Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint in Oregon, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-30. Check linked official notices before travel.

Bridal Veil Falls State Scenic Viewpoint pairs a waterfall walk with a paved river overlook in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge. Choose the upper loop if you want river views; the lower waterfall trail involves a steep descent and an uphill return.

Two short walks with different demands

The Overlook Trail is a paved half-mile loop. The lower trail drops about 0.3 mile toward the falls, so its short distance should not be confused with level walking. Decide which route fits your group before leaving the parking area.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

View the falls from the trail

Do not walk on the Historic Highway bridge to see the waterfall: the two-lane road has no sidewalk. Use the designated trail and viewpoints. Wear footwear suited to the descent, keep children close, and allow enough energy for the return climb.

Protect the gorge landscape

Keep pets physically restrained; a leash must be six feet or shorter. Clean up after them and respect other walkers. Metal detecting is prohibited here. Leave ash, olive, and white fringe tree wood behind, as the park’s advisory restricts movement of those materials.

Special events need separate planning

For an organized event or other special activity, contact the park about its special-use permit process. Discuss the activity, fees, and any insurance requirements before making arrangements. A parking permit does not authorize an event.

Access from the Historic Highway

The site is near milepost 28 on the Historic Columbia River Highway. From I-84 Exit 28, the official directions continue west on the historic highway for roughly three-quarters of a mile. Use the park’s directions and notices to check your approach.

Other stops along the same highway

Shepperd’s Dell State Natural Area is another waterfall stop on the Historic Highway, with roadside parking. Guy W. Talbot State Park and the Latourell Falls trailhead lie along the same corridor, with a picnic area and access toward Lower Latourell Falls. Check road conditions before adding either stop.

Choose a waterfall or river view

Make the upper loop a river-view walk or descend to the waterfall viewpoint if your group is comfortable with the climb back. Add a picnic rather than rushing both trails. Check the posted conditions before committing to a route.

Parking, picnic tables, and restrooms

Picnic tables and restrooms are close to the parking area. Paving on the overlook loop does not establish step-free access to the lower falls. Ask staff about the specific route and surface your group needs. Review the parking permit options before arrival.

A former mill landscape

The lumbering years

A flume brought rough lumber to the local sawmill from 1886. Oregon later purchased the park land in stages between 1970 and 1984.

Plants along the paths

Interpretive signs identify native plants such as trillium and camas. Look without collecting, and keep to the path so plants beside it are not trampled.

Contact the West Gorge park office

Call 503-695-2261 for route conditions, access questions, or special-use arrangements. The statewide visitor guidance explains general park rules.