Wahkeena and Fairy Falls
I know, I know - another weekend, another waterfall. We're spoiled. The hike up past Wahkeena falls to Fairy Falls provides plenty of scenic variety and is easily manageable for little hikers.
Open
All year round.
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The Wahkeena Falls Trailhead is 2.4 miles beyond I-84’s Exit 28 (Bridal Veil) on the Historic Highway.
Pros
- Plenty of variety in terms of views throughout the hike… and after the initial climb, the trail alongside the Wahkeena Creek is incredibly pretty.
- Just over two miles there and back, albeit up and down 800′.
- One of our nearest waterfalls.
Cons
- Steep(ish) ascent warning: not far past Wahkeena Falls, 12 switchbacks take you up 600′ in half a mile.
- One of the more popular Gorge hikes, so don’t expect peace and solace.
in the area
Continue just a little further east down the Historic Highway to Multnomah Falls for refreshments. Or to see Multnomah Falls!
if you like this…
My favorite Gorge waterfall hikes remain Latourell Falls and Wahclella Falls – both beautiful, very manageable and a little quieter.
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First posted: May 28, 2014; last updated: November 25, 2019.
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If you find any factual innaccuracies in this post, please email me via richard at thingstodoinportland dot org so I can fix it for everyone. Thanks in advance!
Historic Columbia River Highway [Google map].
This thing to do was suggested by
Greg Newland – thank you!
