Wahkeena Falls loop is open (!) hike
Details
This newly reopened Gorge classic has been painstaking restored after the devastating Eagle Creek Fire of 2017. Saturday’s December-esque forecast has slightly improved, so let's check out the new face of the Columbia River Gorge!
Difficulty: Easy (assuming you’re already a hiker)
Hiking distance: 5 mile loop
Elevation gain: 1600 feet
Total hiking time: 2-3 hours (depending on group pace and photo breaks)
Total driving distance: 48 miles RT; $4-5 to drivers please, unless drivers determine otherwise
Dogs: With caution (trail damage/ obstacles are a strong possibility), if they are in good shape, and you are willing to drive them
After carpooling from Gateway TC to the Wahkeena trailhead, we will complete this loop counterclockwise. Though this will be a workout-paced hike, we will absolutely be stopping for photos of rippling creeks, viewpoints (though Saturday is obviously not looking like a “views” day), fire damage and, of course, waterfalls!
My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (at least 2.5--3.5 mph when I’m not running), but I welcome trekkers of all reasonable hiking speeds. A good pace would be great, but I don’t want anyone to feel rushed. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints. There is no such thing as too many photo opps.
Bring: Gas money, 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing including rain gear, a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be useful.
Though this is much less rustic than a typical NW Wilderness hike, it is also recommended that hikers always carry the Ten Essentials:
- Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
- Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
- Knife/tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild.
PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.