Wahkeena Falls
Oregon • 242 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.2 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
60 ft
About Wahkeena Falls
Wahkeena Falls is a stunning tiered waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. Its name, derived from the Yakama word meaning 'most beautiful,' reflects its picturesque setting. The waterfall cascades gracefully down a mossy cliffside, making it a popular destination for visitors to the area.
The Setting
Wahkeena Falls sits at 545 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the North Fork Bull Run River, in the foothills of Oregon. At 242 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 242 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet, lies 0.6 miles to the east. Also nearby: Coopey Falls (150 ft, 2.0 mi) and Oneonta Falls (100 ft, 2.7 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows Wahkeena (#420), a 0.2-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 60 feet of elevation gain with grades of 5-8%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).
USFS Trail
WAHKEENA #420
Trail Class
Highly Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
1.49 miTrail Description
The short trail to Wahkeena Falls is well-maintained and leads visitors to a viewing area at the base of the falls. The trail is paved and features a gentle incline, making it accessible for most visitors. For those seeking a longer hike, the trail connects to other routes in the Columbia River Gorge, including the Wahkeena-Multnomah Loop.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 242 feet. 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 Wahkeena Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Wahkeena Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit Wahkeena Falls, as the water flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. However, the falls are beautiful year-round, with autumn offering vibrant foliage and winter showcasing a frozen wonderland.
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 47°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The trail can be slippery due to mist and moss, so wear appropriate footwear. Stay on designated paths to avoid damaging the environment and for your safety. Be cautious of falling rocks and avoid climbing near the falls.
Current Water Conditions
12 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 60 years of record
0.51 ft
Water depth at gauge
47°F
Very coldExpect 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 47 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.
Water Quality
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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge NORTH FORK BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR (11 km away).
Today
Strong
12 cfs
10/10Tomorrow
Strong
13 cfs
10/10Mon
Strong
12 cfs
10/10Tue
Roaring
13 cfs
6/10Wed
Roaring
15 cfs
6/10Thu
Roaring
13 cfs
9/10Fri
Strong
12 cfs
10/10Best window: Today — strong flow, mostly sunny (trip score 10/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to mid December, 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 Washougal 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 446 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 242 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 539 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 374 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 339 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing north, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 539 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 446 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- North
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
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
Wahkeena Falls is located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, approximately 30 miles east of Portland, Oregon. It is easily accessible by car, with clear signage directing visitors to the falls.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a small parking area near the base of the falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Parking can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.
Elevation
545 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.573503° N, -122.126927° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early to secure parking and enjoy the falls with fewer crowds. Wear sturdy shoes, as the trail can be slippery due to mist. Bring a camera to capture the scenic beauty, and consider exploring nearby trails for a more immersive experience.
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
For this easy 0.2 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. 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
Skamania Lodge
Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa
Mount Hood Village
Mt Air Motel
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
10.6 miles away · 1 sites
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.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Camas, Oregon
Moffetts (Bonneville) Hot Springs
Moffetts Hot Springs, also called Bonneville Hot Springs, flows at 97 degrees in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest at just 75...
Rock Creek Hot Springs
Rock Creek Hot Springs emerges in the Columbia River Gorge in Skamania County, Washington, with water documented as 'hot' witho...
St Martins Hot Springs
St. Martins Hot Springs flows at 120 degrees Fahrenheit at just 432 feet elevation in the Columbia River Gorge near Carson in S...
Collins Hot Springs
Collins Hot Springs emerges at 122 degrees just 127 feet above sea level in the Columbia River Gorge, producing water 68.4 degr...
Mount Hood Fumaroles
Mount Hood Fumaroles vent at 194°F from the flanks of Oregon's highest peak, among the state's most extreme geothermal features...
Swim Warm Springs
Swim Warm Springs emerges at 79°F within Mount Hood National Forest at 4,063 feet elevation, flowing just 6.9 meters from White...
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Camas, Oregon on SoakingSprings.
Explore Oregon springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and the Vista House at Crown Point. The Columbia River Gorge offers numerous hiking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors may also see native plants and wildflowers, especially in spring.
Cities near Wahkeena Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Writing about Wahkeena Falls? Embed this waterfall on your site for free.