Hiking The Wahkeena Falls Trail In Oregon Is Like Entering A Fairy Tale
By Sarah McCosham|Published January 28, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
We can all use a little magic in our lives. And there’s one trail in Oregon that will make you feel as though you’ve entered a real-life fairy tale! This is the magic of the Wahkeena Falls Trail, a three-mile hike in the resplendent Columbia River Gorge that winds through fairy tale forests, over charming footbridges, and past some of the most stunning waterfalls in Oregon.
The Columbia River Gorge is a treasure trove of trails. Whether you're a waterfall chaser or looking for a lush, forested trek, you'll find all sorts of delightful adventures within the wondrous wilds of the Gorge.
The Wahkeena Falls Trail explores some of the dreamiest sights within this PNW wonderland. This 3.1-mile trail is the perfect length for an easy day trip adventure...
This three-mile trek is best-known for its waterfalls, taking adventurers to the eponymous Wahkeena Falls and the aptly named Fairy Falls. Wahkeena Falls drops 242 feet into the creek below. The word "wahkeena" is a Yakama word that means "most beautiful," and, indeed, it is quite beautiful.
Fairy Falls is every bit as enchanting as it sounds. It's a fan-type waterfall that drops about 25 feet, cascading over the moss-covered rocks in the most perfect way.
While this trail can easily be done in an hour or so, we recommend allowing plenty of time to really soak up your surroundings. Let the forest canopy embrace you in its loving cocoon, the trickling water providing the most ambient, hypnotizing soundtrack.
Have you hiked this fairy tale trail in Oregon before? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience! Learn more about the Wahkeena Falls Trail at the USDA Forest Services website.
For more straight-from-a-fairy-tale places in the Beaver State, check out this marvelous little road trip!
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