Hike: Wahclella Falls

Last weekend we took a day trip to go hiking in the Gorge.  Our final destination was Tamanawas Falls, but on the way I remembered another hike that’s been on my list for a while, Wahclella Falls,  short hike right off of I-84.  At only 2-miles round-trip, it seemed a little too short to make the 40 mile drive just for that, but it was a great stop.  Spike struggles in the car, so it was good to give him a break.

The first thing I noticed about the hike is all the kids.  It’s a perfect length for little legs and at the end there’s a lot of space for kids to play at the end, so I see why it would be popular.   The parking lot is a little small so we had to park up the road about a quarter mile and walk in.  For the first half mile or so the trail is wide, running parallel to a beautiful creek.

Eventually you’ll get to a little dam, where the trail narrows and begins to climb. It was a good climb for about a half mile, climbing higher and higher up on the hillside above the creek.  It was shaded but we worked up a bit of a sweat.  The last quarter mile turns into a loop that takes you up for a great view of the double falls at the end, then drops you down into the creek where there’s access to the water for kids and dogs and plenty of spots for  picnic.  The loop then follows the river back down the canyon, crosses the creek then connects you back with the main trail.

This is a busy hike.  But we really enjoyed it.  Short and sweet.  I suggest it if you are limited on time, are on your way to other gorge adventures, or have kids you want to introduce to hiking.  The trailhead is at exit 40 on I-84.