Wahkeena-Multnomah Loop

This is a hike of about five miles with panoramic river views, perspectives on four waterfalls, and ancient forests.

To get to Wahkeena Falls [1], drive I-84 to Exit 28, Bridal Veil Falls [2]. Several miles later you’ll come to the waterfall parking area and trailhead. If you take the trail to the right of the bridge, in about 1 mile you’ll come to Fairy Falls, so named for its ethereal quality.

Just past Fairy Falls, leave Trail 420 for Vista Point Trail 419 to see panoramas from 1,600 feet above the river. Old-growth Douglas firs usher you through higher elevations on this trail.

Rejoin Trail 420 one mile east of where Trail 419 began. Once you get past the first 1.5 miles of this trail’s initial steep ascent, the rest of the route is of moderate difficulty. As you begin your descent, you might become confused by a lack of signs at the junction of Trail 420 and the Larch Mountain Trail.

Hang a sharp left on Trail 441 to head west and down along Multnomah Creek. At the rear of this gorge is pretty Ecola Falls. There are several other cascades along the route.

When you hit the blacktopped section of Trail 441, hang a left to enjoy views from the top of Multnomah Falls [3]; then descend, crossing the bridge and descending to the parking area.