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 short walk 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
  • AccessShort walk
  • Round trip1 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. Oregon Department of Transportation describes the signed overlook as about a half-mile west of Starvation Creek, or roughly 1 mile round trip.

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
Short walk
Round-trip distance
1 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
Facts reviewed
Editorial verification required before production

No star ratings

Why this is rated easy

The easy rating reflects the documented short walk access and approximately 1 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.

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 from the same practical road, park, or trail corridor and kept within a geographic guardrail. Fewer useful choices are shown instead of filling the list with distant places.

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