Multnomah–Wahkeena Falls Loop

The Multnomah–Wahkeena Falls Loop is about 4.8 miles, a circuit from Multnomah Falls' lower viewing area over to Wahkeena Falls and back. It climbs Larch Mountain Trail #441 to Benson Bridge and the upper falls, follows Multnomah Creek to Wahkeena Trail #420, descends past Fairy Falls to Wahkeena Falls, then returns on Trail #442. Allow about four hours. You get two major waterfalls, smaller cascades, creek crossings and a high forest ridge in one hard half-day. If you only want the famous falls, the paved walk to Benson Bridge is an easy place to turn around.

The first stretch is paved, stair-stepped and busy. Cross Benson Bridge, then climb steep switchbacks beside the upper tier. A short signed spur reaches the wooden upper-falls overlook; return to #441 for the loop. The waterfall views are close, and spray can keep the stonework slick. Once you leave the first mile, crowds thin. The trail follows Multnomah Creek past Lower, Middle and Upper Dutchman Falls, Wiesendanger Falls and Ecola Falls. Dutchman Tunnel is a creek-worn rock overhang, not a tunnel through the ridge. The tread turns rocky in places as the grade eases toward the junction with Wahkeena Trail.

The high point is around 1,560 feet. Cross Shady Creek and watch for open views across the Columbia, with slopes still marked by the 2017 Eagle Creek Fire. The optional Lemmons Viewpoint spur gives a wider river panorama; include a strip of river below the cliffs if you stop for a photo. It is outside the mapped loop. Wahkeena Trail #420 then drops through a series of small bridges and past Fairy Falls, a 20- to 30-foot fan of water beside the path. Spray reaches the steep switchbacks. Near Wahkeena Falls, the trail becomes paved and crosses a stone bridge above the viewing area. Leafy trees can partly screen the falls from the plaza in spring and summer. Water flow is usually strongest in winter and spring, when the Wahkeena switchbacks can be icy.

Expect roughly 1,600 to 1,700 feet of climbing on uneven, sometimes slick footing. This is a hard hike despite its moderate length. Return Trail #442 rolls above the Historic Highway for about half a mile and is the least scenic leg. A short final link by the Multnomah Falls access road closes the circuit at the lower viewpoint; that link has no sidewalk or shoulder, so be alert for traffic. Dogs are allowed on leash. The I-84 Exit 31 lot sits between the freeway lanes; use the underpass and paved walkway beside Multnomah Creek to reach the lodge. Timed parking reservations have applied seasonally to that lot, and it fills early. The lodge has a visitor center, snack bar, gift shop and restaurant at the start.