If you love waterfalls, Portland, Oregon, is a marvelous place to be. Today's adventure takes us deep into the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, to the Wahkeena Falls Trail. This is one trail where you can get two beautiful waterfalls for the price of one! So lace up your hiking boots and tackle this beautiful trail for an adventure into the forest where you'll enjoy the view of two of the area's most beloved waterfalls.
For this waterfall twofer adventure, you'll start at the Wahkeena Falls Trailhead to take this moderate, two-mile hike that leads you to both the Wahkeena Falls and Fairy Falls.
Stick to the trail to the right when a junction occurs, and be prepared for spray from the water most of the year when traveling the trail!
While the hike is relatively short at just two miles, it gains over 800 feet, making this waterfall trail a great workout along the way.
The entire trail is like stepping into a magical world and you will be thrilled to traverse this beautiful area.
The forest is perfectly Pacific Northwest and beautiful to visit any time of the year, though it does tend to get crowded on nice days.
A lovely bridge over the base of Wahkeena Falls will allow you to get some great views.
Once you reach Wahkeena Falls, you can rest on a bench before continuing on the trail to reach your second waterfall along the way. From here, you will travel through a series of switchbacks and be treated to some incredible views as you climb in elevation. At the top viewpoint, the trail will turn to dirt and travel through a narrow canyon.
Once you complete a couple more switchbacks, you will arrive at the beautiful Fairy Falls.
This lovely, fan-shaped waterfall is small compared to Multnomah Falls or Latourell Falls, but that does nothing to diminish its beauty.
Sit and relax a bit on the bench nearby before continuing on the trail back, and you will have had a wonderful waterfall adventure for just two miles of work!
What is your favorite waterfall hike in the Gorge? Have you explored the Wahkeena Falls Trail before? Let us know in the comments.
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