How Hard Is The Multnomah Falls Wahkeena Loop Hike?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Enjoy this 6.1-mile loop trail near Corbett, Oregon. Generally considered a

moderately challenging route

, it takes an average of 3 h 13 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and rock climbing, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

How hard is the Multnomah Falls hike?

Difficulty: A moderate, 2.2-mile hike with 700 feet of elevation gain to the top of Multnomah Falls, or a difficult 5.4-mile loop to Wahkeena Falls with 1,600 feet of elevation gain.

Is Wahkeena Falls hike open?

Area Status:

Open

Wahkeena Falls is day use area and trail situated at the base of beautiful Wahkeena Falls, just west of Multnomah Falls on the Historic Columbia River Highway.

How long is the Multnomah Falls trail?

Experience this

2.40 mile

, out and back trail near Bridal Veil, Oregon. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 1 h 21 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.

Where do you park for the Wahkeena Falls trail?

Take exit 28 off I-84 and turn left on the historica Columbia River Scenic Highway for 2.5 miles to the

Wahkeena Falls parking lot

. The trailhead is across the street on the right. Parking is free here.

Is Benson bridge open at Multnomah Falls?

It is important to keep in mind that while the Multnomah Falls Recreation Area and the Historic Lodge will be open, Benson Bridge spanning the base of Multnomah Falls, as well as the trail to the top of the falls and the loop trail to Wahkeena Falls,

will remain closed

.

Can I take my dog to Multnomah Falls?

No fee or permit is required to visit Multnomah Falls.

Dogs are allowed on leashes

. From the viewing area below Multnomah Falls, it is 0.4 miles round trip to Benson Bridge, 2.4 miles round trip to the top of the falls (with 750 feet of elevation change), and 13.6 miles round trip to the top of Larch Mountain.

Is Multnomah Falls Covid open?


The Multnomah Falls Lodge restaurant, gift shop, snack bar and restrooms are open to the public

. Timed Reservation Tickets required May-September only.

What is the legend of Multnomah Falls?

Legend of Multnomah Falls

According to Wasco legend,

the daughter of Chief Multnomah sacrificed herself to the Great Spirit from the top of Multnomah Falls

. Tribes along the Columbia River celebrated the marriage of the Chief’s daughter to a neighboring tribe.

Is Oneonta Gorge Open 2020?

Trail Alert, Jul 24, 2020:

This trail remains closed due to damage from the 2017 Eagle Creek fire

. Check the Ready Set Gorge website – readysetgorge.com – for the latest updates on trail and recreation area closures. This trail is closed due to the 2017 Eagle Creek fire. Currently there is no timeline for reopening.

How old is Multnomah?

The waterfall formed

around 15,000 years ago

at the end of a hanging valley, and was created by the Missoula floods.

Can you see Multnomah Falls without hiking?


Getting to the Falls by car is one of the easiest means of accessing this natural wonder

. Not only will you be able to visit Multnomah Falls, but also the other waterfalls and hiking trails around the area. From Portland, you can either take the Historic Columbia River Highway or I-84 to reach Multnomah Falls.

How early can you hike Multnomah Falls?

The Multnomah Falls Lodge opening hours are from

9 AM to 6 PM

. The lodge is open every day. The falls are open year-round and can be visited daily at any time.

Why is the Benson Bridge famous?


It has served as a distinguishing characteristic of the falls since it was built in 1914 by Simon Benson, one of the builders of the old Columbia highway

. The bridge is probably the most photographed piece of architecture in Oregon and is a favorite of tourists from around the world.

Was Multnomah Falls burned?

But this past November, the U.S. Forest Service reopened the popular trails around Multnomah Falls, which this spring will receive their first rush of hikers since the fire tore through more than a year and a half ago.

Multnomah Creek winds through forest damaged by the Eagle Creek fire above Multnomah Falls.

Can you swim at Multnomah Falls?


No, sorry. There is no swimming pool area

. It is only the falls and running water in narrow streams.

Are dogs allowed at Wahkeena Falls?


Dogs must be leashed at all times

.

Is Oneonta Gorge dog friendly?


Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash

. The Oneonta Gorge is a scenic hiking destination and botanical area in the Columbia River Gorge area on the outskirts of Portland, Oregon. Be prepared to navigate through logs, climb through rocks and wade in cold water as users follow along Oneonta Creek through the gorge.

Can you drive to Multnomah Falls?

By car.

You can travel by car to Multnomah Falls via I-84

, but note that driving there can be tricky because the falls’ parking lot is frequently at capacity and closes until 10% of spots are open. The parking lot is currently accessed by an unusual left-lane exit (Exit 31) off the highway in the eastbound direction.

What is the largest waterfall in Oregon?


Multnomah Falls

| The Official Guide to Portland. Multnomah Falls, 30 miles east of Portland, is Oregon’s tallest waterfall.

What permit is required for Multnomah Falls?


All visitors to Multnomah Falls over the age of 2 will require a ticket

, except visitors who access the site via bicycle. You may reserve up to 6 tickets per day.

How did Multnomah Falls get its name?

Multnomah Falls was named according to a legend of the local native Multnomah people that tells the story of how a beautiful maiden sacrificed herself to save the tribe from a plague by throwing herself from the top of a cliff. The tribe was saved and a creek formed at the top of the cliff creating Multnomah Falls.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.