Wahclella Falls Trail is a 1.9 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Cascade Locks, Oregon that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. This is one of the must-do easy hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, a sort of mini-Eagle Creek without the distance. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
The first part of the trail is a leisurely flat walk on a closed access road shaded by cottonwoods, alders, big-leaf maples, and Douglas-firs. Suddenly, you’ll be visually assaulted by Munra Falls.
This waterfall might be a sideshow to the bigger falls upstream, but this slide falls is so close that you might get sprayed as you cross the bridge at its base. At the end on the road is a small dam and fish ladder managed by the Bonneville Fish Hatchery.
At about 1/3 mile in you will pass Munra Falls – a small fairy falls that cascades mist close to the trail and bridge. When you reach the split in the trail, take the right fork to approach the falls from a lower angle and great views.
Follow the loop around to the junction and the back to the trailhead. Wahclella is one of the more interesting falls in the gorge. The most obvious portion is the lower drop, where the water pours 65 feet from a narrow gorge.
The best time to visit is summer and spring. During winter, the trail is covered in snow, making it difficult to access. You can use America the Beautiful pass to enter this area or you can pay $5 parking fee. Washrooms are available at the beginning of the trail.
Bring snacks and water to consume during the hike. We stopped after reaching close to the waterfall and stopped for a little snacking. The trail is easy and safe for kids. Wahclella falls make great day outing spot from Washington and Oregon.
What you need to know when visiting Wahclella Falls
Open Season
Generally Full year. Few days trails are blocked with snow in winters hence closed.
Entry fee
Entry fee is $5/ vehicle/ day or you can use ‘America The Beautiful’ pass.
Parking
Limited parking close to trail entry.
Best time to visit
Fall through Spring.
Travel Tips
- Carry ‘America the Beautiful’ pass; Washington’s Discover Pass doesn’t give entry to Wahclella Falls.
- Start early for Wahclella falls, it has a small parking which gets filled really fast.
- Download offline maps as you may not find network at some areas.
- Carry water and snacks to tackle hunger during the hikes.
- Wear comfortable clothes and carry first aid.
- Do not leave any valuables inside car. There have been couple of theft incidents in the past.
- Use ‘All Trails’ app to read about the trail condition during rainy or winter season to be prepared accordingly.
We tried to include all the details you need to have an adventurous day with your friends or family at Wahclella Falls. If you have any questions, post them in comments on our Facebook page or email us and we will try to answer as soon as we can. Happy Exploring!! 🙂