Are there fees or permits required for Bridal Veil Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Bridal Veil Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Bridal Veil Falls.

Live Conditions · 21 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Bridal Veil Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Bridal Veil Falls.

Oregon • 120 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 24 other waterfalls also named Bridal Veil Falls, see below

Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint SREC · SPR

Photo Credits (5)

Ian Sane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

LukeDetwiler CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Ian Sane CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

LukeDetwiler CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

70 ft

About Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls is a picturesque, two-tiered waterfall tucked into the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, dropping about 120 feet. The falls sit within the Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint (designation: SREC) on land owned by SPR and managed by the City, making it an easy and rewarding stop for a short outing or a scenic photo break. A favorite for families and casual hikers, the site offers a short approach to a viewing platform that frames the falls and the surrounding forest. The combination of quick access, dramatic drops, and well-signed day-use facilities makes Bridal Veil Falls a reliably scenic destination for visitors exploring the Gorge.

The Setting

Bridal Veil Falls sits at 177 feet within Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint, fed by the Bull Run River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon. At 120 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.

Height: 120 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Wahkeena Falls (242 ft) lies 2.9 miles to the east. Also nearby: Latourell Falls (224 ft, 2.2 mi) and Coopey Falls (150 ft, 0.9 mi).

Wahkeena Falls Latourell Falls Coopey Falls

Trail & Hike Details

0.5 mi distance 70 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.5-mile out-and-back trail gains 70 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Bridal Veil Falls is a 0.5-mile out-and-back route with about 70 feet of elevation gain and an easy difficulty rating. The path is well-maintained and descends gently through a forested corridor to a viewing platform overlooking the double-tiered cascade. Suitable for most visitors, the short, easy grade and clear footing make it family-friendly and accessible for those looking for a brief, scenic hike.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 120 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Bridal Veil Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Bridal Veil Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the waterfall is at its fullest due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

The trail can be slippery when wet, so exercise caution. Stay on designated paths and avoid climbing near the falls.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

21 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

3.90 ft

Water depth at gauge

54°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle. Water temperature is a bracing 54 degrees F, limit your time in the water. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

26 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

BULL RUN RIVER BLW BULL RUN RES 2, NR BULL RUN, OR

USGS 14139940

7.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 103 sq mi

Altitude: 680 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BULL RUN RIVER BLW BULL RUN RES 2, NR BULL RUN, OR (12 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

21 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Low

24 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

23 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

21 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

21 cfs

5/10

Tue

Low

23 cfs

4/10

Wed

Low

24 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

24 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Washougal hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 237 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 120 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 179 feet above sea level.

The whole reach is steep: about 134 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 139 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Bridal Veil Falls near Washougal, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Bridal Veil Falls near Washougal, Oregon, showing about 237 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 179 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 237 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Bridal Veil Falls is located off the Historic Columbia River Highway, approximately 30 miles east of Portland, Oregon. The trailhead is well-marked and accessible from the Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking lot at Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint. Parking is free but can fill up quickly during peak times.

Elevation

177 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.554314° N, -122.180237° W

Land Management

Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint SREC

Managed by CITY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to secure parking, especially during weekends or holidays. Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy after rain. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

For this easy 0.5 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

EAGLE CREEK OVERLOOK GRP SITE

13.5 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview Eagle Creek Overlook Group Site is set on a forested bluff above the Columbia River, providing an ideal setting for family gatherings and group events. Developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s as a place to view construction of the Bonneville Dam, this site features CCC masonry and offers expansive views of the Columbia River and mountains rising from the gorge.Recreation The Eagle Recreation Area, just a short walk or bike ride away, provides visitors with opportu

Book on Recreation.gov