2 Birds in the Nest: Bridal Veil Falls, Oregon

This mornings hike marked the last hike for cubscouts this year. We chose to mark the occasion by going to Bridal Veil Falls. The hike down to the falls is only 0.6 miles and there is an optional loop at the start of the trail head going in the opposite direction that is 0.5 miles long. Because we were using this hike to earn our hiking badge we did both the trek to the falls and the loop. The boys absolutely loved the location. They had been there before but it was years ago so I don't think they remembered. Bridal Veil is just one of probably a dozen waterfalls located along Oregon Scenic Hwy 30. This is the same road that the famous Multnomah Falls lies on.

What I really love about this hike is that it is a great, family friendly, starter hike. Never been hiking before or a little out of shape? Have tiny little ones who you have to pack in or can't walk far? This is the hike for you. The path is very well maintained all the way down to the falls and the loop itself is completely paved. Viewpoints are fenced so there is little risk of accidents. Only major caution is that there is a lot of poison oak in this area. So please, please stay to the trail and keep the little ones from grabbing at plants along the edges. Last thing you want is an itchy, cranky kiddo cause poison oak got them. Ahh the memories of being slathered in calamine lotion are coming back to me now...sigh*

Family Hike Rating:

Kid friendly: Yes. You are unlikely to find a more kid friendly hike then this one.

Travel time: It's roughly 30 minutes from North Bonneville, WA. Your probably looking at an hour coming from Hood River or 30ish minutes coming from Portland. Please be careful driving on Hwy 30. 30 is a historical highway that is very very narrow. Not only are there areas where its difficult for two cars to pass through safely but you are also sharing the road with a lot of bicyclists who are out enjoying the waterfall tour.

If your going to visit Bridal Veil you should go early in the morning and stop at some of the other falls along the way. Some are only accessible by long hikes up massive switchback trails, others are directly off hwy 30 and can be seen from your car.