Hike to Bridal Veil Falls

1.2 miles

100 feet

Easy

No pass needed

Bridal Veil Falls is one of the most underrated waterfalls in the Columbia Gorge. I think it suffers from a kind of reverse Goldilocks effect. At the end of a short trail, it lacks the instant gratification of the roadside waterfalls but doesn’t have enough distance to make it a hiking destination. Equal parts waterfall hike and Columbia Gorge viewpoint stop, Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint packs in highlights while still fitting into a full road trip itinerary. Here is everything you need to know about visiting Bridal Veil Falls.

*The Bridal Veil Overlook Trail is flat and paved, a rarity in the Columbia Gorge*

Know before you go

It’s free to visit Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint. You don’t need a pass or permit to park.
Bridal Veil Falls is popular. The parking lot fills up during busy times. Arrive before 10 AM or after 4 PM on weekends.
Leashed dogs are welcome at Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint.
Indoor restrooms are next to the parking lot.
There are picnic tables on the Bridal Veil Overlook Trail.
The viewpoints are fenced and family-friendly.
Two trails begin from the parking lot, each about a half mile long. If you just want to see the waterfall, it’s only 0.6 miles roundtrip.

*Views from the Bridal Veil Overlook Trail*

On the trail to Bridal Veil Falls

Distance: 1.2 miles (two 0.6-mile trails)

Elevation gain: 100 feet

Difficulty: Easy

Pass required: None

Dog friendly: Yes, leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.

ADA access: The Bridal Veil Overlook Trail is paved, flat, and even. There aren’t barriers like steps. Accessible parking and restrooms. The trail to Bridal Veil Falls is steep, unpaved, and uneven.

Season: All year

The trails

Trailhead sign Bridal Veil — *A sign points the way to the two trails at Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint*

Two short trails begin at the Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint parking lot.

The Bridal Veil Overlook Loop Trail: a flat and easy 0.6-mile paved loop with a series of viewpoints.
The Bridal Veil Falls Trail: an unpaved 0.6-mile out-and-back trail to Bridal Veil Falls with 100 feet of elevation gain. This trail isn’t wheelchair or stroller-friendly.

Both are short and sweet, so it doesn’t take long to see them both. If you’re pressed for time, I think the Bridal Falls Trail is the cooler of the two.

The Overlook Trail

The Bridal Veil Overlook Trail is a paved loop that connects some of the most accessible viewpoints in the Columbia Gorge. Starting from the parking lot, head to the restroom building and take the trail to the left. You’ll leave the tree cover and see a couple of picnic tables (one is in rough shape) in front of the first viewpoint.

The Bridal Veil Overlook Loop Trail — *Start here*

As you continue on the trail, you’ll pass several more viewpoints. They’re next to a cliff face but fenced and safe for kids. Each overlooks the Gorge from a slightly different angle. I have one complaint about this trail: you have to leave the paved surface and negotiate uneven ground to see the views. If you have a stroller or wheelchair, it’s difficult to get to the actual viewpoints. The exception is the final viewpoint, which I’d say is the best of the bunch.

Bridal Veil Overlook Loop Trail — *The accessible trail connects to this overlook*

Looking west, you’ll see Sand Island in the Columbia River. In the spring, white blossoms appear on the serviceberry bushes.

Across the river are the cliffs of Washington’s Cape Horn. To the east, Archer Mountain and Hamilton Mountain.

After the last viewpoint, the loop hike ends back at the parking lot.

The Bridal Falls Trail

The Bridal Veil Falls Trail begins to the right of the restroom building. It’s flat and paved for about 0.1 miles. Then, the paving ends, and the trail begins descending.

One of the coolest things about the hike to Bridal Veil Falls is that it feels like the wilderness despite its short distance. The forest here was not burned in the 2017 Eagle Creek wildfire, and a mature canopy remains. Doug fir and big-leaf maple trees shade the trail. The undergrowth is thick with ferns and berry bushes. In spring, trillium and bleeding hearts bloom. About halfway to the waterfall is a staircase down to Bridal Veil Creek.

Once you’re down the stairs, you’ll cross a wooden footbridge over cascading Bridal Veil Creek. You’ll hear the waterfall before you see it. A mossy cliff screens Bridal Veil Falls from view until you’ve crossed the bridge.

Across the bridge, you’ll be on the banks of Bridal Veil Creek. Wading in the chilly water is refreshing on hot summer days. In front of the waterfall sits a giant moss-covered boulder that separated from the cliff face. People often climb it for pictures.

To see the best views of Bridal Veil Falls, continue up the stairs to the viewpoint.

Bridal Veil Falls makes a slightly offset plunge over two tiers. Together, they are 120 feet tall. The waterfall tumbles over a basalt cliff covered in moss and maidenhair ferns, a perfect balance of the rugged and the delicate. Behind it, you’ll see a glimpse of a bridge over the Historic Columbia River Highway.

After seeing Bridal Veil Falls, you can return the way you came or make a little detour to the secret part.

The Secret Part

The secret part is the least interesting part of Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint, but it does have the allure of being overlooked by almost everyone who visits. After you see Bridal Veil Falls, return down the stairs from the viewpoint. Instead of taking the footbridge back, follow the trail to the right into the woods. You’ll be walking next to Bridal Veil Creek.

The trail narrows to a faint path through the undergrowth. After about 0.1 miles, you’ll reach a heavily graffitied building, the last remnant of a mill operation that once stood here. Stick to the outside of the building. Inside is trash and standing water. When you’re ready, return the way you came.

Enjoy your hike to Bridal Veil Falls!

With love,

Emma

Getting there

From I-84, take Exit 28 toward Bridal Veil. Turn right onto the Historic Columbia River Highway and continue for 0.6 miles. The Bridal Veil Falls parking lot will be on your right. A large sign marks the turn. The drive from Portland takes about 30 minutes.

Know before you go