Fairy Falls
Just over a mile from the Wahkeena Trailhead in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, you’ll reach a lovely example of a fan waterfall, where a narrow stream of water from the top fans out into a wider flow at the bottom. Fairy Falls measures less than 30 feet tall but is known to provide excellent photo opportunities. Past visitors say the parking area for the Fairy Falls Trailhead can be quite busy in the summer months, so you might want to plan to start your day here early. Less than 15 miles west of the parking area is the Comfort Inn Troutdale-Portland East, which offers daily hot breakfast for guests.
Abiqua Falls
These remote falls may be a little hard to reach, but past visitors say the scenic spot is well worth the effort. The parking lot for the Abiqua Falls Trailhead is about a 35-mile drive east of Oregon’s capital, Salem, or 11 miles south of the town of Scott’s Mills. According to the hiking website AllTrails, the 0.7-mile, out-and-back trail is moderately challenging. Hikers note that the dirt road to the trailhead is best suited for a high-clearance, four-wheel-drive vehicle (though you can park on the side of the road and make the hike to the falls a bit longer). Note that the final descent to the falls is a bit steep, but there’s a fixed rope you can use to help with the climb. For lodging, Camp Dakota is a 45-acre forested campground and adventure park just a short drive from the Abiqua Falls Trailhead, along Crooked Finger Road. Further afield, consider booking a stay at the highly rated Oregon Garden Resort in Silverton.
