Day Trip Destination: Wahclella Falls
COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE - Surprisingly close to Interstate 84, yet tucked far enough back that you forget just how close to civilization you really are, lies a short and easy hike that takes you to one of the Columbia River Gorge's many dazzling waterfalls.
While not nearly as tall as the crown jewel of waterfalls in the Gorge (Multnomah Falls), the 350-foot plunge at Wahclella Falls is breathtaking in its own right - a torrent of water than spills out from a chasm high above. Much of the waterfall's drop is hidden inside the chasm but stand in the right spot and you can catch a glimpse of what lies beyond.
THE HIKE
It's a short, mile-long hike to get there and unlike some trails, where the payoff is at the end, there is plenty to see before you even reach the falls. First of all, the trail winds along Tanner Creek, where water cascades over rocks, moves swiftly past fallen trees and falls over a man-made spillway.
You'll see trees laden with moss everywhere - they stretch out at odd angles and sometimes appear to be more than what they are, nature's version of a Rorschach test (I see a deer in the photo below... what do you see?).
Don't get in too big of a hurry to head up the trail or you'll miss what I call the 'mini' waterfalls that drip down from high above. They are quite magical.
Stop to rest along the way and enjoy your surroundings. There are several spots where you can just chill out for a moment and take it all in.
You'll notice that everything there is splashed with green this time of year - the trees, the rocks, the ground cover. It's as if a gigantic blanket of moss had been draped over the area.
HAZARDS
It's that time of year when the trails in the Columbia River Gorge are wet and slippery and this one is no exception. Although well-maintained, it's quite muddy in spots (don't wear your good shoes) and a little scary at times (you'll want to be extra careful along the cliffside). Tread safely.
KIDS
I saw lots of folks with kids while I was there last weekend but you'll want to keep them close on the trail and hold their hands in some of the tricky areas. If you're a worry freak when it comes to your kids, you might want to wait for summer when everything will be dried out.
PETS
You can take your dogs on the trail, as long as you have them on a leash. There are some narrow spots along the route and having a dog running around loose while others are traversing the trail can be a little dangerous. Also, pack a few plastic baggies. Your fellow hikers will thank you.
TIP
Take a picnic lunch and make an afternoon out of the hike. There are plenty of spots near the base of the falls to break out some sandwiches and snacks.
HOW TO GET THERE
- From Portland, head east on Interstate 84 for about 40 miles.
- Take the Bonneville Dam exit (exit 40).
- Hang an immediate right and you'll see the sign for the trailhead.
- You'll need a Northwest Forest Pass or $5 for a day use fee to park at the Wahclella Falls trailhead. Don't despair if the parking lot is full - just drive on up the hill to the Tooth Rock trailhead and hike down the paved trail from there (about 1/4 mile).
Shannon L. Cheesman is a Portland-area Web Producer/Reporter who specializes in the outdoors. She writes and reports for Fisher Interactive Network, which consists of 13 local news/information Web sites in Oregon, Washington, Idaho and California.