Waterfall Hikes

Horsetail and Ponytail Falls

Dates: Every Monday Morning (through September 15). What to See: The trailhead offers a spectacular vista of Horsetail Falls immediately from the parking lot. Our halfway point will reward with views of the more secluded Ponytail Falls. What to Do: A one mile hike to Ponytail falls with a 400' elevation gain before returning on the same route (two miles total, rated 'easy'). We begin climbing immediately through lush green forest until we come to beautiful Ponytail Falls. You are rewarded not only with its beauty but by an opportunity to walk behind the waterfall and taste the mist.

Photo Provided by Dennis Stilwell of NWHiker.com

Latourell Falls Hike

Dates: Every Tuesday Morning (through December 16). What to See: Beautiful vistas of Latourell falls from every angle. Lush, green forest and seasonal wildflowers. What to Do: Hike a two mile loop trail which gains 400 feet in elevation (rated 'moderate'). This trail climbs fairly quickly to an elevation above the falls, crosses the creek on an old fallen log, and passes through a picnic area before returning to the trailhead.

Photo Provided by Dennis Stilwellr of NWHiker.com

Wahclella Falls Hike

Dates: Every Wednesday Morning (through December 17). What to See: Wahclella Falls is one of the more spectacular waterfalls in the gorge-a 120-foot, two-tiered plunge with the final 60-foot section dropping into an enormous splash pool. Also worthy of mention are the house-sized boulders left behind by a 1973 landslide, and watch for spawning salmon in Tanner Creek during late fall. What to Do: Hike a two mile loop trail which gains 300 feet in elevation (rated 'easy'). This incredible hike begins with a bridge crossing next to a dramatic waterfall. After another half mile we come to a junction where the trail loops, using two scenic bridges to offer vistas of the canyon and the falls from either side of Tanner Creek.

Photo Provided by Dennis Stilwell of NWHiker.com

Punchbowl Falls Hike

Dates: Every Thursday Morning (through December 18). What to See: Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl falls and beyond is one of the most popular trails in all of the Columbia River Gorge. Only two miles from the trailhead, the Punchbowl fall spills water 25 feet into a blue-green pool set in a large grotto. What to Do: Hike a four mile round trip which gains 300 feet in elevation (rated 'Easy'). This trail starts fairly level and follows Eagle Creek as it climbs steadily through this narrow gorge. On our way to the Punchbowl cut-off we are treated to views of Metlako falls and more than a few towering evergreens. This trail has been carved into a cliffside in two places, and not appropriate for young children and those who fear heights.

Photo Provided by Dennis Stilwell of NWHiker.com

Elowah Falls Hike

Dates: Every Friday through (and including) December 12th. What to See: Here is a hiker's paradise with a gentle trail that permits access to one of the most beautiful and secluded waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. Elowah Falls is a 289 foot drop over basalt that must be seen to appreciate. The view of the falls and way the tall cliffs jut out at odd angles is amazing from the bottom of the trail. Most days, the trails are not crowded. The easy access and accompanying scenery of this area offer some of the best hiking and viewing opportunities available in the Gorge. What to Do: This trail rises gently through dense forest to the junction of McCord Creek Trail, then descends into McCord Creek Gorge and to the bottom of Elowah Falls. Trail length is one mile out and back (2 miles round trip), and is rated 'Easy'.

Photo Provided by Dennis Stilwell of NWHiker.com

Bridal Veil falls Hike and Overlook

Dates: Every Saturday through (and including) December 13th. What to See: This hike offers something for everyone...It is two attractions combined into one hike! Bridal Veil falls is popular and picturesque, and the overlook trail offers some of the most amazing vantage points in the west end of the Gorge. What to Do: Both trails are combined for a total of 1 & 3/4 miles, and rated 'easy'. The falls trail follows a gravel path which drops into the gully formed by Bridal Veil Creek, then crosses the creek on a solid wood bridge and ends at a viewing deck opposite the falls. The overlook trail is paved, level and makes a loop which offers a number of scenic overlooks of the Columbia River.

Photo Provided by Dennis Stilwell of NWHiker.com

How to Prepare and Be Aware:

Just bring weather appropriate clothing, walking shoes, your camera and a smile…leave your worries behind as we experience the natural beauty and explore the treasures of The Gorge!