Hike the Bridal Veil Falls Trail

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Length: 0.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 140 feet

Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful waterfall located right off the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway and is a great hike for kids or hikers that don’t have the ability to march up some of the steep cliffs required of some of the other gorge hikes. This short hike begins from Bridal Veil Falls State Park which offers a picnic area, restrooms, and some grassy areas to relax. Head towards the restrooms and watch for the sign directing you to the Bridal Veil Falls Trail.

The path begins as a nice, paved walkway as it descends down towards the creek. The trail drops over 100 feet in about a quarter mile, but isn’t too steep. Watch out for stinging nettles and poison oak along the path, so be sure to stay on the trail. You will be down to the creek before you know it, crossing over a nice bridge near the base of the falls.

After crossing the bridge, head to the right, upstream, and climb up some stairs to a viewing platform of the falls. Here, the 120-foot tall, two-tiered waterfall is viewable in all its glory. Once you’ve soaked up the site, return to the state park and the nice, peaceful surroundings make for a great spot for a picnic or to just to let the kids run around some.

Directions

From Portland, take I84 east for about 25 miles and take exit 28 towards Bridal Veil. Continue on Bridal Veil road for about a quarter mile until you reach the Historic Columbia River Highway. Make a right on the highway and travel 0.8 miles until you see Bridal Veil State Park on your right.

From the east, take I84 west for 26 miles past Hood River. Take exit 35 towards Ainsworth State Park and exit onto the Historic Highway. Follow the highway for 8 miles and the entrance to the state park will be on your right.