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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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USA Parks
Oregon
Mt. Hood and the Gorge Region
Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls © Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Looking across the Columbia River from Overlook Loop Trail at Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, U.S.
Bridal Veil Falls © Joe Mabel / CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Trailhead sign at Bridal Veil Falls, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon, U.S.
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BRIDAL VEIL FALLS
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS   97010
(lat:45.5545 lon:-122.1802) map location
Bridal Veil Falls State Park is located near milepost 28 on the Historic Columbia River Scenic Highway and is accessed off I-84 at Exit 28.

Travel west on the Historic Columbia River Highway about 3/4 of a mile to the entrance of Bridal Veil Falls State Park. The park offers a nice parking area, picnic tables and restrooms all within easy walking distance from the parking area. Nice grassy areas afford visitors a chance to stretch a blanket in one of the laziest parts of the Columbia River Gorge. No day-use fee is charged; admission is free.

The park is situated in large timber stands; the area was a natural choice as a logging haven once upon a time. The park features two different trails: an upper walking/interpretive trail and a lower hiking trail to the falls (120' tall). Both are not to be missed.

The upper trail takes visitors around the precipice of the cliffs of the Gorge. Sign boards along the trail point out distinctive native wild plants that grow abundantly in this area such as camas, lupine, bead lilly, trillium and bleeding heart. The trail is fenced beautifully with logged beams and wire to protect visitors along the viewpoint while maximizing every vantage point of the magnificent view of the Gorge. The famous geologic edifice known as the Pillars of Hercules, a 120-foot basalt tower once used as a training site for mountain climbing, can be seen best from the upper trail at Bridal Veil.

The lower trail at Bridal Veil takes the visitor downhill to the base of Bridal Veil Falls and is about a mile round trip to the falls and back. Although short, this is a steep little trail full of switchbacks and is not wheelchair accessible. Along the way are a few unwanted wild plants of this area -- such as poison ivy -- so keep on the path. Do not attempt to walk along the bridge over the Historic Highway to view the falls. The road here is a narrow two-lane passage with absolutely no sidewalk. PLEASE view the falls from the trail.

Beautiful Bridal Veil Falls is an elegant and graceful lady that can be fully appreciated from the deck of a viewing platform rebuilt in 1996. The creek hustles down from the top of nearby Larch Mountain, tumbles over the cliff and eventually flows into the mighty Columbia River. No visit to the Columbia Gorge should be considered complete without a tour of the area of Bridal Veil and a visit to Bridal Veil Falls State Park.
History of the Area
Bridal Veil Falls, located in the state of Oregon, has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The area surrounding this majestic waterfall was once inhabited by Native American tribes who revered it as a sacred site due to its natural beauty and spiritual significance.

During the 19th century, European settlers began exploring and settling in the region. They were captivated by Bridal Veil Falls' breathtaking cascades plunging down from towering cliffs into a crystal-clear pool below. Recognizing its potential for hydroelectric power generation, entrepreneurs established mills along nearby creeks during this period.

In the early 20th century, with industrialization on the rise across America, several companies sought to harness Bridal Veil Falls' immense water resources for electricity production. This led to construction projects such as dams and diversion channels being built around these falls.

Over time though concerns about environmental impact grew stronger among local communities leading conservationists advocating for preserving nature's wonders like Bridal Veil Falls emerged too.The efforts paid off when concerned citizens successfully lobbied government officials resulting in designating parts of land near these falls protected areas under various legislations including creation of national parks or reserves which helped preserve their pristine beauty while allowing public access through hiking trails.

Today, Bridal veil fall is not only an important tourist attraction but also serves as reminder our responsibility towards protecting environment so future generations can enjoy them



Picnicking
1. Enjoy a picnic at the base of Bridal Veil Falls, surrounded by lush greenery and cascading water.
2. Picnic tables are available near the parking area for visitors to enjoy meals with scenic waterfall views.
3. Bring your own food and relax on benches overlooking beautiful vistas after hiking up to Bridal Veil Falls.
4. The park offers several shaded spots perfect for picnicking while listening to the soothing sounds of falling water.

Trails
1. Bridal Veil Falls Trail: This is a 0.6-mile round trip trail that leads to the base of the falls, offering stunning views along its path.

2. Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail - John B Yeon To Cascade Locks Section: A moderate difficulty level hike with an elevation gain of about 600 feet and approximately six miles long.

3. Angel's Rest Hike: An intermediate-level hiking trail spanning around five miles in total length, it offers panoramic vistas over Columbia Gorge from atop Angels' Rest summit.

4. Multnomah-Wahkeena Loop Hike: Approximately five mile looped track which passes by several waterfalls including Fairy Falls and Wahkeena Springs before reaching Multnomah Basin Overlook for breathtaking scenic view points.

5. Palmateer Point Snowshoe Route: It's a winter-only route covering nearly four-miles through snow-covered forests leading up to Palmateer Viewpoint overlooking Mount Hood area.

6. Larch Mountain Crater Loop via Shepperd's Dell Waterfall: The Larch Mountain Crater loop spans roughly seven miles featuring beautiful wild flowers during spring season while passing through dense forest areas providing ample shade throughout your journey.

7. Wakeeney:Multonomah Via Devil's Backbone Ridge Line Track: This challenging eight-mile trek takes you past numerous cascades on Wakeeney Creek as well as spectacular viewpoints across Oregon state line into Washington.

8. Bridal Veil Scenic Area Trails: These are short trails within Bridal veil park itself ranging between half-a-mile to one-and-half mile each taking hikers close-up towards various sections of bridal veil waterfall or nearby creek side picnic spots.

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Area Campgrounds
Portland Fairview RV Park
21401 NE Sandy Boulevard
Fairview, OR
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
1. Start by heading east on Interstate 84 (I:84) towards Hood River.
2. Continue driving for approximately 25 miles until you see Exit 28 for Bridal Veil State Park.
3. Take this exit and merge onto Historic Columbia River Highway.
4. Follow the signs to Bridal Veil State Park, which will lead you to parking areas near the falls.

Once parked at one of the designated lots, there are two main trails that can take you closer to Bridal Veils Falls:

Option A: Lower Trail
5a. Begin your hike by taking the paved path leading downhill from either parking lot.
6a . This trail offers an easy walk through lush greenery with occasional viewpoints overlooking scenic vistas along Latourell Creek before reaching its climax at beautiful lower viewpoint right next to majestic cascades of water falling down into a pool below.

Option B: Upper Trail
5b . If looking for more adventure or exercise, opt instead go up steep switchbacks starting just behind restrooms.
6b . The upper trail provides breathtaking views as it winds its way uphill alongside towering cliffs covered in mosses and ferns; eventually arriving high above where visitors can enjoy panoramic sights over both sides including not only but also surrounding forested hillsides dotted here & there w/ wildflowers during springtime months.

Please note:
- Both trails offer unique perspectives and photo opportunities so feel free explore them if time permits!
- Be cautious while hiking as some sections may be slippery due moisture present year-round around waterfalls' vicinity;
- Wear appropriate footwear such sturdy shoes boots provide good traction ;
- Stay on marked paths avoid damaging fragile vegetation ecosystems found throughout parkland's boundaries

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Oregon State Parks

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