EXPERIENCE GOD’S MAJESTY as you explore the awe-inspiring beauty and wonder of the world renowned Columbia River Gorge.

The drive to Bridal Veil Lodge is magnificent, whether you travel the Historic Columbia River Highway, or along river's edge on I-84. We recommend the Historic Highway to capture the full essence of the Columbia Gorge. The highway was built in 1916, enabling the motorist to perfectly capture the glory of this verdant natural paradise.

Arched stone walls protect the traveler as he motors by the rocky outcroppings, vistas, and abundant waterfalls, each with its own signature beauty and spirit, and well-maintained hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty level.

Bridal Veil Falls state park is directly across from Bridal Veil Lodge, featuring a walk through wildflower meadows and along the tops of towering bluffs affording a spectacular view of the river and Gorge. A short hike takes you to the beautiful double-tiered Bridal Veil Falls.

Also nearby is the famous Vista House at Crown Point, featured in so many photos of the gorge. Larch Mountain with its panoramic view of the Cascades’ snow-capped peaks is just a few miles above, and swimming and boating facilities, windsurfing, rock-climbing, and hiking opportunities abound.

You may enjoy a cruise on the Columbia on the sternwheeler Columbia Gorge (link), offering very affordable excursions from the town of Cascade Locks.Visit nearby Bonneville Dam, or explore museums and interpretive centers. Ten minutes will take you to the Columbia Gorge factory outlet mall and many antique shops and galleries in nearby Troutdale.

The waterfalls on the drive surrounding Bridal Veil Lodge include Latourell, Shepperd's Dell, Bridal Veil, Wahkeena, Multnomah (the second-highest year-round waterfall in the U.S.), Oneonta Gorge, and Horsetail, with many others a short hike away at most of the above named falls and at Eagle Creek, McCord Creek, and others. Another popular nearby hike is the Angel's Rest trail, which leads to a magnificent viewpoint high atop the hills.

RESTAURANTS
Although Bridal Veil Lodge is in a rural scenic area, we are fortunate to have an excellent restaurant nearby at the historic Multnomah Falls Lodge (link). The main dining area is graced by a massive stone fireplace and large hand-tinted photographs of nearby waterfalls. The "falls room" is a glass-enclosed dining area, and an outdoor area is available as well. Dress as you wish: you will see folks in hiking boots and shorts, as well as couples decked out for an anniversary dinner. The restaurant is open year round. Also at Multnomah Falls you will find a gift shop, interpretive and information center, and snack bar.

Another excellent restaurant slightly farther from Bridal Veil Lodge is the popular Tad's Chicken 'n' Dumplins on the Sandy River at Troutdale. Many other restaurants are found in the Troutdale area to the west and in Cascade Locks and Hood River to the east.

See the links page for more information about these attractions.