Webster State Park
🌊 A Two-Tier Waterfall on the Historic Columbia River Highway — Where Mossy Basalt Meets Bridal Veil Mist in the Heart of the Gorge — Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint on the Historic Columbia River Highway, Oregon, 118-foot two-tier waterfall cascading over mossy basalt cliffs, 0.6-mile trail to falls viewing platform, separate ADA-accessible Overlook Trail with Columbia River panorama, Pillars of Hercules and Beacon Rock views, spring wildflowers (trillium, lupine, bleeding heart), near Multnomah Falls, restrooms and picnic area — Multnomah County, OR
Three and a half miles west of Multnomah Falls — Oregon’s most visited natural attraction — a 118-foot waterfall drops over mossy basalt cliffs in two tiers, feeding a creek that runs through one of the Columbia River Gorge’s most peaceful side canyons.
Bridal Veil Falls is the waterfall that most Gorge visitors drive past on their way to Multnomah. That’s a mistake. This is a quieter, more intimate experience — a short trail through old-growth-adjacent forest to a wooden viewing platform where the spray hits your face and the sound of falling water fills the canyon.
The Two Trails
| Trail | Details |
|---|---|
| Bridal Veil Falls Trail | 0.6 miles round trip. Descends through forest to a wooden arch bridge over Bridal Veil Creek, then to a viewing platform at the base of the 118-foot two-tier falls. Moderate — includes stairs and uneven terrain. Not wheelchair accessible |
| Overlook Trail | 0.5-mile paved loop. ADA-accessible. Panoramic views of the Columbia River, Pillars of Hercules rock formation, Archer Mountain, and Beacon Rock (Washington side). Interpretive signs on wildflowers |
What Makes It Special
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| The Falls | 118 feet in two tiers over mossy basalt. Water spreads into a veil-like curtain on the lower tier — hence the name |
| Historic Highway | Located at milepost 28 on the Historic Columbia River Highway — America’s first scenic highway, built 1913–1922 |
| Wildflowers | Spring bloom includes trillium, lupine, bleeding heart, and wild iris along both trails. Peak: April–May |
| Columbia Views | The Overlook Trail offers one of the best accessible viewpoints in the Gorge — the river, the basalt cliffs, and Washington’s mountains |
| Fewer Crowds | While Multnomah Falls draws millions, Bridal Veil gets a fraction of the traffic. More peaceful, more photogenic |
The Columbia River Gorge Context
The Columbia River Gorge is the largest National Scenic Area in the United States — 80 miles of towering basalt cliffs carved by the Columbia River and ancient Missoula Floods. The Gorge contains more waterfalls per square mile than anywhere else in North America. Bridal Veil Falls is part of a constellation that includes Multnomah (620 ft), Latourell (249 ft), Wahkeena (242 ft), and dozens more — all within a few miles of each other along the Historic Highway.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Best For |
|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 💐 Peak waterfall flow. Wildflower bloom. Lush moss. Misty conditions at the base |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | 🍂 Autumn color in the Gorge. Lower water but beautiful light. Fewer crowds |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Dry season — falls may reduce to a trickle by August. Hot. Most crowded |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Rain restores flow. Ice possible on trails. Check conditions — road closures happen |
Planning Your Visit
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Historic Columbia River Highway, milepost 28 (I-84 Exit 28) |
| Parking | Small lot — fills fast on weekends. Arrive early or visit weekdays |
| Facilities | Restrooms, picnic area |
| Fee | No fee required |
| Nearby | Multnomah Falls (~3.5 mi east), Latourell Falls (~3 mi west), Wahkeena Falls |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the same as Multnomah Falls?
No — Bridal Veil Falls is a separate, smaller waterfall 3.5 miles west of Multnomah Falls. At 118 feet vs. Multnomah’s 620 feet, it’s more intimate — but also far less crowded.
Can I hike to the base of the falls?
Yes — the 0.6-mile Bridal Veil Falls Trail ends at a viewing platform near the base. You’ll feel the spray. The trail includes stairs and is not wheelchair accessible, but the Overlook Trail offers an accessible alternative with Columbia River views.
When does it flow best?
Spring — March through May — when snowmelt and rain produce the strongest flow. By late summer the falls can reduce significantly.
🌊 The Gorge’s Quieter Masterpiece
A 118-foot two-tier waterfall over mossy basalt, a half-mile to the viewing platform, and no crowds — 3 miles from Multnomah Falls on the Historic Columbia River Highway.
