The Columbia Gorge is home to many a waterfall.  Recently, my wife and I explored a few waterfalls on the Oregon side of the gorge.

Wahkeena Falls

Wahkeena Falls is the name of a 242 foot (73 m) waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge in the state of Oregon. Spellings of this word are dubious, because the word is merely an English transliteration of a Pacific Northwest Native American (reportedlyYakama) phrase meaning "most beautiful".

The waterfall is unlike Multnomah Falls, in that the water does not just 'plunge' into the ground. Wahkeena Falls, rather, has a more subtle cascading flow. These falls have been featured in numerous travel guides and in photography books.

Wahkeena Falls is along the Historic Columbia River Highway, about 13 miles (21 km) east of Troutdale, Oregon. A short hike uphill from the parking
lot at the base leads to the stone bridge that crosses the main part of the falls. That trail continues on east to Multnomah Falls, the next falls down the road.

This waterfall is visible directly from the Historic Columbia River Highway. Visitors often slow down to view this cascading waterfall directly from their car.  


We hiked to view all 6 of the majestic drops of this falls.

Fairy Falls 

Fairy Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on the Oregon side of the Columbia River Gorge in theUnited States. As part of Wahkeena Creek, Fairy Falls is located upstream from the much larger Wahkeena Falls. 

Alan @ Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls Angle #1

While small, this fan-shaped waterfall is a destination for photographers, mainly because of the scenic view. The creek cascades through a mossy rock slide lined with ferns, until rocky ledges of basalt break the water into various lacy streams.[1][2]


The hike was moderate and the scenery beyond compare.  The weather this day was mild and sunny.  Working the way up switch backs to climb to the visually pleasing goal. 

Fairy Falls

Fairy Falls Angle #2


This hike was the ending of a fantastic weekend with my lovely wife Mary.