls. An Oregon icon, Multnomah Falls is simply a must see for visitors to Portland or the Columbia River Gorge area.
Just around the corner from Multnomah Falls is the somewhat overlooked Wahkeena Falls. If it was located anywhere else in Oregon, or anywhere else in the Gorge for that matter, Wahkeena Falls would be a stand alone attraction. What visitors along the Historic Columbia River Highway don't get to see from the road however, is everything above these falls. As it happens, folks can visit both falls, as well as four other named cascades by hiking the 5.4 mile, 1600 foot elavation gain Wahkeena-Multnomah Falls loop.
Why visit?
In 5.4 miles worth of hiking, the trail passes along six major falls, two large creeks, and more forested beauty than one can shake a stick at. Sure there are crowds most of the year, but it never gets old seeing the expression on a visiting face the first time it witnesses Multnomah Falls. It is definitely a bit of a scene close to the falls, but as is the case with many trails in the area, once the pavement ends the crowds thin out considerably.
Get there:
Take I-84 east to Multnomah Falls exit 31. Find parking where you can and walk through the tunnel to the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge.
Though tempting to walk right up to the falls at this point, it is recommended to start the hike by heading west along the Historic Highway. A short distance from the lodge, pick up the marked trail to Wahkeena Falls. There isn't much to this part of the trail which is why it's good to start here; plus it's a nice warm up.
Cross a footbridge at Wahkeena Falls and continue up along a paved path. You soon come to a stone bridge that crosses the creek within spraying distance of the falls. Continue up some long, steep, switchbacks to Lemmon's Viewpoint. Enjoy the view and catch your breath before heading up the Wahkeena Canyon along the now unpaved path. The trail, now less crowded marches up through the very scenic canyon before arriving at Fairy Falls. Hike past the falls a short distance to a junction with the Vista Point Trail. Stay right here, and continue on the Wahkeena Trail. Stay straight at the next junction with the Angel's Rest Trail, and make one last push to the top of the ridge and the end of the climbing.
At the four-way junction stay straight passing the steep ascent to Devil's Rest on the right. Follow the now level trail for 1 mile before it descends to a junction with the Larch Mountain Trail. Turn left here and follow Multnomah Creek as it passes Ecola, Weisendanger, and Dutchman Falls on its way to a small bridge crossing. Just after the crossing, the pavement begins again and meets a two-way junction. Take the short jaunt to the left to visit the viewing platform at the top of Multnomah Falls. Return to the main path and ascend briefly before beginning the paved mile long descent to the base of Multnomah Falls, and the end of the hike.
Additional information:
PortlandHikers.org Field Guide
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com
Comments
Always love your pics.
How gorgeous! The photos are absolutely beautiful. I've been making a list of these different hikes you've been writing about so I can get to them when visiting Oregon hopefully soon in the near future :)
This place is gorgeous. Love the colors in the first picture of the slide show.
That looks absolutely amazing. Your photos are breathtaking.
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