Are there fees or permits required for Coopey Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Coopey Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Coopey Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Coopey Falls.

Live Conditions · 9 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Coopey Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Coopey Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Coopey Falls.

Oregon • 150 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Shepperds Dell State Natural Area SCA · SPR

Photo Credits (4)

nwpuzzlr CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Lisa Norwood CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

danlee90278 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

4.8 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

1,500 ft

About Coopey Falls

Coopey Falls is a graceful, 150-foot horsetail waterfall on Coopey Creek tucked into the Columbia River Gorge along the Historic Columbia River Highway in Multnomah County, Oregon. The falls pours in a narrow, ribbon-like sheet down the cliff face, creating a photogenic drop that’s easy to admire from the highway and nearby viewpoints. The site sits within Shepperds Dell State Natural Area (SCA) on land owned by SPR and managed by the city, making it an accessible stop on a Gorge road trip or a short detour from longer hikes in the area. The falls carries a bit of local history: it was named for Charles Coopey, who once owned the adjacent land, and figures into the same regional story as Wahkeena Falls — Simon Benson bought Wahkeena from Coopey after the latter had hoped to use those waters to power a woolen mill. Coopey’s delicate horsetail drop and convenient roadside location make it a rewarding photo stop or quick nature break for hikers exploring the Historic Columbia River Highway corridor.

The Setting

Coopey Falls sits at 371 feet within Shepperds Dell State Natural Area, fed by the North Fork Bull Run River, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon. At 150 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.

Height: 150 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon at 620 feet, lies 2.6 miles to the east. Also nearby: Wahkeena Falls (242 ft, 2.0 mi) and Bridal Veil Falls (120 ft, 0.9 mi).

Multnomah Falls Wahkeena Falls Bridal Veil Falls

Trail & Hike Details

4.8 mi distance 1,500 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 4.8-mile out-and-back trail gains 1,500 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The approach to Coopey Falls is typically combined with nearby Gorge routes; expect an out-and-back outing of roughly 4.8 miles round-trip with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain. The trail is rated moderate and includes steep sections and switchbacks—well-maintained in places but requiring sure footing on the climbs. The waterfall itself is most commonly viewed from a bridge/overlook along the route; there is no established, safe access to the base of the falls. Total vertical of the fall is 150 feet.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 150 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Coopey Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Coopey Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is strongest during this time due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 48°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

Be cautious on the trail, especially during wet or icy conditions, as it can become slippery. Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge near viewpoints.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 3 hours ago Barely Flowing

9 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

10 12 27 48

Based on 60 years of record

0.40 ft

Water depth at gauge

48°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

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 very cold at 48 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

44 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.

NORTH FORK BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR

USGS 14138900

7.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 8 sq mi

Altitude: 1,065 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge NORTH FORK BULL RUN RIVER NEAR MULTNOMAH FALLS, OR (13 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

9 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Low

10 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

10 cfs

3/10

Wed

Low

11 cfs

4/10

Thu

Low

11 cfs

4/10

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

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late November to mid December, peaking in January.

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 laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 292 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 150 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 368 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 131 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 226 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Coopey Falls near Washougal, Oregon, showing about 292 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 368 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 292 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

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

Coopey Falls is located near the Angel's Rest Trailhead, which is accessible from the Historic Columbia River Highway. The trailhead is approximately 30 minutes east of Portland, Oregon.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Angel's Rest Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

371 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.562425° N, -122.164613° W

Land Management

Shepperds Dell State Natural Area SCA

Managed by CITY

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trail can be muddy in wet conditions. Bring water and snacks, especially if continuing to Angel's Rest.

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With 4.8 miles and 1,500 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

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

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

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

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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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

12.6 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