Wahkeena Falls drops 242 feet a short walk from the parking lot, and the better view is up the stone switchbacks
Everybody races to Multnomah Falls, but the waterfall just down the road deserves its own stop. Wahkeena Falls spills 242 feet in cascading tiers, and you can be standing at its base after a walk of less than a quarter mile from the parking area.
Here’s the catch, and the reason to keep going: the best view in the neighborhood isn’t at the falls at all.
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The easy part: the falls
A paved path leads from the trailhead to a stone bridge sitting right in front of the falls. Wahkeena Creek tumbles down the cliff above it in a series of drops, and on a breezy day the spray reaches you on the bridge.
No pass is needed to park at the Wahkeena trailhead. The lot fills fast though, so aim to arrive early, especially on weekends.
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The payoff: switchbacks to Lemmons Viewpoint
Past the bridge, the paved trail starts climbing through Douglas-fir and hemlock. Eleven stone-walled switchbacks stack up the hillside, and your legs will notice a few hundred feet of climbing, but nothing about it is technical.
At the top of the switchbacks, a short spur leads to Lemmons Viewpoint. From here you look out over the Columbia River, Cape Horn and Beacon Rock, which feels like a big reward for a modest effort.
My pick: do the falls first, then push on to the viewpoint, and finish by dropping over to Multnomah Falls if you still have energy.
Know before you go
Mist from the falls can leave the trail slick, and ice can make it treacherous in winter. Stay on the marked path, and skip any steep scramble off the main trail, since fencing and footing near some overlooks aren’t dependable.
Gorge trails shift with weather and fire damage, so check the U.S. Forest Service for current alerts before you drive out. A quick look saves you from a surprise detour.
Would you rather stop at the bridge, or keep climbing for the river view? Tell us which camp you’re in.
Trip tips: grab a rental car to get out here, or lock in your hotel before the good rooms are gone.
Rules and fees change, so always confirm current requirements before you go.
