Explore the Columbia River Gorge | Wahclella and Elowah Falls

We miss the wet side sometimes and have to go get our fill of cool, rainy weather, ferns and waterfalls. Thank goodness for the Columbia River Gorge and its easily accessible trails and convenient camping. Check out this photo journal and see our trip details below.

Trip Details:
Ainsworth State Park -- This isn't the most beautiful or fun campground we've ever stayed at. It's got traffic and railroad noise and the campsites are mostly pavement and pretty close together. But there are free hot showers and after a cold/wet day or night, this is just what the doc ordered. Reserve online if you want to camp close to hiking trails.

Wahclella Falls -- I liked this hike. The first bit is wide and flat, next to the gorgeous river. The rest of the trail takes you up the side of the mountain and gets narrower and steeper, but is still completely safe for little kids. There are some fun bridges and many places to stop and play. And the waterfall is pretty! Two miles round trip, just get to the parking lot early.

Elowah Falls -- Switchbacks!! With pretty steep cliffs! But if your kids are aware and not too rambunctious, they'll make it up and down alive. The falls are very tall with a nice swimming hole at the bottom if you manage to get there on a hot sunny day [do they have those in the gorge?]. A quick 1.5 mile RT hike with options to go farther.

Bonus points if you visit Cascade Locks and get a foot tall ice cream cone at East Wind Drive In. 


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