February 14, 2016
Wahclella Falls Trailhead – Columbia River Gorge:
Part 2/3 – Munra Point
In the last post we visited Wauna Viewpoint, an easy to moderate trail from the Wahclella Falls Trailhead in the Columbia River Gorge with a spectacular view from the top. Another more difficult but quite rewarding trail from this trailhead is Munra Point. What makes this trail difficult, and actually somewhat dangerous in some places, is that it can be quite steep accompanied by significant drop-offs. Some scrambling is required so it’s probably safest on a dry day. Hikes with views I try to save for clear sunny days anyway!
From the Wahclella Falls Trailhead parking lot you’ll head back towards the road and turn left at the Historic Columbia River Highway Trail and cross the Tanner Creek Bridge, which always looks cool with green moss growing on it.
After you’re coming off the bridge, on your left you will see a small wooden post marking the #400 Gorge Trail junction. This first portion is a little steep, just enough to get you warmed up, and climbs the hillside overlooking the trailhead parking lot but descends back down and is pretty easy-going along I-84 for about 1.5 miles.
When you meet the Munra Point trail (which was marked with a big stick in the ground and a big rock when I was there), this is the start of your climb over the next 1-1.5 miles. You’ll reach an elevation of about 1900ft at the summit after starting around 50ft at the trailhead!
As you make your way up, there are various opportunities to take a rest and take in the view of the Gorge off to the West.
To give examples of some of the unmaintained trail and what the trail is like, I made sure to take a few pictures of the trail itself.
Perhaps the most difficult section is this one that requires you to scramble up through these rocks without much in the way of firm handholds. Take your time!
Once through, you’re treated to a view of the summit and the “shark’s fins” that make this peak so unique.
After a last careful scramble to the top, you’ve made it! Now you get to give your legs a rest and take in the views of Hamilton Mountain, Table Mountain, Mt. Adams, the Bonneville Dam, and the Bridge of the Gods.
This truly is one of the more rewarding hikes in the Gorge that I’ve done. The steepness and elevation change of the trail require some degree of fitness and the hint of danger with the steep drop-offs adds its own element to the hike. The terrain at the top also gives it a character of its own. I definitely recommend this hike for those that are capable!
Category: Hiking
Tags: Bonneville Dam, Gorge Trail, Hamilton Mountain, Historic Columbia River Highway Trail, Mt. Adams, Munra Point, Table Mountain, Tanner Creek Bridge, Wahclella Falls Trailhead
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