Wahclella Falls, Waterfall in Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, US
Wahclella Falls is a waterfall in Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, where two tiers drop 48 and 79 feet over basalt cliffs. The water flows from Tanner Creek and descends steeply through a narrow rocky gorge.
The name was given in 1915 by the Mazamas mountaineering organization to designate this specific waterfall in the gorge. The water systems and geology of the region have long shaped how people experienced and used this landscape.
The name comes from the Yakama language, reflecting the tribes who have lived in this region for centuries. Visitors can sense today how water and land were deeply connected to the daily life of these communities.
The hike starts from the Bonneville Dam exit on Interstate 84 and is short enough for most people to complete in half a day. Parking is available at the starting point, and the trail itself is well-marked and maintained throughout.
In wetter months, smaller waterfalls appear between the two main tiers, flowing only seasonally and giving the site different looks throughout the year. These additional streams come from underground sources and rainwater seeping over the rock faces.
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