Wahclella Falls

Cascade Locks, OR
4.8
16 Reviews
Wahclella Falls
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Details

Distance
1.74 miles
Elevation Gain
410 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

Forest
Waterfall
Dog Friendly
Scenic
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About this place

Added by Vic Garcia

Quick and easy trail to take in the powerful 65-foot Lower Wahclella Falls.

This is a very short and fairly easy, 1 mile in – 1 mile out, hike with a little bit of elevation gain. I took my time hiking and enjoying the scenery with the intention of this being a photo heavy trip. When I got to the end I spent at least an hour shooting from every angle I saw fit. Once you arrive at the falls though, all you can do for at least a minute is stand in absolute awe at the power and beauty of this waterfall.

What makes this hike so great is its accessibility. The trailhead is easy to find and the hike is short enough that once you are done gawking, you have time to jump back in the car and do another hike.

Something to remember - Be prepared to pay the $5 fee at any Gorge trailhead OR just buy a Northwest Pass if you do enough hiking to justify it. Those are only $30 and you can pick them up at your local REI or other outdoor retailers.

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
Community
Reviews
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Stephanie Lopez
3/17/2025
Love this trail! Even bettwr when its raining and the falls are flowing! Easy parking, but small lot. Bathrooms available.
Not Crowded
Well Maintained
Bathrooms
Easy To Park
Amazing Views
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Leonardo Rodriguez
3/17/2025
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Olivia Aguilar
2/27/2022
Amazing !
Short and sweet! Highly recommend it!
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Katelyn Lund
8/28/2017
awesome for you & your pup
I left to do this hike after work on a week night, and still had plenty of time to explore after the drive out. ...
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Paul Wojciechowski
6/30/2017
Short Lil Hike
This was shorter than expected but with decent elevation gain for a 45 minute hike. Grab a brew at hood river afterward!
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Elise Heimowitz
11/27/2016
Gorgeous
Stunning and easy hike! Definitely recommend going during the rainy season so you can see all the amazing seasonal waterfalls.
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Lindsy Dugan
11/5/2016
Crowded but beautiful
Fairly easy hike up to another breathtaking waterfall in the region. Quite a bit of mist comes off, bring a cloth for your camera. ...
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Jameson Jones
11/3/2016
Personal Favorite
Out of all of the waterfalls in the gorge this one is my favorite. An Easy and scenic hike makes this a must ...
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Kevin Li
7/22/2016
Take Your Guests
I always take my guests and family who come from other states here. It's an easy hike to a beautiful waterfall. However, it does ...
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Jay Hippy
6/22/2016
Wonder Falls
I went on a foggy day so there were less people around, but that meant it was a little slippery around the falls. The ...
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Fee Robles
6/17/2016
Short But Sweet
The 2 mile out and back hike to the falls is perfect for photographers who have heavy gear, kids, and also for dogs!! Be ...
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DongWon Song
3/26/2016
Natural AC
A sheer delight on a hot day. A short loop in to some pretty stunning falls with lots of options to dangle your feet ...
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Austin Jackson
3/10/2016
Easy and Scenic
This is a very easy and beautiful hike and photography destination. Highly recommend! Lots of smaller falls on the sides when you are nearing ...
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Jason Hatfield
1/1/2016
If you don't get here early in the morning it can be fairly busy. My favorite spot for photographing it is up high ...
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Sarah Vaughn
10/9/2015
Wahclella is my favorite waterfall of the gorge so far. The first time I was in Oregon I somehow missed it, so don't make ...
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Liam McNally
9/28/2015
great spot to chill for the afternoon
there are good spots to sit out for a picnic or just chillin - especially if it's a sunny day.
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