Trailb Log:

Title:	Wahkeena Falls - A rainy november dayhike.
Date:	November 25, 2005 Friday	Type:	hike
State:	OR	Near:	Portland, Columbia Senic Gorge
Distance:	about 7 miles	Time:	about 3.5 hours

It was the day after Thanksgiving and I was still feeling very gluttonous. It took some convincing, but eventually my father and I decided to go for a rainy hike in the scenic Columbia Gorge. We eventually decided on the 7-mile Wahkeena Falls to Multnomah Falls loop.

To find the trailhead: From Portland head east on I-84 and then take the Bridal Veil exit. At the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway, go east for approximately 3 miles. There is parking on both sides of the highway, and the trailhead is on the south side of the highway.

The hike:The first few miles of the trail are steep, but also immediately gratifying. Within the first few switchbacks you pass several rushing falls. Eventually the path does level out and after a while you reach the river above Multnomah Falls. From hear the path follows the river past several large falls, ducks under a series of overhanging rocks, and brings you to an observation deck over the crown jewel of the Columbia Scenic Gorge.

However, by this time it was raining quite hard, so we did not linger. Dozens of switchbacks latter we arrived at the falls base. Before heading back to the Wahkeena Falls parking lot, we made one final stop? At the lodge, for a warm cup of coffee.

-- toaster