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.

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Wahe Falls near North Bonneville, Oregon, showing about 353 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing north

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 42 ft³/s · About average

Wahe Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wahe Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Wahe Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

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 easy hike follows Wahclella Falls (#436), a 0.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. 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 short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

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

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

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 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

8.5 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

10/10

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

46 cfs

9/10

Fri

Strong

42 cfs

10/10

Best window: Today — 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.

Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 353 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The ground at the falls is roughly 478 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 209 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 188 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 478 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 353 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; 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 north).

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

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.

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

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