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.
Jason Barmer / Flickr
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!
Redfishingboat (Mick O) / Flickr
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.
Oscar Anton / Flickr
The entire trail is like stepping into a magical world and you will be thrilled to traverse this beautiful area.
Jason Barmer / Flickr
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.
Mark Schindler / Flickr
A lovely bridge over the base of Wahkeena Falls will allow you to get some great views.
brx0 / Flickr
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.
John Fowler / Flickr
Once you complete a couple more switchbacks, you will arrive at the beautiful Fairy Falls.
Pete / Flickr
This lovely, fan-shaped waterfall is small compared to Multnomah Falls or Latourell Falls, but that does nothing to diminish its beauty.
Sathish J / Flickr
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!
Mark Schindler / Flickr

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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Waterfalls Near Me

Sarah M. | March 06, 2022

Are there many waterfalls near Portland, Oregon?

Absolutely -- if you're into waterfall chasing, Portland is positively teeming with incredible cascades. Located just 30 minutes from the Columbia River Gorge, Rose City is within striking distance of some of the most extraordinary waterfalls in the country: Multnomah Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls, Wahclella Falls ... the list goes on (and on!) because the Oregon side of the Gorge is home to some 90 different waterfalls. Yes, 90! And then, we'd be remiss not to mention the beautiful Heavenly Falls at the Portland Japanese Garden. This is an immensely gorgeous waterfall located in one of the most pristine and peaceful places in PDX.

What are some fun waterfall hikes in Oregon?

One of our favorite waterfall hikes in Oregon is at Hug Point Recreation Site. This isn't as much as a hike as it is a walk from your car to the beach, where you'll discover a beautiful beachside waterfall! Located on a picturesque piece of Oregon shoreline, Hug Point State Recreation Site is one of Oregon's most incredible treasures. Why? Well, because it's here where you'll discover a hidden coastal oasis: a waterfall beach in Oregon! Hug Point Falls is a 15-foot waterfall that gently cascades down a sandstone drop-off along the Oregon Coast. With sublime scenery and the sounds of waves *and* cascades, this place is a dream destination for waterfall chasers! Of course, if you're looking for more of a classic waterfall hike, you can't go wrong at Silver Falls State Park, an Oregon oasis that's home to 10 stunning falls! And on the Trail of Ten Falls Loop, you can visit all 10 of the park's winsome waterfalls. You'll even get to walk behind a waterfall curtain on this trail. How amazing!

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Featured Addresses
Wahkeena Falls Day Use/Picnic Area/Trailhead, Wahkeena Trail #420, Troutdale, OR 97060, USA