Wahclella Falls

Wahclella Falls tumbles 350 feet in a dramatic two-part drop at the head of Tanner Creek's narrow slot canyon in the Columbia River Gorge. The fully visible lower segment plunges 60 feet into a turquoise pool surrounded by sheer walls of basalt and moss, while the upper section cascades out of sight above. The canyon narrows dramatically as hikers approach, concentrating the sound of rushing water into a reverberating roar that builds anticipation with every step.

The 2.4-mile round-trip trail follows Tanner Creek upstream through a lush slot canyon, crossing the creek twice on sturdy footbridges. The trail passes through groves of bigleaf maple and red alder before the canyon walls close in and the forest gives way to bare rock. The final approach threads between massive boulders to reach the plunge pool at the base — a stunning payoff for an easy hike with just 250 feet of elevation gain.

Best visited in spring when water volume peaks and the canyon walls drip with seasonal springs. Note: As of early 2026, this trail is closed due to extensive storm damage from December 2025 — check with the US Forest Service for reopening status before planning a visit.