Oregon
The Multnomah–Wahkeena loop links waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, and Crater Lake's Cleetwood Cove drops to the water. Popular Gorge trailheads can…
The Multnomah–Wahkeena loop links waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, and Crater Lake's Cleetwood Cove drops to the water. Popular Gorge trailheads can require seasonal permits, so check before arriving.
Why Oregon packs so much into one hike
Few states mix scenery like Oregon. In the Columbia River Gorge, the Multnomah–Wahkeena loop strings waterfall after waterfall along one trail, while Crater Lake offers a deep-blue volcanic lake unlike anywhere else in the country. The trade-off is popularity and weather: Gorge trails are wet and slippery near the falls, trailheads fill early, and Crater Lake's season is shortened by snow. Planning around crowds and conditions is what makes the difference here.
What to do, step by step
- Choose your day: the Multnomah–Wahkeena loop for waterfalls, or Crater Lake's Cleetwood Cove Trail for the hike down to the water.
- Check before you arrive — popular Gorge trailheads can require seasonal permits, and Crater Lake trails depend on snow clearing.
- Start early to find parking and enjoy the falls before the biggest crowds arrive.
- Dress for spray and rain: a waterproof layer and shoes with real grip matter on wet rock and muddy switchbacks.
- Budget extra energy for Cleetwood Cove — the walk down is easy, but the climb back up from the lake is steep and steady.
- Stay on marked trails, especially near gorge viewpoints where edges are slick and drops are serious.
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