Shepperd's Dell & Bridal Veil Falls (Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - Part 3)

Third in Columbia River Gorge series is Shepperd's Dell and Bridal Veil Falls.

Shepperd's Dell is a small canyon in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, which is on the road itself. Its nothing grand visually but had read that its an engineering marvel in itself to get a bridge in this section of the gorge,

Bridal veil falls is a very short trail from the parking, and but one of the most beautiful falls in this gorge. At Least this fall unlike many others stands true to its name. One can walk the trail and reach a wooden deck to get the below view. The drop is set beautifully and gives the fall a dramatic look.

Columbia river gorge is home to some of the most beautiful falls, easily accessible from road. The fall colors did give them a new dimension. I had missed on some of the hikes in this region and would come back for sure.

Adieu
Divya

Oregon Coast Drive

We just had a day for the coast drive, which is not sufficient enough. At Least 4-5 days are required to travel through the Oregon coast and enjoy it fully. But we decided to do the Scenic Highway 30 and Reach Astoria and then drive back to Portland.

Portland to Astoria on highway 30 is a beautiful drive by the side of river columbia. You can't see the river from the road but its there at a nearby distance. The highway is beautiful during fall and has some amazing fall colors.



When about to reach Astoria, you get a beautiful glimpse of this bridge joining Oregon and Washington, the north end of the bridge takes you to a new state. The bridge is beautiful and fascinating.

The Megler Bridge outside of Astoria

We got on the bridge and drove to Ocean Park, and back from Long beach to Astoria via the same bridge.


Long beach was very quiet, just few fishermen looking out for crabs. You could just sit here whole day and look at waves.

Started back from astoria to Portland through  Seaside.

Spent couple of hours at Seaside with coffee and an excellent view of the sunset.

Drive from highway 16 back to portland was very beautiful in full moon light. For us it was more like a casual drive. But we plan to go back the same route with 4-5 days in hand, stay near side side inns and enjoy the beaches.

Adieu

Divya

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon (Part II)

Latourell Falls

As you enter the Columbia river gorge, Latourell falls is the first waterfall on the way. Barely visible from the parking area but a very short distance walk to the base of the waterfall.

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon (Part I) HERE

Latourell Falls view from the trail head

There is something different about these waterfalls, check the lower picture. Can you figure out anything unusual ?

See those rocks behind the water drop, those are columnar basalt formations. One can easily walk on the side and reach the rock cavity just behind the falls. 

These formations looked very similar to Devils Postpile National Monument near Mammoth Mountain, which I visited sometime back.

Latourell Falls, notice the background

More about other falls in later posts.

Adieu
Divya

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area Oregon (Part I)

Just a short drive from Portland, Columbia River Gorge a 40 mile stretch is home to some of the most exciting waterfalls. Starting this post with a rest stop at Lewis and Clark State Park enroute the famous Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon

 A nice picnic spot amidst beautiful colors and Sandy river.

Lewis and Clark State Park

At height of 733ft, Crown point has the most amazing panoramic view of  Historic Columbia River Highway. Unfortunately the Vista house/The observatory was closed due to high winds, we could literally feel those gushing high speed winds.

Crown point Observatory

Even though it was a cloudy day with drizzles, the view from the observatory was breath taking. I can only imagine the view it has to provide on a clear day.

Cloudy view from the Crown point

View from the other end of the observatory

There is so much to say and write about the beautiful gorge specially about waterfalls, More about that in other post. For now Crown point is definitely a beautiful stop for some amazing panorama, but don't forget to pack that wind jackets and an umbrella.

Adieu.
Divya