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As one hikes up the ever climbing Larch Mountain Trail, one can't help but pause at the numerous waterfalls along Multnomah Creek. Ecola Falls is the last major waterfall seen along the route. The most prominent feature of this waterfall is the controversy surrounding its name. When it first appeared in "A Waterfall Lovers Guide to the Pacific Northwest"Â, the falls were grouped with its downstream sibling (Weisendanger Falls) and listed as one waterfall. Later on, the falls appeared in "Romance of Waterfalls"Â as Hidden Falls - a name stemming from its hard to see position and the fact that the forest service had recently placed a plaque marking Weisendanger Falls by name. At the same time that Weisendanger Falls was officially named, this was as well, though it never appeared in any sort of publicized manor, so for a decade, the official name was known. As of current, however, the signs and maps are updated and the controversy put to rest.
- Ecola Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
- Known Alternate Names: Hidden Falls, Double Falls
This waterfall had remained unofficially named when Weisendanger Falls, its downstream counterpart was given an official title back in the late 90's. Several guidebooks applied their own titles to the falls, most commonly calling it either Double Falls (grouped with Weisendanger downstream) or Hidden Falls. It appears now that the Forest Service is recognizing Ecola as its official name. Ecola is a Chinook Jargon word for Whale.
Ecola Falls are located approximately 1.6 miles up the Larch Mountain Trail from the Multnomah Falls Lodge. The trail wraps around a buttress near the top of the falls, looking down on the plunge pool before paralleling Multnomah Creek upstream. Accessing the base of the falls involves a very steep, crumbly scramble down the side of the canyon which is not recommended.
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