Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail

Wahkeena Falls Loop Trail to Multnomah Falls is a great, popular hike to see tons of waterfalls (about 8) and to be in the forests. It is about a 5-​mile loop with a moderate elevation gain of 1,600 feet.
Park at the Multnomah Falls parking lot and the trail starts by the entrance to the parking lot. You’ll see a sign that says «Return Trail #442». You’ll be hiking along the highway and the Columbia River at first but in about a mile and a half, you’ll reach the Wahkeena Trailhead. The Wahkeena Trail #420 will lead you to a stone bridge at the base of Wahkeena Falls. Throughout the trail, there will be several sections that have switchbacks but nothing too strenuous. After, you’ll come to a sign that says «Lemmon’s Viewpoint». Check it out for a view of the Columbia River. Return to the main trail and you will notice it becomes a dirt trail indicating that you have entered Wahkeena Canyon. Continue onward and you will eventually see Fairy Falls, a beautiful fan-​like fall unlike the other tall, powerful ones. It looks so cool as it trickles over the rocks. As you continue to hike up, you will reach a junction with the Vista Point Trail #419, stay right to continue on Trail #420 and then you will reach a junction with Angel’s Rest Trail #415. You can make a small detour here to Wahkeena Spring.
After, get back on the Wahkeena Trail #420 where you will come to 3 – 4 trail split and lots of signs. Thankfully below these signs there is a map and it tells you where you are. Go slightly right to stay on the trail. At this point, you have done most of the climbing and should be easy peasy from here. You will then encounter another sign for the Larch Mountain Trail #441, make a sharp left that will take you down. Don’t continue straight and up from here or that will take you to the Larch Mountain Summit. We made this mistake but thankfully we only went halfway after asking a few hikers if we were going the right way. As you continue down, you’ll see this cool waterfall where you can climb to the base of it. Be careful though! It was kind of a struggle to get down. Keep hiking down and you will come to Multnomah Falls Overlook which takes you off the main trail to the top of Multnomah Falls! Get back on the main trail and you will end up at the middle bridge and then finally after 11 switchbacks, you will arrive at the bottom of the famous photographic spot of Multnomah Falls! You made it! There is a lodge, exhibit, restaurant, gift shop and restrooms by the Multnomah Falls parking lot.
I really like this trail because you get to see so many waterfalls and the hike itself is really nice. So much greenery around you and I brought my DSLR and it was so fun to shoot around here. It took us about 5 hours to hike this trail since we were stopping a lot to take pictures and soak in the scenery. You can definitely hike this in like 3 – 4 hours but I wouldn’t rush it. Give yourself time to enjoy the view :) Although this is definitely a popular hike, I didn’t think there were TOO many people on the trail. We went on a Saturday at around 1:30pm.

When doing a hike with a six year old you tend to want to find shorter trails. At just around two miles round trip from Wahkeena Falls to Fairy Falls, this hike is perfect but steep.
Wahkeena Falls at the trailhead is amazing and then you start hiking up the 14 – 15 switchbacks to start with but it levels out for a scenic overlook and up again till you get to Fairy Falls.
It’s all beautiful, and since Multnomah Falls are just two miles away, these falls are a little less traveled as we didn’t have the crowds that you get at Multnomah.
Onto the next hike.

Fantastic waterfalls and nature. Lots of trails and lots of people (parking not ideal but not surprised!) One of the best things to do around Portland. Must see!

Starting off at the Wahkeena Falls trail-​head feels like being at Disneyland. It’s just that it’s so beautiful I expect the rocks are plaster and the moss has strategically been placed on them to create the fairy dreamland that is Wahkeena Falls.
My buddy and I totally missed the loop part and instead kept going up to Devil’s Rest. This is a difficult hike! It’s pretty much straight up with a sh*t ton of switchbacks and parts of it are so rocky you have to keep your eyes on your feet so to not trip. To my reassurance, lots and lots of people were resting on the side of the trail completely out of breath. This is a good hike to really test your stamina. My calves were in knots for 3 days after.
There’s not really much incentive to continue up to Devil’s Rest instead of doing the loop to Multnomah falls, especially because it doesn’t have a viewpoint. I felt so insulted realizing that once we made it all the way up there. DAMN IT, DEVIL’S REST. However, it does continue on to Angel’s Rest, which DOES have a viewpoint. If you want to do that.
So, do the loop, it’s the best option. Grab yourself an ice cream cone at the Multnomah Falls Lodge once you’re done. Also, some parts of the trails go through a little bit of water. I wore my Tevas and felt super vindicated. WHO THOUGHT AHEAD, GUYS? WHO THOUGHT AHEAD.

I just love how there are waterfalls everywhere! Gorgeous!
The hike itself wasn’t too bad — it wasn’t too long (a couple of miles I think) and it wasn’t particularly though though there was a couple uphills. It’s so worth seeing all the waterfalls and gorgeous greenery.
Overall, great hikes and pretty views!

Beautiful! I never realize there were so many different waterfalls you could see in one hike. We did the loop from Multnomah Falls to this one. It was extremely rugged but it was well worth it, especially after you leave all of the tourist behind. I suggest taking a snack and water.

Whoever wrote the song «Happy Trails» could very well have been talking about this little local hiking gem. Presumably before and after the hiking of the trail. Because it’s a really good trail. Starting at either Multnomah or Wahkeena Falls, you go up about 1600 feet or so, cut horizontal a ways, and then come all the way back down and around again. You know, like loops go. Either way you go up, you’ll be enjoying waterfalls, rushing water, views, and lush green forest. And plenty of ‘up’. As such, there may be some moments of unhappiness, at least among one or two people in your group, potentially about halfway up the ‘up’. So anyone happily humming the tune at the start of the trip will likely quiet down for a while, or simply run out of breath to hum. And assuredly everyone will be happy to get back to the car.
This is moderate as far as Gorge hikes go. Either way you cut it, the ups are fairly relentless switchbacks that really don’t stop. Any hike on the Gorge save for maybe Eagle Creek faces the same geographical reality — the Gorge walls go up, so the trails must follow. However the rewards are plenty. You get not just Wahkeena and Multnomah falls, but a series of various other falls along the way, all stunning. There are numerous areas for breaks including the monument viewpoint about halfway up Wahkeena, and plenty of spots for a rest/​breath-​catcher. The path is paved up to monument viewpoint on Wahkeena, and up to the observation deck atop Multnomah. The rest is dirt. And on wet days, a decent amount of mud. From either way you can connect with a variety of other trails that go miles and miles up and around the forest above these two falls. But this one is about the loop.
Unless you have a shuttle car, you’ll be walking on the cut back trail either from Multnmomah to Wahkeena or vice-​versa. I think it’s about .5 miles. Each trailhead has parking and a restroom, as well as some picnic areas at Wahkeena.
Bring water and a camera. You won’t regret it.

As far as quick access, down and dirty hikes with elevation that are fairly close to Portland go, this is one one of the best. It’s around five miles, with about 1600 feet of elevation gain. It’s pretty picturesque as well, with lots of waterfalls (not just Wahkeena and Multnomah).
I hear a lot of people do this starting at Wahkeena and looping around down to Multnomah Falls. I prefer to go clockwise, parking at Multnomah Falls. That way I get get the tourist crowd out of the way first rather than finishing with them. But no matter. Whatever floats your boat. Regardless, there is a little trail above the highway linking the Multnomah and Wahkeena trailheads (and parking lots) to complete the loop.
Near the top there is also a break off trail that takes you to the summit of Devil’s Rest, which is a good way to add an additional 3 miles and a bit more elevation.
Not the most hardcore training trail, but like I said, it’s close and a bit more of a challenge than Angel’s Rest (which is also close to Portland). And it’s a heck of a lot closer than driving all the way to Ruckle Ridge or Dog Mountain or Mt. Defiance, or Table Mountain, etc. I find myself running out here for quick exercise frequently.

Bring your hiking shoes, water, and a walking stick. These trails are pretty well defined, so you won’t get lost. For the most part it’s paved so you can trek pretty quickly. The paths are generally peaceful. Put your big boy pants on no whining allowed!

Highly recommend to people looking for a hike in the area. It is AWESOME.
At a little over 5 miles, the hike isn’t so hard that I wanted to stop but it isn’t so easy that I felt like I was just strolling along (for the record — I am a pretty active 20-​something). It’s also not so long that you need a really early start. There are tons of waterfalls along the hike, so it doesn’t get boring for very long. Really just breathtaking scenery. It was a bit rainy the day we went but no worries — the trees blocked some of the rain and the hike itself seemed pretty wet due to the waterfalls and rivers anyway. It’s a very well maintained trail so no concerns with doing it in regular sneakers and not hiking boots.
Boyfriend and I parked at Wahkeena Falls and then walked down to Multnomah Falls to start the trail. I liked doing it this way because the Multnomah Falls hike to the top has markers telling you how many switchbacks you have left. Nothing like knowing you’re only on 2 of 11.
Make sure you have a picture of the map — we ended up walking off in the wrong direction for a bit before realizing we had to turn around.

So I did what others on here did only I started from multnomah falls. Like most have mentioned this hike, over 5 miles, is not easy. You think that uphill is just going to be the worst part, but the downhill is also difficult on your knees. Plus by then your exhausted. I consider myself to be in good shape and I was still a bit sore the next day, specifically my back. The trail is pretty easy to follow. I was onl confused once and I quickly figured out which way to go. I went by myself and felt pretty safe the entire time. LIke others have said the entire 5 miles there is no water or bathrooms so plan accordingly. Multnomah falls was amazing, but I enjoyed all the other amazing falls along the way. IT was soo beautiful. The hike was about 3 hours, I stopped occasionally for pictures but otherwise went pretty quick. I also did several of the lookout points. OVerall an amazing hike with beautiful views, I really enjoyed it!

Start point: Wahkeena Trailhead
Ending Point: Lemmon’s Viewpoint
Trail Log: Trail Log
Hike Type: Out and back
Distance: 1.4 miles round trip to the top, 0.4 round trip to the bridge
Elevation gain: 850 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Seasons: All
Family Friendly: Yes
Backpackable: No
Crowded: Yes
Wahkeena Falls is one of the more popular destinations in the gorge and there’s a reason for that. Wahkeena Falls has a beauty all its own. It’s not a huge, single fall like Multnomah or Latourell and there’s no lodge or fancy freeway exit to draw people. Wahkeena Creek falls this way and that, now a plunge, now a horsetail, now a cascade. It’s just beautiful.
Even though there’s a lot of climbing here, the surface is good, a lot of it recently paved. One of neat things about the Wahkeena Trail is that there’s something cool every few hundred feet. It might be a Columbia River view, or it might be a cascading stream. Lots of rewards make it easier for people to challenge themselves. Every time I’m there, I talk to a new hiker and they tell me how tired they are. I encourage them to climb a bit further. Later in the day, I’m likely to find them 500‑1000′ higher, still tired, but happy and proud.
The trail starts with some beautiful stonework and a wooden bridge over Wahkeena Creek. Make sure you’re headed right here. The trail to the left leads to Multnomah Falls. The trail climbs in one long switchback to a stone bridge at the base of Wahkeena Falls. Expect a bit of spray on the trail here year-​round. In winter, things can get really icy. A large log here was cut away to clear the trail after it fell down the falls. After the falls, look across the valley at the trail you just traveled and you’ll see old stonework that’s slid from the trail. A bench makes a good resting spot, or a turnaround if you’re pressed for time.
From here, the trail starts up a pretty steep section, climbing about 400′ in about half a mile. I have several guidebooks that reference 10 switchbacks, but I counted 12. There are beautiful rock walls, another bench cemented into a wall and better views the higher you climb. The most alert hikers will find a Lego cemented into one of the walls. At the top of this first climb, you’ll crest a ridge. Follow the pavement out to the point, called Lemmon’s Viewpoint. A plaque here commemorates a firefighter who gave his life fighting forest fires near here. The views from the point are really good up and down the river.
This is the end of the hike presented here and this spot makes a pretty good turnaround. On the other hand, better stuff awaits for those who are willing to venture a bit farther. There’s an abandoned trail to the top of Wahkeena Falls that’s not really for the faint of heart. The hike to Fairy Falls and beyond is on a very well maintained safe trail.

Medium waterfall, but still cool to see.
Watch your step and your kids because there’s no barriers keeping you from slipping and falling from the hike trails.
About a mile up is the real waterfall wonder — Multnomah Falls.

Love it. The people who only walk up to the bridge at Multnomah are missing the best part of the Gorge!!! I love the area of this trail past the top of Multnomah Falls. So many little waterfalls in addition to the biggies of Multnomah and Wahkeena. This is easily one of my top hikes in Oregon.
Oh, and loop trails rock.

I have a love-​hate relationship with this trail.
This trail features breathtaking views and lots of waterfalls. A fantastic authentic Oregon experience. In perfect weather, this hike is not for the faint of heart. If you start the western route of the 5.5 mile hike — ending at Multnomah Falls — you should really be in overall good physical condition. About one mile in the pavement disappears and if you worry about your knees or overall physical condition, you should end your hike there and walk back down. However, for the young and the healthy, journey on! You encounter a bunch of waterfalls and natural untouched Oregon beauty. A hike worth hiking for sure!
However, on our trip we did have one major con, the downpour that started ¹⁄₃ of the way into our hike which proceeded to make me cold, wet, and dampen my spirits. I was good for a while, but the wet trail made down pretty difficult without proper hiking footwear.
I’d totally do this again, but probably only if I knew it was going to be dry. Yikes!

Beautiful waterfalls!
This is a very enjoyable hike. You can park and start the hike at either Wahkeena Falls or Multnomah Falls. The loop (without side excursions) is about 5 miles with 1600 feet of elevation change. Food, tourist information and restrooms are available at Multnomah Falls Lodge and visitor center.
The hike is a little steep at times and is paved near Wahkeena and Multnomah falls. There are several side trails that are well marked that will lead you to overlooks or other locations such as Devil’s Rest or Larch Mountain. This scenic trail leads you to several other waterfalls. The falls with names are Weisendanger (55′), Ecola (55′), Dutchman — upper (20′) and middle (10′) and Fairy (20′) falls. You will also pass Dutchman Tunnel which is a large semicircular cave washed by Multnomah Creek from underneath a lava flow.
If you have a few hours to spend exploring streams and waterfalls, this trail is highly recommended since it packs so much into just a few miles. It located not too far off the highway and is less than 30 miles from Portland.

An excellent hike. Everyone’s basically said what needed to be said. Like Jessica said, I do recommend starting at the Wahkeena Falls trail and hiking back to the Multnomah Falls trail head. You get away from the touristy crowd and you get to look at some beautiful waterfalls along the way.
You can park at Multnomah Falls and hike to the Wahkeena Falls trail head, which adds ½ mile to the hike along the highway, or park at the Wahkeena Falls trail head itself, but then you’d have to walk back anyway at the end. So you might as well get it over and done with.
Along the way, you pass the Wahkeena Falls, two beautiful viewpoints and the Fairy Falls, along with some pretty cool scenary. At the top, you have the option of taking a short walk to the springs. You can also go another mile up to Devil’s Rest, which is an elevation of 2,000 feet.
Or the other option is making your back down toward Multnomah Falls.
It is pretty physically demanding for the terrain and the length of it so be prepared to walk a few miles uphill. Bring water and snacks for a near four-​hour hike or so like others have mentioned.
In the end, however, it’s all worth it and you feel very accomplished as you walk down Multnomah Falls and you see the «touristy» hikers going up and looking gassed already. You definitely feel better about yourself.

My bf and I came here on a Sunday morning during our weekend get away to Portland. A friend of mine recommended this hike and we’re so glad we did. Even though the trail was WAY longer than I thought, I enjoyed hiking through the trails and see the may different waterfalls that were both large and small.
I’m so glad we hiked the entire trail because we were able to see the Mulnomah Waterfall which is HUGE. We stood at the bottom for quite some time, just looking and trying to grasp the beauty of the waterfall.
The only thing I wish about this trail, is they’d put some out houses along the 6 mile hike! There’s not a site of bathroom anywhere until you reach the very end where the tourist center is located at!
But I’ll still give it 5 stars, just because the hike was one of the most beautiful trails I’ve been on.

A great hike to go on to exercise, enjoy Oregon’s natural beauty and to take photos your memories there.
The hike includes views of the Columbia River as mentioned by Esther Y as well as views of the waterfalls from the Wahkeena towards the Multnomah. The hike is about 5.6 miles long depending which routes you take in your hike, but about 6 miles overall. This took about 4 hours for my group troopers because we took time to take mini breaks to catch our breathe up the steep hills, to allow other hikers to pass us up or to take pictures and took a couple detours to get closer to the falls.
As Esther Y has also mentioned, «If you’re not in shape, prepare to have a sore» body in general. Everything from your back, buttocks, hips, knees, calves, ankles, thighs.
Where did we hike? Loop #2 according to the Multnomah Falls Hiking Map. My group started our hiking trail parked at Multnomah Falls and walked towards the Wahkeena Falls (0.6 miles). We climbed up the Wahkeena Trail and up to the top and made our way down to end at Multnomah Falls again. The trail is a mixture of dirt and paved gravel near the major water falls.
It was cute seeing a bunch of couples hike as their date. Wear tennis shoes though or a bearable shoe for some exercise. One lady was hiking up in wedges and another in flip flops. I hope their feet aren’t in pain the next day.
Parking can be bit of a pain but just wait around because there are always people coming and going because they’re usually just there to see the waterfalls and leave.
I do advise to check out the Information booth because they have a map of the trails around Multnomah Falls in case you wanted to do another. Also, STAY AWAY FROM POISON OAK! There are pictures of what the plant looks like in the info booth. My friend mentioned that «Leaves of three, let them be.» Meaning that if you see leaves in a trio, leave them alone because most likely they could hurt you.
I also recommend using sun block and a bug spray on top of that. Even if there is a cloudy day or a bit of sunshine, you can still get sunburned. My friend got bitten by a mosquito during one of our mini breaks and it was about an hour into our hike.
Overall, the hike is exhilarating and wonderful. When finished, you know you’ve accomplished something good for your health and your memories from the photos you’ve taken. Bring lots of water!

Beautiful hike with lots of «rewards» along the way — big and little waterfalls, paths along the creek, viewpoints overlooking the Columbia River, etc. Just under 6 miles, pretty strenuous going uphill, with lots of switchbacks. If you’re not in shape, prepare to have a sore butt (or hips, or knees, or all of the above) the next morning. Downhill is pretty steep too, so take it easy on the knees!
We went on July 4, thought it would be really crowded, but got lucky on a parking spot in the Multnomah Falls parking lot (most people come, look at the falls, then leave, so there’s a constant in and out of cars), pushed our way around the crowds at the bottom of the Multnomah Falls, and were constantly surrounded on the hike up to the top of the Falls. But thereafter, on our way to Wahkeena Falls, there was practically nobody… we saw a couple people every 30 minutes maybe.
The big falls along the trail are Multnomah Falls (where I started from), Fairy Falls (²⁄₃ in?), and Wahkeena Falls (last one). The return trail hugs the highway back to the Multnomah Falls Lodge for maybe 10 minutes.
The hike took us about 4 hours total including plenty of time for taking photos (out of the 4 of us, 3 had DSLRs, so you know how that goes… pop the camera on the tripod, set the shutter speed 2−10″, small aperture, and wait). Some beautiful silky waterfall pictures are possible. Great place for jumping pictures too!