For our final hike in Portland, we did the most obvious choice, Multnomah Falls, which is a 40-minute drive from Portland and a very popular spot for tourists. This time we did the longer Multnomah Wahkeena Falls Loop, this is listed as Loop #1 in the free map at the visitor center.
Starting from the Multnomah Falls parking lot, we took the quite crowded trail up and over the Benson Bridge which gives you the best views of Multnomah Falls. This paved path climbs relentlessly uphill through a series of several switchbacks over the course of 0.5 miles. It is mercifully shaded throughout because it was quite warm this time of year and you can really build up a sweat up this trail. The reward at the top is a nice short downhill spur trail that places you at the top of Multnomah Falls. Unfortunately you are right on top of the falls at this point so you don’t get much of a view of it, but you can see the little ants (tourists) on the bridge below and the view of the Gorge is quite good.
From the falls overlook its back to the main trail and a slight uphill following the stream which leads you to Weisendanger & Ecola Falls in quick succession. After 0.7 miles you hit a spur trail (#420) which is a pleasantly flat trail following the contour of the mountain for 1.2 miles. Then we continued on to Wahkeena Springs which is literally just that a spring that flows from the side of the hill and supplies water to Wahkeena Falls which a treat further down the valley. The trail continues down Wahkeena Creek where you run into Fairy Falls along with a number of other unnamed falls. These falls although small were exquisitely beautiful and a major highlight of the trail. After a quick break we proceeded down the trail to Wahkeena Falls. Wahkeena Falls is also very impressive and provides a nice cooling mist to soothe the summertime temps. After that its a quick return to paved paths and a few switchbacks and you are back to the main road. A short 0.6 mile jaunt on the connector trail gets you right back to the main visitor center and parking lot.
Trail Map: Area Map
Directions: Map to Multnomah Falls
Distance: 5.5 miles
Vertical: 2000 feet