Three Easy Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge

Why is “easy” in quotation marks? Easy is a perception, and is NEVER a one-size fits all
blanket.
I would consider the hikes listed here to be “easy”, in that they are short-ish, you’re never too
far from your vehicle or humanity, and you can take your time through any elevation gain or
uneven terrain and enjoy the beauty around you while you catch your breath. Even on easy
hikes, its important to have the 10 essentials and know where you are and where you are
headed to stay safe.
Why these three? I believe they have the most “bang for the buck” in terms of beauty to
exertion!

1. Latourell Falls Loop

Distance: 2.4-mile loop (or 0.3 miles to lower falls viewpoint)
Elevation Gain: ~520 feet (loop), minimal if just to the lower falls
Highlights: Stunning plunge waterfall, mossy basalt cliffs, upper and lower falls
Trailhead: Guy W. Talbot State Park (off Historic Columbia River Highway)
Parking Pass: Oregon State Parks
Amenities: Bathroom

Easy Option: Walk just to the lower falls viewpoint (paved path, 0.3 miles each way).
Slightly More Effort: Take the full loop for a quieter forest experience.

Although its situated right along our famous Waterfall corridor, not many people take the
opportunity to hike the full loop trail. Many people make the teeny jaunt from the parking lot
for the first view, BUT there is SO much more to experience on the loop trail. The trail is well-
trodden and fairly easy to navigate (hint- check out the apps mentioned below to always have
a map- EVEN on an easy hike!). Wildflowers, maiden hair ferns, and sorrel line the pathway
as you wind through gently rolling hills to two separate viewpoints of the falls. This hike can
be completed relatively quickly and the reward is offered not only at the viewpoints, but
throughout the hike!

Latourell Falls Geology: it plunges 224 feet straight over a columnar basalt cliff due to
volcanic cooling formations created by ancient lava flows.
The striking yellow-green lichen growing on the basalt adds to its visual appeal of this beauty.

2. Bridal Veil Falls Trail

Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: ~70 feet
Highlights: A short walk through lush forest to a beautiful two-tiered waterfall
Trailhead: Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint
Parking Pass: (None- although it is an Oregon State Park managed site)
Amenities: Bathroom

Great for families or a quick, peaceful stop along the Historic Highway and a great add-on to
the Latourell Falls Loop since it’s only 2 miles away!
Interesting tidbit: the Bridal Veil Post Office became famous as a place where brides would
send wedding invitations just to get the “Bridal Veil” postmark on the envelope.
Like much of the Columbia River Gorge, Bridal Veil Falls flows over ancient Columbia River
Basalt, shaped by lava flows 15–17 million years ago, then carved by glacial floods and
erosion. This 118 foot waterfall is easily accessible via a short paved loop (wheelchair
accessible) or a 0.6 mile out and back unpaved trail. The falls cascade down two distinct
drops: the upper tier hidden in the woods, and the lower tier, which fans out widely and is the
primary viewing point on the trail. There’s also a separate upper trail across the parking lot
that leads to a bluff-top viewpoint of the Columbia River Gorge—great for catching our
gorgeous sunsets.

3. Wahclella Falls Trail

Distance: 2.0 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: ~300 feet
Highlights: Towering canyon walls, moss-covered boulders, and a powerful waterfall at trail’s
end
Trailhead: Wahclella Falls Trailhead, off I-84 at Exit 40 (Bonneville Dam exit)
Parking Pass: NW Forest Pass
Amenities: Bathroom

Wahclella Falls, tucked into a mossy canyon near the Bonneville Dam in the Columbia River
Gorge, has both a rich cultural and natural history.
As a local, this is one of my favorite trails in the Columbia River Gorge, and one of my go-to
options when I have to work but still want to get a beautiful hike in- because it is so short its
easy to squeeze in any time of the day! It’s hard to believe that this one is right off the
highway; once you get started you’re tucked inside the canyon and its easy to believe you’re

several miles into wilderness and yet you’re never more than a mile from your car. I always
feel like I’ve been transported into Jurassic Park. The trail splits into a loop, and I love
alternating directions each time I visit for a slightly different viewing experience. Although this
hike is short, it is rocky and uneven in many places which can make it more challenging.

Indigenous Significance

The name “Wahclella” is derived from a subgroup of the Watlala, part of the Chinookan-
speaking peoples who lived along the Columbia River.
This area was part of a vast network of villages and seasonal camps where Indigenous
peoples gathered salmon, particularly near Cascade Locks and Bonneville, which were prime
fishing sites for millennia.
“Wahclella” was the name of a nearby village recognized during the Lewis and Clark
Expedition in 1805–06.

**Remember to always hike with the 10 essentials: especially for day hikes or short/”easy”
hikes.
These can lead to dangerous situations, as we usually expect to be out for only a short period
of time and can find ourselves lacking emergency supplies. The Columbia River Gorge is
susceptible to wildfire and other emergency situations that can cause you to be out longer
than you planned.
A paper map is always ideal, as phone batteries can die quickly when we are taking photos
and enjoying the beauty of the Gorge. With that said, my favorite mapping apps are Gaia &
CalTopo (and remember to download the area that you will be entering BEFORE leaving cell
service!)

The 10 Essentials for Outdoor Safety

Read more about the 10 essentials on our blog! The 10 Essentials for Outdoor Recreation

The 10 Essentials are MUST HAVE items for safe travel in the outdoors. The items help
hikers, mountain bikers, climbers, and backpackers be better prepared for emergencies,
unexpected delays, or changing conditions.
1. Navigation
Map, compass, GPS device, or phone with offline maps (e.g., Gaia, AllTrails). Know how to
use them!
2. Headlamp (or flashlight)
Preferably with extra batteries. Even on day hikes—darkness comes quickly with delays or
injuries.
3. Sun Protection

Sunglasses, sunscreen, SPF lip balm, sun-protective clothing. Especially important in alpine
or snowy areas.
4. First Aid Kit
Customize for the trip, group size, and personal needs. Include medications, blister care, and
trauma supplies.
5. Knife (and repair kit)
A multi-tool or knife, plus duct tape, zip ties, and repair patches for gear and clothing.
6. Fire
Lighter, waterproof matches, and/or firestarter (cotton ball + Vaseline, commercial cubes).
7. Shelter
Emergency bivy sack, space blanket, or tarp. Essential even for day hikes if you're stuck
overnight.
8. Extra Food
Enough to sustain energy if you're out longer than planned—usually 1 extra day’s worth.
9. Extra Water
Carry more than you think you'll need and a way to treat more (filter, iodine, UV purifier).
10. Extra Clothes
Layers for insulation, rain protection, and warmth (hat, gloves, puffy jacket, rain gear). Avoid
cotton.
Bonus Tip: Know How to Use Your Gear
Having the 10 Essentials doesn't help if you don’t know how to use them. Practice
beforehand—especially navigation, fire-starting, and first aid.

About the Author
Trisha Schales, Trails Diverged Owner/Guide

I have been a dedicated Professional Guide since 2020, and I was awarded the prestigious
REI Guide of the Year Award in 2024. I started Trails Diverged outdoor guiding so that myself
and other REI co-guides could continue our devotion to outdoor guiding. I’ve called the
Columbia River Gorge home for 4 years, and enjoy sharing it with beginners to help us
recreate safely and responsibly and preserve it for future travelers.
My wilderness experience draws on over 6,000 miles of land and water wilderness adventure,
as well as Search and Rescue and volunteer trail maintenance experience. As an outdoor
guide, my mission is to provide a personalized experience that shows a different side of the
world to my clients, and to help them gain a better and deeper understanding of the sites we
visit.
My passion is helping people that don’t have the income to”try out” backpacking and
wilderness exploration. My goal is to make access affordable and safe, while building
confidence and life-long memories.

To see more of local experts on trails in the Columbia River Gorge check out their Instagram and website links below!

 

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