Shepperd’s Dell State Natural Area
🏆🏆🏆🏆 Columbia Gorge Waterfall — Delicate 70-foot bridal veil waterfall in a fern-draped grotto along the Historic Columbia River Highway
Shepperd’s Dell State Natural Area protects a stunning two-tiered waterfall in a lush, fern-draped grotto along the Historic Columbia River Highway in the Columbia River Gorge. The graceful 70-foot falls cascade into a narrow basalt canyon spanned by the original 1914 highway bridge designed by Karl Billner. The site is one of the most photographed spots on the “Waterfall Alley” section of the Gorge — where 77 waterfalls cascade within a few miles.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Historic Columbia River Hwy, OR |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Waterfall | 70-foot two-tiered falls |
| Bridge | Historic 1914 highway bridge |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this compare to Multnomah Falls?
Shepperd’s Dell is much smaller but more intimate. The fern-draped grotto, historic bridge, and delicate cascade offer a completely different atmosphere than the towering Multnomah Falls. Both are on the same Historic Highway — visit both!
Is Shepperd’s Dell accessible?
The viewpoint is visible from the road/bridge. The trail to the base of the falls has been closed for safety concerns — check Oregon State Parks for current status. The bridge view alone is worth the stop.
About Shepperd’s Dell
Shepperd’s Dell State Natural Area features a stunning double waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge — Young Creek plunges in two tiers into a fern-lined grotto. The historic Shepperd’s Dell Bridge (1914) by architect K.P. Billner is an elegant stone-faced concrete arch spanning the canyon.
Things to Do
Viewing the waterfall from the historic bridge, photography of the fern grotto and double cascade. The site is a popular stop on the Historic Columbia River Highway waterfall driving tour between Crown Point and Multnomah Falls.
Insider Tips
Columbia Gorge waterfall: Shepperd’s Dell is one of the most elegant waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge — a 90-foot double cascade in a narrow basalt grotto. Pro tip: The historic bridge over the falls (1914) was designed by the same engineers who built the Historic Columbia River Highway. Less crowded: While tourists mob Multnomah Falls, Shepperd’s Dell offers similar beauty with a fraction of the visitors.
Best Time to Visit
Spring: Peak water flow and wildflowers. Fall: Vine maple turns scarlet in the grotto. Summer: Cool mist from the falls. Winter: Ice formations on the cliff face (road may be closed).
Wildlife & Nature
Shepperd’s Dell State Natural Area — a dramatic cliff-walled canyon in the Columbia River Gorge — features a delicate waterfall that plunges into a mossy grotto. The historic bridge spanning the chasm was designed by engineer Samuel Lancaster as part of the original Historic Columbia River Highway (1913-1922). The dell’s sheltered microclimate supports lush fern gardens — maidenhair fern, sword fern, and licorice fern drape the basalt walls. The gorge’s unique wind patterns create conditions for endemic wildflowers found nowhere else on Earth. Columbia gorge daisy, Barrett’s beardtongue, and Thompson’s waterleaf are gorge endemics. American dippers nest behind the waterfall. Pacific wrens — tiny birds with disproportionately loud, complex songs — sing from the rocky ledges.
Nearby Attractions
Multnomah Falls (620 feet) is minutes east. Latourell Falls — with its distinctive yellow-green lichen-covered cliff face — is the first major waterfall on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Bridal Veil Falls and Wahkeena Falls are nearby. Crown Point Vista House offers 360-degree gorge panoramas. Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint provides the classic “postcard view” of the gorge with Crown Point in the distance. Rooster Rock State Park offers Columbia River beach access.
💧 Visit Shepperd’s Dell SNA
Gorge grotto — delicate waterfall under a 1914 bridge on Waterfall Alley.
