Are there fees or permits required for Wiesendanger Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Wiesendanger Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wiesendanger Falls.

Live Conditions · 23 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Wiesendanger Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wiesendanger Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Wiesendanger Falls.

Oregon • 50 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Frank Fujimoto CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

700 ft

About Wiesendanger Falls

Nestled within the Mt. Hood National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Wiesendanger Falls (also known historically as Double Falls or Twanklaskie Falls) is a graceful 50-foot drop tucked into the verdant walls of the Columbia River Gorge. Located upstream from the more famous Multnomah Falls, Wiesendanger rewards hikers with a quieter cascade carved into basalt cliffs and framed by mossy, old-growth forest — the kind of scene that made the Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop a must-do for Gorge walkers.

The Setting

Wiesendanger Falls sits at 1,066 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the North Fork Bull Run River, in the foothills of Oregon. The falls drop 50 feet.

Height: 50 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet, lies 0.4 miles to the west. Also nearby: Wahkeena Falls (242 ft, 0.9 mi) and Horsetail Falls (176 ft, 2.2 mi).

Multnomah Falls Wahkeena Falls Horsetail Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Larch Mountain (#441), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 700 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

LARCH MOUNTAIN #441

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.05 mi

Trail Description

The most common approach begins at the Multnomah Falls trailhead: follow the paved switchbacks up to the Multnomah Falls overlook, then continue on the Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop where the tread becomes a dirt forest path leading to Wiesendanger Falls. Along the route you’ll enjoy repeated gorge and waterfall views; the short connector near the falls is part of the USFS Larch Mountain Trail (Trail #441), a native-material tread classified by the Forest Service as Class 4 with typical grades of 12–20% and a mapped segment of about 0.05 miles. Overall the hike to see Wiesendanger is commonly done as a 2.4-mile out-and-back with roughly 700 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate; the waterfall’s main drop measures about 50 feet.

What to Expect

The falls drop 50 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 Wiesendanger Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wiesendanger Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is strongest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience, though trails may be icy.

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.

Exercise caution on the trail, especially near the edges and during wet or icy conditions. Stay on designated paths to avoid erosion and ensure safety.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

23 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

32 47 92 127

Based on 59 years of record

0.69 ft

Water depth at gauge

47°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

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 very cold at 47 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

32 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.

NORTH FORK BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR

USGS 14138900

6.5 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 8 sq mi

Altitude: 1,065 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Wiesendanger Falls is accessed via the Multnomah Falls trail system. From the Multnomah Falls Lodge, follow the paved trail to the top of Multnomah Falls, then continue on the Larch Mountain Trail for approximately 0.5 miles to reach the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Multnomah Falls parking lot, which can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

1066 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.573452° N, -122.107864° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the trail can be slippery. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities beyond the Multnomah Falls Lodge. Check trail conditions before visiting, especially during winter months when ice may be present.

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With 2.4 miles and 700 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. 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.

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.

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

9.8 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