Wahkeena Falls is a 242-foot, tiered waterfall in Oregon‘s Columbia River Gorge, about half a mile west of Multnomah Falls. This guide covers trail access, parking, transport, accessibility and practical tips for planning a visit.
Updated September 2026. Unlike Multnomah Falls, no timed-use permit is required to park at Wahkeena, even during the busiest summer months. The wider Waterfall Corridor permit scheme, once required at peak times, no longer applies as of 2026. Several older guides still list a permit requirement here.
Quick facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | 242 feet, in two tiers |
| Location | Historic Columbia River Highway, about half a mile west of Multnomah Falls |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking permit | None required |
| Restrooms | Flush toilets at the picnic area |
| Distance from Portland | About 28 miles; roughly 35–40 minutes by car |
| Typical time needed | 20–30 minutes for the falls; up to 90 minutes to Lemmons Viewpoint |
Wahkeena Falls parking and access
A small parking lot sits along the north side of the Historic Highway, directly opposite the trailhead. It has no fee and no permit requirement, but fills quickly on summer weekends, often by 9am. If it’s full, roadside parking is sometimes available nearby, though space is limited.
As of 2026, the Waterfall Corridor permit that previously applied here during peak season is no longer in effect. The only permit system remaining in the area is at the separate I-84 lot for Multnomah Falls.
Why book the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls tour from Portland?
- See spectacular waterfalls: Visit iconic cascades such as Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls in the stunning Columbia River Gorge.
- Scenic natural landscapes: Enjoy panoramic views of lush forests, river valleys and towering cliffs along the Gorge’s scenic byways.
- Expert local guide: Learn about the geology, ecology and local history of the region as you travel between viewpoints.
- Convenient round-trip from Portland: Includes transport from central Portland, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery without driving yourself.
- Perfect for nature lovers: Ideal if you want a full-day experience of the Pacific Northwest’s most breathtaking waterfalls and outdoor beauty.
Wahkeena Trail and hiking beyond the falls
A paved path crosses a stone bridge directly in front of the falls, about 0.2 miles from the parking lot. Beyond the bridge, the Wahkeena Trail (#420) climbs a series of switchbacks, gaining roughly 600 feet over half a mile, to reach Lemmons Viewpoint, a small overlook with views along the Columbia River. It is named after Keith Lemmons, an Oregon firefighter who died in 1983 fighting a wildfire in Nevada.
Beyond the viewpoint, the trail continues unpaved for about a mile further into Wahkeena Canyon, reaching Fairy Falls, a smaller 20 to 30-foot fan-shaped waterfall. In total, Wahkeena Trail runs 2.8 miles.
The trail is also commonly combined with the lower 1.2 miles of the Larch Mountain Trail (#441) and the Return Trail (#442), which links back to the Multnomah Falls parking area, for a loop of about 4.8 miles in total. Unlike Multnomah Falls, this trail is not closed during icy conditions, so winter hikers should carry traction devices.
How to get to Wahkeena Falls
By car from Portland: take I-84 east to Exit 28, signed for Bridal Veil. Turn left off the ramp onto the Historic Columbia River Highway, then travel 2.5 miles east to the parking area.
By car from Cascade Locks: take I-84 west to Exit 35, signed for Ainsworth State Park. Follow the Historic Highway west for 4.5 miles.
Car-free: the Columbia Gorge Express bus stops at Multnomah Falls, a short walk east along the Historic Highway or via the Return Trail.
5 great Portland experiences to book
- 🌊 See the best beaches and views on a full day Oregon coast tour.
- 🏞️ Get a work out on a half day hiking tour to Multnomah Falls and the Columbia River Gorge.
- 🚢 Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Willamette River.
- 👻 Hear ghost stories on an underground tour of the haunted Shanghai tunnels – with beer tastings.
- 🍽️ Taste 6 local and global dishes on a downtown food tour.
Wahkeena Falls accessibility
An accessible viewing platform sits close to the parking area, with one accessible parking space beside a short ramp. The trail beyond this platform, including the switchbacks to Lemmons Viewpoint, involves steps and steep paved sections, and is not considered accessible.
How long to spend at Wahkeena Falls
Allow 20 to 30 minutes to see the falls from the viewing platform and bridge alone. Add roughly an hour for the round trip to Lemmons Viewpoint, or closer to 90 minutes if continuing to Fairy Falls. Visitors walking the full loop to Multnomah Falls should allow at least half a day.
What to see at Wahkeena Falls
The waterfall drops 242 feet in two tiered, horsetail-shaped cascades, fed by Wahkeena Spring higher up the canyon. Its name comes from a Yakama word meaning “most beautiful,” and it flows strongly throughout the year. Unlike the single sheer drop of nearby Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena’s course alternates between horseshoe and plunge shapes as it descends.
Lemmons Viewpoint, roughly three-quarters of a mile above the falls, gives views up and down the Columbia River, with Beacon Rock visible on the Washington side on clear days.
Fairy Falls, a mile further up the canyon, is a much smaller cascade, popular with photographers for the way the creek spreads across mossy basalt ledges.
The surrounding land was purchased in 1915 by Simon Benson, the same Portland lumberman who later funded Benson Bridge at Multnomah Falls, and donated to the city of Portland. It was subsequently divided between the Forest Service and Oregon State Parks.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrive early | The small lot often fills by 9am on summer weekends. |
| No permit needed here | Unlike the I-84 lot at Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena has no reservation system. |
| Wear sturdy footwear | The trail beyond the bridge is steep, and can ice over in winter. |
| Combine with Multnomah Falls | The Return Trail links the two for a fuller day out. |
| Expect spray year-round | The base of the falls is often wet, even in summer. |
Frequently asked questions about Wahkeena Falls
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Do you need a permit to park at Wahkeena Falls? | No. As of 2026, no permit is required, even in summer, unlike the I-84 lot at Multnomah Falls. |
| How far is the walk to Wahkeena Falls? | About 0.2 miles from the parking lot to the base of the falls, on a paved path. |
| Can you hike from Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls? | Yes. The Return Trail links the two, forming a loop of about 4.8 miles. |
| Is Wahkeena Falls wheelchair accessible? | There is an accessible viewing platform near the car park, but the trail beyond it has steps and steep paved switchbacks. |
| Are dogs allowed at Wahkeena Falls? | Yes, on a leash, throughout the trail and picnic area. |
Things to do near Wahkeena Falls
Multnomah Falls, Oregon’s tallest waterfall at 620 feet, is half a mile east, reachable via the Return Trail or a short drive.
Fairy Falls lies about a mile up Wahkeena Canyon, a natural extension of the same walk.
Vista House at Crown Point is a short drive west, an art deco observatory with panoramic Gorge views.
Bridal Veil Falls, a short, easy trail further west along the Historic Highway, suits visitors wanting a gentler walk.
What to visit tomorrow: more of the Columbia River Gorge
Latourell Falls, framed by hexagonal basalt columns, is about 10 minutes west of Wahkeena Falls.
Oneonta Gorge and Horsetail Falls lie a short drive east, within the same Waterfall Corridor.
Silver Falls State Park, with ten named waterfalls on a single looping trail, is about 2 hours south near Salem.
Beacon Rock State Park, across the river in Washington, has a switchback trail to the summit of a volcanic plug overlooking the Gorge.
More Oregon travel
Other Oregon travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- Guide to the top ten sights along the Columbia River Gorge.
- What to expect at the Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint.
- Guides to the highlights of Portland’s Washington Park: Oregon Zoo, Hoyt Arboretum, the Portland Japanese Garden, World Forestry Center and International Rose Test Garden.
- Portland Art Museum guide: What to expect after the multi-million dollar renovation.
- All you need to know about visiting the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland.
