There is a waterfall in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, which is called Wahkeena Falls which measures 73 meters high. Wahkeena Falls is located about 21 kilometers east of Troutdale, Oregon, along the Historic Columbia River Highway. The stone bridge crosses the main part of the falls after a 0.2-mile (320-meter) hike from the parking lot at the base. Continuing east on that trail leads to Multnomah Falls, which is the next waterfall to the east.
Historic Columbia River Highway offers a direct view of this waterfall. Names with this spelling are dubious because they are transliterations of Native American (reportedly Yakama) phrases. There is no direct plunge into the ground at this waterfall, unlike Multnomah Falls nearby.
In contrast, Wahkeena Falls cascades with more subtlety. There are many travel guides and photography books that feature these falls. The upper falls can be seen from farther left. Under the falls is the Wahkeena Creek Bridge, an 18-foot reinforced-concrete slab bridge that contributes to the Historic Columbia River Highway.
National Historic Landmark District designation was furthered in 2000 when it was included on the National Register of Historic Places. Picnic tables and fire rings are available at the picnic area (north of the highway), along with a large picnic shelter and stone fireplace. Reservations for weddings are often asked about. You will be able to access this space on a first-come, first-served basis. A special use permit is required if there are more than 75 people in the group.
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