JULY 2014 & JULY 2016
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| MULTNOMAH FALLS |
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| WEISENDANGER FALLS |
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| NEAR FAIRY FALLS |
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| COLUMBIA RIVER |
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| ECOLA FALLS |
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| FAIRY FALLS |
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| MULTNOMAH FALLS |
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| TRAIL ABOVE WAHKEENA FALLS |
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| WAHKEENA FALLS |
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| WAHKEENA FALLS |
The Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop, is one of my favorite hikes in the Columbia River Gorge, as you pass by eight waterfalls in just under five miles of walking. I've hiked this trail twice, once beginning at Wahkeena Falls, and once beginning at Multnomah Falls. Multnomah Falls is the most visited spot in the Columbia River Gorge, so expect large crowds near the beginning of the hike.
From the Multnomah Falls trailhead, it is a very steep climb up some paved switchbacks to the top of the waterfall. A little past the Multnomah Falls Overlook, you will reach Weisendanger Falls, which has a side trail taking you to its base. Just past Weisendanger Falls is Ecola Falls, which also has a side trail leading to it, though it is pretty steep.
After Ecola Falls, you will leave the river and head through a heavily-wooded section of forest. This was a really peaceful stretch as there were not too many people hiking it. Eventually you will reach a fork giving you the option to hike to Wahkeena Spring, or taking a short-cut to Fairy Falls. Both sections are really nice. The spring is really pleasant, but is okay skipping if you are in a hurry. Next you will pass by Fairy Falls, and some more nice cascades along the trail as you switchback down the hillside to Wahkeena Falls.
