Wahclella Falls trailhead (Jeff Statt)

Sign entering the trailhead parking lot (Steve Hart)

Junction with trail #400 starts nearby (Jeff Statt)

• Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
• Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
• Latitude, Longitude: 45.63099, -121.95407
• Elevation: 50 feet

Hikes starting here

• Munra Point from Wahclella Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
• Nesmith-Tanner Traverse Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)
• Wahclella Falls Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)

Fees and Regulations

• Northwest Forest Pass required. Drop box available for day-pass

Driving Directions

The trailhead for Wahclella Falls is easy to find, but might trip up first-timers. The entrance to the lot is close to the entrance to both the Bonneville Dam and Fish Hatchery, and the Tooth Rock Trailhead. The signage is good in the area, so watch closely for the signs specific to Wahclella Falls.

From Portland: Drive eastward on Interstate 84 to Exit #40, signed for Bonneville Dam. Turn right at the stop sign, drive about 100 feet and turn right again at the fork (left takes you to the Tooth Rock Trailhead). Follow the short road to the end where you'll see the trailhead parking lot.

From the East: Travel westward on Interstate 84 to Exit #40. Turn left, pass under the freeway and enter the lot. Drive about 100 feet and turn right again at the fork (left takes you to the Tooth Rock Trailhead). Follow the short road to the end where you'll see the trailhead parking lot.

There are several trails that start here and the place is basically a maze. The Historic Columbia River Highway Trail passes through near the freeway ramp. Westward, the trail immediately crosses the Tanner Creek Bridge then ducks under the highway and heads west about a mile to the Moffett Creek Bridge. The trail heads east basically as a wide, fenced shoulder of the freeway ramp toward Tooth Rock and Eagle Creek. Gorge Trail #400 is here too. From, the west, it drops down the west side of the Tanner Creek Gorge and hooks up with Historic Highway Trail. After crossing Tanner Creek on the using the HCRHT, the 400 sets off again eastward on it's own right at the freeway interchange. The 400 trail eventually goes to Eagle Creek, as well, but not before meeting Tanner Road and Wauna Viewpoint Trail. The most used trail here is, of course, the Wahclella Falls Trail heading south a mile to Wahclella Falls.

Notes

Car break-ins have been on the rise in recent years in area trailheads. While this lot is not as susceptible as others nearby, hikers are cautioned to keep valuables with them.