February 16, 2016
Wahclella Falls Trailhead – Columbia River Gorge:
Part 3/3 – Wahclella Falls
Okay! So, we’ve taken two trails from the Wahclella Falls trailhead… that weren’t Wahclella Falls. We’ve saved the best for last! Wauna Viewpoint and Munra Point were longer and more difficult trails that provided amazing views of the Columbia River. Munra Point definitely ranks near the top of my favorite hikes but it’s just a completely different experience. Here we’re hiking into a canyon to see one of the great waterfalls in the area. This is easily one of my favorite trails in the Columbia River Gorge in terms of pure enjoyability.
From the parking lot, the falls is a relatively easy one mile hike. It starts along an access road that follows Tanner Creek until a dam near Munra Falls. Cross a bridge at the falls and you’re on a trail that hugs the East side of the canyon.
The last portion of this hike is actually a loop where you can either stay left and stay higher up or take a right and head down to creek level. I recommend heading right and following the trail down to Tanner Creek after a few switchbacks. I personally felt like the scenery of the lower trail allowed for a much greater experience. You’ll see why!
Once you get to creek-level and emerge from the trees you’re greeted with an incredible open view of the canyon!
Photographs of the scene really don’t do it justice (especially coming from my smartphone). There was a couple having engagement photos taken while I was there, if that gives you an idea of what a special place this is. The bridge over Tanner Creek, large boulders from a decades-ago rock slide sitting in the creek, and a waterfall high on the cliff make this one of the most unique scenes in the Gorge. Make sure you stop to take a moment and appreciate it!
Once you’re on the West side of Tanner Creek and climb the ridge, two-tiered Wahclella Falls comes into view.
The trail comes quite close to the falls and the force of the water is actually quite powerful coming off of the lower tier.
There you have it! One of the most most scenic and most accessible waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge!
Category: Hiking
Tags: Columbia River Gorge, hiking, Wahclella Falls Trailhead, Waterfalls
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