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A scenic alternate to Wahkeena Trail's upper reaches.


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Map Key

0.8

Miles

1.2

KM

74%

Runnable

1,500' 457 m

High

984' 300 m

Low

0' 0 m

Up

516' 157 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

84%

Max Grade (40°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views

Runner Notes

Past the waterfalls on Wahkeena Trail, Vista Point tends to be much less crowded than the paths closer to the Columbia River Highway.

Description

Connecting to the superb Wahkeena Trail on either end, Vista Point Trail trades off a visit to Wahkeena Spring for an impressive elevated view of the Columbia River Gorge.

The eastern end of the trail starts on the high, flat section of Wahkeena, about a hundred feet west of the beginning switchback for Devil's Rest Trail. Watch for one of the area's typical wooden signposts marking the start. Vista Point is a pleasant, narrow, dirt doubletrack, with an ample covering of pine needles underfoot. The soft surface, along with only the occasional root or rock to dodge, make this a welcome change from some of the jagged stretches runners climb to get here.

Most of the area's plant life can be seen along the way, though runners' views of the Columbia will depend heavily on the time of year and leaf growth. After heavier rains, some debris can be found scattered across the trail. Westbound, it's a quick descent. For those moving in the opposite direction, the climb has some tough moments but is manageable. This is one of the area's easier routes.

At Vista Point's northernmost tip, where the ascent levels out around a half mile in, watch for a short viewpoint spur to the right. This is the easiest spot to catch a view of the Columbia, especially in the warmer months. A few step-like features follow as the trail makes a mostly flat finish back to Wahkeena. There's a narrow water crossing at the very end. Step carefully, as there is no bridge and the rocks can be very wet and slippery.

Afterwards, runners will find themselves back on the Wahkeena Trail, next to scenic Fairy Falls. Eagle-eyed visitors might catch the wooden sign marking the trail's endpoint here, deceptively embedded in a tree trunk.

Contacts

Shared By:

Brendan Ross

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 1 vote

#16106

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  4.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#538

in Oregon

#16,106

Overall
5 Views Last Month
554 Since May 7, 2016
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Photos

Beautiful waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge
May 30, 2018 near Bridal…, OR
A beautiful shot of the Fairy Falls.
Oct 19, 2016 near Bridal…, OR

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