Latourell Falls,
Shepperd's Dell and
Bridal Veil Falls

Here's a series of short hikes in the Columbia River Gorge that can be done in only a few hours. Starting with Latourelle Falls and hiking up to the upper falls, then visiting Shepperd's Dell, followed by Bridal Veil Overlook and Bridal Veil Falls.

It's been a cold, late spring in the northwest and the snow level was around 3500 feet. I had already experienced hiking in the snow two weeks ago Silver Star, so I decided to postpone my more aggressive hikes for some low altitude stuff.

At Latourell Falls, the trail starts upward right away. But it's only a short walk to a viewpoint where you can see the entire lower falls in one view. From here, I continued uphill. This is really not a difficult trail compared to some of the others in the area. It is not as difficult as Multnomah Falls, but it is a longer hike.

At the top of the lower falls, there is a bench to sit. But the view is obstructed by a lot of trees and shrubs. Continue uphill. There is a lot of flowers and foliage to enjoy. Several bridges help hikers across small streams.

The upper falls is quite striking. I stopped to get several pictures. It is worth the hike.

Continue over the bridge. The trail goes back downhill on the other side of the stream. When you get to the bottom of the hill, there is a sign that warns you of a road. Cautiously cross the road; the trail continues on the other side.

The Guy W Talbot Park opens up on this path. There are roads you can drive in on to access the park. A covered picnic area is available along with other picnic tables in the open. Looking around, there is a memorial "In memory of the pioneers of Bridal Veil Latourell Palmer & Brower 1930". Another placard gives a little history of Joseph "Frenchy" Latourell.

Look around and you will see where the trail continues back toward the falls. It joins the stream and passes under an impressive bridge that carries traffic on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Soon, the lower falls comes into view. At this point, the trail is much closer to the falls and the view is much more impressive than the initial one. Cross the bridge and continue up the pathway to the parking area. There are some impressive rock formations next to the trail.

Be sure to take time to read the various placards posted around the area. They give some interesting tidbits of history and help to increase the appreciation of the area.

Getting into my car I drove down the road a short way and stopped at Shepperd's Dell. There is a very short trail downward to a nice viewpoint of the falls. The area is quiet, peaceful, and has a reverent atmosphere. I had not known there was a falls here until now. I was surprised, after seeing this, that there was not a larger parking area. From the road, it doesn't seem to be much of an attraction, but it is well worth the visit.

Next stop further east is Bridal Veil State Scenic Viewpoint. I took a trail on the west side of the parking lot and visited the overlook. There are some good views of the Columbia River Gorge and plenty of wildflowers to enjoy. After circling the parking lot, the trail comes to restrooms, and another trail leading downward toward the falls. There are only a couple of switchbacks and each one has a bench that you can stop and rest at on the way back up. At the bottom of the hill, cross a bridge and look to the right. You can see the bottom of the falls. Go a short way uphill to a view point.

Each of these walks are fairly short with Latourell Falls being the longest. Put them together and you can have a fine outing when the cold weather keeps you from the upper altitude hikes.

Did you know that Yosemite National Park has a Bridalveil Falls?

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