| Governor Kulongoski's Recommended Hikes |
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| Columbia Gorge Area |
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PunchBowl Falls
 Directions: From I-84, take exit 41 to Eagle Creek Park. The Eagle Creek Trail begins at the parking lot in the park.
Length: 4 miles
The Hike: The smaller Punch Bowl Falls trail is part of the larger, 14-mile Eagle Creek trail, which winds through a number of different waterfalls and through some gorgeous forest land. Branching trails can take you to either the upper Punch Bowl Falls or the lower Punch Bowl Falls, which are both exquisite examples of the punch bowl waterfall type. There is also an area for wading.
AngelsRest
 Directions: From I-84, take exit 28 (Bridal Veil) The trailhead is south of the Historic Columbia River Highway, opposite the junction with the interstate access road in Bridal Veil. (from the east) Take I-84 westbound to the Ainsworth State Park exit # 35 and follow the Historic Columbia River Highway for 7.1 miles (11.4 km).
Length: 4.6 miles round trip
The hike: The trail climbs uphill for 0.6 mile before reaching the top of Coopey Falls, a 150 to 175 foot horsetail waterfall, and the footbridge crossing the creek. Continuing on, the trail begins to switchback uphill for 1.6 miles before reaching the ridge crest. Use extreme caution at the steep cliff edges. You get a beautiful view of the Gorge once you reach the top, and there is even a bench to rest yourself on that overlooks the entire area.
LatourellFallsLoop
 Directions: From I-84, take exit 28 (Bridal Veil) and turn right along the old Columbia River Highway. Continue 2.8 miles to the Latourell Falls parking area on the left.
Length: 2.2 mile loop—there are many points (picnic areas, views, rest areas) at which you can choose to stop and go back.
The hike: By taking a paved downhill path, from the parking area along the old Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway, you can quickly reach a viewpoint near the base of the falls. Another trail from the same parking area takes you uphill to a different view of the falls and then continues with a loop that terminates at the smaller Upper Latourell Falls.
WahclellaFalls
Directions: From I-84, take Bonneville Dam Exit # 40. Turn south and find paved parking area.
Length: 1.5 miles ( part of the trail is looped)
The Hike: The trail begins on an old, gated road alongside Tanner Creek. Pass a small intake dam for the Bonneville Fish Hatchery and continue into the narrowing canyon. A tributary stream creates a dramatic waterfall at the first bridge, and the trail forks after 0.7 mile. If you have small children it is advisable to stay on the lower trail and avoid the sheer-sided return loop. Wahclella Falls is one of the more spectacular waterfalls in the gorge-a 350-foot two-tiered plunge with the final 60-foot section providing a powerful horsetail fall into an enormous splash pool.
Multnomah Falls—Wahkeena Falls Loop
Directions: From I-84, take exit 28 (Bridal Veil) and turn left along the old Columbia River Highway. Continue 2.6 miles to the Wahkeena Falls Picnic Area on the right.
Length: 3.25 mile loop
The Hike: This loop connects the Wahkeena Falls Trail and the Larch Mountain Trail, packing six pretty falls in about 5.4 miles with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet. These include one of the highest waterfalls on the continent, Multnomah Falls; Wahkeena Falls; Fairy Falls; and the classic punchbowl of Weisendanger Falls. Above Fairy Falls on the Wahkeena Trail, search out a short side trail to the right that leads to Wahkeena Spring, the source of Wahkeena Creek that issues mysteriously from the hillside.
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