More than a dozen waterfalls can found –– less than an hour’s drive from Portland, Oregon –– out in the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area.

Most of the cascades are located just a short hike from the main highway, though a few do take a slight bit of effort in order to reach.

Wahclella Falls is one waterfall located just a bit further away from city than most –– which helps in keeping the crowds away –- and which also requires an uphill, mile long hike in order to reach.  Though the trail’s really not difficult to navigate, its distance and gradual slope do help in keeping away a good number of people, leaving the prize at the end of the trail –– the waterfall itself –– relatively free of the teeming hordes found at more easily accessible cascades.

Wahclella Falls also happens to photograph beautifully, especially when extended long exposures are used.

This particular photo is a 30 second exposure, taken in the mid-afternoon, and using an insanely dark neutral density filter to extend the shutter speed.