Wahkeena Creek

This creek was overrun by the Eagle Creek wildfire in Sept 2017. While the area has reopened, please use extreme caution when descending the creek. Between landslides, fallen trees, and loose rocks, this area may be very unstable and dangerous for some time to come. The canyon may have changed dramatically. Do not rely on the beta below being accurate. This is a very short but spectacular canyon that runs high water even in summer. Wahkeena Creek features waterfalls and scenic mini-gorge with the main attraction being Wahkeena Falls which towers at 240 ft. The two other waterfalls upstream are Necktie falls (30 ft) and Fairy Falls (20 ft) which could be added to the descent, but are not described in this article.

Access is easy, just hike up the Wahkeena falls trail for 1/4 mile to the bridge at the bottom of the falls. This is the checkpoint for the water flow, if too high for your comfort level turn around. Otherwise, proceed up the trail following a series of switchback to the top of the promotory where a trail points to a viewpoint. Visit the viewpoint if you wish, otherwise proceed up the trail 100 yards from the junction where you find an obvious but unmarked spur trail that turn off to the right and down the hillside. Proceed on this trail as it switchbacks down the hill bordering the river and keep following this trail untill you reach an old rail and viewing platform that takes you to the very top of Wahkeena falls.

From the top of the falls use a releasable anchor around a tree or a railing pole of your choice, but make absolutely sure they are sturdy (some are not). You may also come back later to take the anchor down. Either way make sure to leave no webbing visible around the platform to avoid giving bad idea to unprepared tourists and to keep the area pristine.

From the bridge hike back to the parking lot following the trail