Wahclella Falls — Attraction in Washougal

Wahclella Falls in the Columbia Gorge is a top family-friendly hike as well as a more serious destination for Oregon hikers and photographers. Wahclella Falls is located near the Bonneville Dam and is by far one of the most prettiest and most powerful waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge area. The falls is fed by in the impressive Tanner Creek with an upper drop of 290 feet and the second tier dropping into a 75-foot horsetail at the pool below. The Mazama mountaineering club named the falls “Wahclella” in 1915 after the nearby Native American village.

With additional springtime water flow, you can see between the two tiers of Wahclella Falls, a smaller and seasonal East Fork Falls. However, you must hike up and find a vantage point the right (west) side of the creek for viewing. These three levels of Wahclella Falls ads a bit of interest since the falls can be three different lengths depending on the time of year you are visiting.

The plunge pool of Wahclella Falls is highly scenic due to the surrounding moss and fern-covered stone walls that form a semi-circular amphitheater extending from the falls to the main viewing point along the hiking trail. When the lighting is just right, the scene displays spectacular emerald green walls and an alluring sapphire blue pool which is prime for color photography. As with most waterfalls, Wahclella’s water flow can vary with the changing of the seasons. However, because Tanner Creek is sourced primarily by an underground spring, the flow is never dramatically affected by adverse weather and for much of the year, there is significant and impressive outflow from Wahclella Falls. When up close to the waterfall, you can appreciate and feel the power of the water from it’s mighty 75-foot drop. From the beginning of the hike to the base of Wahclella Falls, the trip is an enjoyable afternoon excursion to experience the beauty of the...

This is a gem of a place. The hike is not too strenuous, and under two miles round trip to the falls and back to your car. An added bonus is Munra falls, a little 60 fit or so falls that is just easy of the past and crossed by a bridge. Reaching out and touching the falling water is awesome. At the top where the main falls is, the tail splits and let's you choose to go high and look over the canyon, or to go low and walk next to the creek. Both paths lead to the falls. Wahclella Falls roars when you get close and is a great place to hang out and eat a snack before heading back to your vehicle. The trail is suitable for small children, providing they are well supervised so they don't tumble into the creek, it is also fine for older folks as the trail is neither long nor super steep, except for about a two or three story staircase in...

Amazing waterfall! The hike is longer than most on the highway with the total distance being about 2.0 miles for this out and back trail. There is a little falls (Munra Falls) on the walk there on the side of the trail that is a nice surprise as well. The waterfall itself is beautiful! One of my favourite ones on the highway and it was one of the least busy ones as well. It is further down the road and a bit of a walk which appeared to deter a lot of people when I was there, however I would view it as a can't miss! The walk itself is nice too but the falls and pool surrounding it are amazing. Nice to also sit and enjoy the area with lots of logs to sit...