Is swimming allowed at Wahclella Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wahclella Falls.

Live Conditions · 42 ft³/s · About average

Wahclella Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wahclella Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Wahclella Falls.

Oregon • 65 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

mikelemmon CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Ian Sane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Wahclella Falls

Wahclella Falls is a stunning two-tiered waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. It is known for its lush surroundings, moss-covered rocks, and the scenic trail leading to the falls. The waterfall is part of Tanner Creek and offers a serene and picturesque experience for visitors.

The Setting

Wahclella Falls sits at 308 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Bull Run River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon. The falls drop 65 feet.

Height: 65 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Elowah Falls (213 ft) lies 2.1 miles to the west. Also nearby: Punch Bowl Falls (35 ft, 2.8 mi).

Elowah Falls Punch Bowl Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.4 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Wahclella Falls (#436), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 5-8%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

WAHCLELLA FALLS #436

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

5-8%

USFS Segment

0.89 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Wahclella Falls is a well-maintained path that follows Tanner Creek through a lush forest. It features a mix of flat sections and gentle inclines, with a loop option near the falls. Visitors will pass smaller cascades and a narrow canyon before reaching the main waterfall.

What to Expect

The falls drop 65 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wahclella Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wahclella Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Wahclella Falls, as the water flow is at its peak and the surrounding vegetation is lush and green.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with Mt. Hood National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 50°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked paths and avoid climbing on rocks near the falls. Watch for falling debris in windy conditions.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Strong

42 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

38 42 125 170

Based on 59 years of record

2.42 ft

Water depth at gauge

50°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 50 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

30 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR

USGS 14138850

8.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 48 sq mi

Altitude: 1,080 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR (14 km away).

Moderate confidence

Strong right now

42 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Strong

42 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Strong

46 cfs

10/10

Mon

Strong

39 cfs

10/10

Tue

Roaring

40 cfs

6/10

Wed

Roaring

53 cfs

6/10

Thu

Roaring

49 cfs

6/10

Fri

Roaring

43 cfs

9/10

Best window: Tomorrow — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to mid April, peaking in January.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near North Bonneville hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

3-meter lidar shows Wahclella Falls dropping about 458 feet in a single sheer step. That is more than the listed 65 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 199 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 426 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 188 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northeast and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Wahclella Falls near North Bonneville, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wahclella Falls near North Bonneville, Oregon, showing about 458 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 199 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 458 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Wahclella Falls is located off Interstate 84 in the Columbia River Gorge, near the town of Cascade Locks, Oregon. The trailhead is accessible from Exit 40, and there is a short drive to the parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking lot at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

308 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.618173° N, -121.951471° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy or slippery in places. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 2.4 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

EAGLE CREEK OVERLOOK GRP SITE

1.9 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site is set on a forested bluff above the Columbia River, providing an ideal setting for family gatherings and group events. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam, this site features CCC masonry and offers expansive views of the Columbia River and mountains rising from the gorge.Recreation The Eagle Recreation Area, just a short walk or bike ride away, provides visitors with opportu

Book on Recreation.gov