Directions: Take I-84 East to exit 28. Go left on the Historic Highway to the Wahkeena Falls Trailhead.

To see our first post on Fairy Falls click here.

This hike starts at the Wahkeena Falls Trailhead. After you take in lower Wahkeena Falls follow the paved path uphill as you switchback once and end up at upper Wahkeena Falls. There is enough room here to stop, take pictures and take in the waterfall. There is a bench just past the waterfall as well.

From here you start to head uphill, somewhat steeply, as you start the first of 12 consecutive switchbacks. The switchbacks are short and the trail is paved. You’ll get views of the Gorge occasionally as you climb. After you finish the last switchback you will come to a split in the trail. It’s worth the short side trip to the right to see Lemmon’s Viewpoint. You will get great views of the Gorge and Columbia River.

Continue on the trail (left at the split) which is now dirt, as you start to follow next to Wahkeena Creek. This last part of the hike is really beautiful and it’s one of our favorite trails in all of the Columbia River Gorge. The creek is beautiful and there are numerous spots in the creek where you are going to want to stop and take pictures. The narrow almost gorge like slot canyon you hike through is very interesting as well. As you continue uphill you will cross two bridges and come to a few more switchbacks that take you right to Fairy Falls. We hiked this trail right after a big rain storm and the creek was overflowing onto the trail. It was nothing that we couldn’t rock-hop over but fair warning you might get wet feet after heavy rains.

Fairy Falls isn’t a very tall waterfall but it’s still very pretty. The trail crosses right in front of the waterfall so you can get very close. There is also a bench right at the waterfall making it a great place to relax and have lunch.

Distance: 2.5 miles (easy)

Elevation: 800 feet (moderate)

Pet Friendly: Yes

Good For: All ages- please be aware that it’s a fairly steep hike.

Bathrooms: Yes but it is seasonal

Parking Fee: None

Seasons: All

Popular: Yes on nice weekends

Warnings: None