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While seemingly anti-climatic when compared to other local monsters such as Multnomah, Wahkeena or Tunnel Falls, Wahclella Falls exhibits a great level of beauty, and is by far one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. The falls consist of two tiers, dropping 48 and 79 feet repectively out of a very narrow gorge, plunging into a large pool at the head of a massive basalt amphitheater. Another waterfall occurs a very short distance upstream at the entrance to the narrow gorge, which could potentially be considered a third tier of this waterfall - however seeing the falls, let alone photographing the fall is an undertaking beyond treacherous. A seasonal tributary drops into the gorge between the two tiers of Wahclella Falls, which has been dubbed "East Fork Falls" by some, but in reality it's not worth note by itself.
- WAHCLELLA FALLS is the Official name of this waterfall.
- Known Alternate Names: Tanner Creek Falls, Tanner Falls
The falls were named in 1915, by the Mazamas, after a nearby Native American village near Beacon Rock on the Washington side of the Columbia River. The USGS, however, still recognizes the falls as Tanner Creek Falls.
Located near the Bonneville Dam, in the Columbia River Gorge. Exit Interstate 84 at the Bonneville Dam exit, about 1 1/2 miles west of Eagle Creek, and turn right at the first intersection. The trailhead lies about 200 feet beyond. The easy, well graded, but oft-muddy trail climbs moderately along Tanner Creek for 9/10 of a mile, splitting into a loop about 3/4 of the way in, and ending at the base of the falls.
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