Hole-in-the-Wall Falls in OregonPhoto by Bonnie Moreland

Columbia River Gorge · Near Cascade Locks

Hole-in-the-Wall Falls

Hole-in-the-Wall Falls is a hike waterfall outing near Cascade Locks in Columbia River Gorge. This guide rates the visit easy and collects the practical information available for planning responsibly.

Get directionsCheck current conditions
  • DifficultyEasy
  • AccessHike
  • Round trip2 mi
  • Nearest townCascade Locks

The place

Why Hole-in-the-Wall Falls is worth the stop

Hole-in-the-Wall Falls is an unusual piece of Gorge history: Warren Creek was rerouted through a blasted opening in the basalt to move the water away from the old highway. Today it is one of several falls reached from the Starvation Creek trail system.

What the experience feels like

The appeal is the combination of waterfall, engineering history, and an easy-to-link string of nearby cascades. Use the signed Starvation Creek routes; the surrounding slopes and old grades are not invitations to scramble.

Visit details

Plan your trip

Waterfall status
Human-rerouted waterfall
Public access
Public destination; verify current alerts before travel
Region
Columbia River Gorge
County
Hood River
Nearest town
Cascade Locks
Access type
Hike
Round-trip distance
2 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Parking
Use the signed public trailhead or day-use area
Seasonal access
Flow and trail conditions vary; east-Gorge heat, wind, ice, and fire restrictions can affect the outing

Trailhead and parking

Start at the documented public access point

Coordinates: 45.688400, -121.689100

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The coordinates identify the documented public parking area or trailhead—not an off-trail waterfall location. Download directions before leaving cell service.

No star ratings

Why this is rated easy

The easy rating reflects the documented hike access and approximately 2 mi round trip. Surfaces, weather, crowds, and seasonal closures can still create challenges.

EasyMinimal distance or straightforward developed access.
ModerateMore mileage, uneven terrain, or conditions requiring preparation.
HardLong, remote, exposed, or otherwise consequential travel.

Difficulty is a planning aid, not a guarantee. Snow, ice, heat, high water, trail damage, and individual ability can change the experience substantially.

Protect the place

Leave No Trace at Hole-in-the-Wall Falls

Waterfall corridors are easily damaged by shortcuts, litter, contaminated water, and crowding. Keep your visit on the durable, legal route and leave the site ready for the next person.

  • Stay on the signed trail, use established viewpoints, and respect every closure.
  • Pack out food scraps, dog waste, toilet paper, and everything else you bring.
  • Leave rocks, plants, wood, and historic features where they are.
  • Keep soap, food, and sunscreen out of streams, and give wildlife and other visitors room.
Read our complete guide to the seven Leave No Trace principles

Independent local picks

Eat and stay near Cascade Locks and the east Gorge

Cascade Locks has the most dependable cluster of services near these trail corridors. These are editorial suggestions, not paid placements.

Recommendations were editorially reviewed in August 2026. Businesses, quality, hours, prices, and availability can change; confirm current details before relying on a stop.

Keep exploring

Other waterfalls nearby

Selected first from the same practical road, park, or trail corridor—not from straight-line distance alone.

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