Just half a mile west of Multnomah, Wahkeena is a 242-foot cascade that tumbles in a series of mossy steps rather than a single plunge — a softer, more intimate counterpoint to its famous neighbor. The name means “most beautiful” in the Yakama language.
A stone footbridge crosses the creek a short walk from the road. For a classic Gorge hike, the 5-mile Wahkeena–Multnomah loop links the two falls along the forested benches above the highway.
Because it cascades rather than free-falls, Wahkeena keeps a strong, photogenic flow even later in summer when some single-drop falls thin out. The lower viewpoint is steps from the lot; the trail above climbs past Fairy Falls and the Vista Point spur.
The Wahkeena–Multnomah loop is one of the most popular day hikes in the Gorge for good reason — waterfalls, old-growth forest, and a payoff descent down the Multnomah switchbacks. Do it counter-clockwise to save the big falls for last.
Pro tip: Park at Wahkeena (no summer permit needed here) and hike the loop to Multnomah — you’ll skip the permit hassle and see both falls from angles the crowds never do.
- • No I-84 timed-use permit is required for the Wahkeena lot on the Historic Columbia River Highway.
- • The lot is small and fills on summer weekends — arrive early.
- • The loop is moderate with sustained climbing and some narrow, rooty sections.
- • Leashed dogs are welcome.
- Can you hike from Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls?
- Yes — the Wahkeena–Multnomah loop is about 5 miles and connects the two falls along the forested trails above the highway. It’s one of the Gorge’s signature day hikes.
- Does Wahkeena Falls need a permit?
- No. The summer timed-use permit applies to the Multnomah Falls I-84 lot. Wahkeena has its own trailhead lot on the Historic Columbia River Highway with no permit required.
