Portland: Hole-in-the-Wall Falls Loop

Loop under old-growth firs, by widespread vistas above the Columbia River, and past several photoworthy waterfalls on this exciting 2.1-mile dayhike.

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Mapped by Joe Kurmaskie

Trail Facts

  • Distance: 3.0

Waypoints

HWF001

Location: 45.6879501342773, -121.690063476562

From cul-de-sac lot, hop on the paved multiuse trail that parallels highway

HWF002

Location: 45.6874923706055, -121.695007324219

L @ Y near sign labeled Mt. Defiance. Trail turns into thick old growth and climbs switchbacks almost immediately

HWF003

Location: 45.687198638916, -121.69393157959

Caution: Steep trail next half-mile

HWF004

Location: 45.6858177185059, -121.695251464844

Turn R onto Starvation Creek Cutoff. More climbs under oaks, maples, alders—all with a mossy understory. Columbia River on L

HWF005

Location: 45.6850318908691, -121.695281982422

After some short ups and downs, rock-hop over Warren Creek

HWF006

Location: 45.6857490539551, -121.698768615723

First of three awesome vistas above Columbia River. Trail descends

HWF007

Location: 45.6855010986328, -121.704032897949

Back in deep forest. R @ T for Hole-in-the-Wall Trail. Don’t miss: Ahead, turn L for a short spur to Lancaster Falls, a skinny 25-foot cascade. Return to main trail

HWF008

Location: 45.6861839294434, -121.702484130859

Turn L for falls. Campers: Trail to R goes to a primitive campground with ample campsites and fire rings

HWF009

Location: 45.6875, -121.697715759277

Hole-in-the-Wall Falls: This cascade was created by highway workers in 1938 to prevent nearby Warren Creek Falls from flooding the highway. Look closely: The water plummets 100 feet from a blasted hole in the cliff. Continue on loop, past Cabin Creek Falls, back to WPT 2. Return to trailhead