Are there fees or permits required for Wahe Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Wahe Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Wahe Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wahe Falls.

Live Conditions · 88 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Wahe Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wahe Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Wahe Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Wahe Falls

Wahe Falls, also known as Moffett Creek Falls, is an 80-foot cascade tucked into the Columbia River Gorge in Multnomah County, Oregon. The falls are the last of several drops along Moffett Creek, and their mossy tiers and plunge pool sit close to the creek’s mouth within the John B. Yeon State Scenic Corridor. Framed by lush gorge vegetation, Wahe Falls is a favorite for photographers and hikers looking for a peaceful, photogenic waterfall away from the busiest viewpoints. The waterfall and approach lie within Mt. Hood National Forest and are managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The official USFS route is recorded as WAHCLELLA FALLS (Trail #436). If you want to make a night of it, the Eagle Creek Overlook group campsite is nearby (about 3.97 km away), making it easy to combine an overnight with a day hike to the falls.

The Setting

Wahe Falls sits at 548 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Bull Run River, in the foothills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Elowah Falls (213 ft) lies 1.4 miles to the west. Also nearby: Wahclella Falls (65 ft, 0.7 mi) and Punch Bowl Falls (35 ft, 3.4 mi).

Elowah Falls Wahclella Falls Punch Bowl Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Wahclella Falls (#436), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 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

0.37 mi

Trail Description

The official USFS segment WAHCLELLA FALLS, Trail #436 is recorded at 0.37 GIS miles, with a native-material tread, Class 4 rating, and a typical grade of 5–8%. In common hiking descriptions the route to Wahe Falls is an out-and-back about 2.4 miles total with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The surface is natural and can be muddy or slippery in wet weather, and some short sections are steep or uneven—sturdy footwear and care on wet rock are recommended.

What to Expect

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 Wahe Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wahe Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest due to snowmelt and seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Exercise caution on the trail, especially during wet or icy conditions. Stay on designated paths to avoid damaging the environment or putting yourself at risk. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 31 minutes ago Barely Flowing

88 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

176 259 520 738

Based on 59 years of record

2.90 ft

Water depth at gauge

53°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 53 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

25 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

8.5 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 48 sq mi

Altitude: 1,080 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Wahe Falls is located near the Historic Columbia River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge. It is accessible via a short walk from the parking area, though the exact trail conditions may vary depending on the season.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Limited parking is available near the Historic Columbia River Highway. Visitors should arrive early, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot.

Elevation

548 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.615970° N, -121.965350° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends and holidays. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail may be muddy or uneven. Bring water and snacks, and be prepared for changing weather conditions.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

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

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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

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

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

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Nearby Campground

EAGLE CREEK OVERLOOK GRP SITE

2.5 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