|
Wahclella
Falls |
| Overview |
Wahclella Falls is a sheltered
hike in a deep canyon with something to offer in every season - a booming
waterfall in the winter, spring wildflowers, a summertime dip in
calm pools, and (usually) lots of spawning salmon in the autumn. It's a
gentle uphill to the main falls, then back on the same path.
This is a good hike for kiddos who have enough mojo to walk a mile
or so. Plan on an moderate uphill hike and then some time to stop and admire the Zen
garden-like landscape, have a bite, play in the water, look for fish
and of course
. . . admire each other's kids! There are some sections of
trail with major drop-offs, so if you have a walking child, be sure
to watch them closely. |
| Location |
Columbia River Gorge |
| Trailhead
amenities |
There
are no bathrooms of any other facilities at the trailhead (but the
darn US Forest Service still makes you pay $5.00 to park there, Grrrrr!) |
| Hike distance |
2 miles
round trip, about 300 feet elevation gain |
| Stroller friendly? |
No (unpaved trail with steps) |
| Driving
distance/time from downtown Portland |
40 miles, about 45 minutes |
| Red tape/Fees |
USFS NW Forest pass (unfortunately)
required. A $5.00 day pass is available at the trailhead. |
| Getting there |
Take I-84 eastbound towards Hood
River. Take exit #40, Bonneville Dam. Turn right at the
bottom of the freeway exit, away from the dam. Proceed about 200 feet
to the parking lot. |
| Depart from trailhead |
11:00am sharp |
| Leader |
John
Godino |
| Map |
Google
Map - Wahclella Falls |
|
|