2024 Multnomah Falls Guide
At 611-feet (between the upper and lower portions), Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the crown jewel…
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products or services that I believe will add value to my readers.
At 611-feet (between the upper and lower portions), Multnomah Falls is the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the crown jewel of the state.
It’s been on our bucket list for quite some time and recently, we were fortunate enough to finally see it for ourselves. Let me tell ya, it was every bit as epic as we were expecting.
We discovered, however, that depending what time of year you go, it isn’t as simple as just, ‘showing up’. You will have a few things to iron out before going.
So what do you need to know before going? Will you need a permit? Is there an admission fee? How do you get there? We cover all of that and more below. (Updated January 22nd, 2024.)
*A big fire ripped through this area a few years ago and severely damaged many trails. Some have been repaired and reopened, but others remain closed. For up-to-date information on trail closures and what’s open, refer to the website, “Ready Set Gorge”.
*Multnomah Falls, including its trails, are open to the public.
Directions To Multnomah Falls
Multnomah Falls is easy to get to and is conveniently located right off of the Columbia Gorge Historic Scenic Byway.
The nearest town to it is Troutdale, Oregon, but it isn’t far from major cities like Portland and Vancouver. In fact, it’s only a 30-minute(ish) drive from either.
Distance to Multnomah Falls
From downtown Portland: 32 miles or a 35 minute drive
From Portland Airport: 26 miles or a 30 minute drive
From downtown Vancouver: 34 miles or a 40 minute drive
From Salem, Oregon: 75 miles or a 1 hour and 20 minute drive
From Eugene, Oregon: 140 miles or a 2 hour and 15 minute drive
It’s one of the most visited natural sites in the Pacific Northwest, so road signage is plentiful. Plugging in, ‘Multnomah Falls”, into your GPS of choice will get you there easily.
What we suggest you do, especially if you’re coming from Portland, is to start at Vista House and then work your way from waterfall to waterfall along the Historic Columbia River Highway.
Multnomah Falls Parking
There are two parking lots at Multnomah Falls. The closest is the small one directly across the street from the lodge along the historic highway. By our estimate, it can hold around fifty vehicles.
If you’re able to snag a spot here (like we did), it’ll grant you the fastest and most convenient access to the falls. Just cross the street and you’re there. In addition, you won’t need a parking permit.
It’s a small lot, though. We were here in March, arrived early, and got the second to last available spot. In the summer months, it can and does fill quickly.
The larger lot is right off of I-84 via exit 31. A walking path leads you from the lot, under the highway and to the crosswalk. There’s no fee during the off-season. However, between May and September, you’ll need a timed use permit (more on that below).
Multnomah Falls Timed-Use Permits
During the summer months, you will need a timed reservation in order to park at the I-84 lot (exit 31). In 2023, the official timeframe is May 26th - September 4th.
*Note: There hasn’t been an announcement as of yet pertaining to timed reservations for 2024. However, the 2023 test proved to be successful, so I predict the same process for this year. I will update this post when details are released.
Timed reservations are made through Recreation.gov and there are two options to consider:
Option One: Timed reservations become available 14-days from your desired date, starting at 7am PST, on a rolling daily period. For example, if your desired date is August 15th, reservations become available August 1st. at 7am PST.
Option Two: A certain (unspecified) amount of timed reservation permits will be available for same-day, in person pick up at the Gateway to the Gorge Visitor Center in Troutdale and at the Cascade Locks Historical Museum.
The fee for a reservation is $2.00, per permit. You’ll only need one permit, per vehicle. This is NOT a per person charge. If you arrive early enough and find parking at the small lot along the historic highway, a timed use permit is NOT required.
In 2022, Oregon officials decided to restrict access to the historic highway (waterfall corridor) between Bridal Veil Falls and just past Multnomah Falls via a timed use permit during the summer months.
For 2023 (and presumably beyond), they’ve decided to contain the permit requirement to just the I-84 parking lot for Multnomah Falls. You will NOT need an additional permit to access the waterfall corridor.
Some other things you’ll need to know:
You must arrive at the time stated on your reservation. You’ll be given a one-hour grace period. After that, your reservation becomes invalid.
You can show either a printed copy or the digital version (preferred).
Drop-offs in front of the Lodge will not be allowed.
Once you’re there, you can stay for as long as you like.
Timed reservations are NOT required if you arrive via shuttle, bicycle, or tour.
Shuttle Service To Multnomah Falls
Taking a shuttle to Multnomah Falls is an excellent alternative to driving and dealing with the traffic congestion.
There are numerous operators, each with their own fees, operation schedules, and pick-up locations. All, however, offer hop-on/hop-off privileges at all the main sites.
These include:
Multnomah Falls
Crown Point (Vista House)
Latourell Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
Wahkeena Falls
Horsetail Falls
And more!
Fares vary, but between the three that we’ve found, it seems to be a range of $15 - $21, per adult. Some include one child in the price.
Here are the shuttle operators. Tap or click the name to go to their website:
The cost of shuttles are way more than the reservation fee for sure, but the advantages of not having to worry about getting one at all or dealing with parking may be worth it to you.
Lower Viewing Deck
The main viewing deck is in front of the lower section of the falls. It’s the easy to get to as it’s just to the left of Multnomah Falls Lodge.
There’s a ramp to the right of the stairwell enabling access for wheelchairs and strollers. You can enter the ramp near the lodge’s snack bar.
It’s where most people view and photograph the falls from and is open year round. Even on a busy day, there’s plenty of elbow room.
Benson Bridge
The footbridge is a unique feature of Multnomah Falls. It is named after a man named Simon Benson, who is the person responsible for the bridge’s conception.
It was built in 1914 and is made of reinforced concrete. It spans across Multnomah Creek, between the waterfall’s two cascades, 105-feet above the base of the lower fall.
It provides unparalleled views of the upper section and connects visitors to the trail leading to the top of Multnomah.
To access the bridge, you’ll see an iron gate to the side at the lower viewing deck. Go through the gate and continue up the Larch Mountain trail.
*During winter, the bridge is known to freeze over. If this occurs, that gate will be closed and visitors are not allowed past that point.
From the lower viewing deck, it’s a 2/10’s of a mile, steadily uphill walk to the bridge. It is paved and the falls are within view nearly the entire route.
Hiking Trails To The Top & Beyond
If you’re feeling up to it, you can continue for another 8/10’s of a mile (one-mile from the bottom) to the top of Multnomah Falls.
You’ll be going up switchbacks the entire way and there’s a small viewing deck at the end overlooking the top of the falls.
We decided against this as the bridge was fairly iced over and we were told by others coming back down that the trail itself was worse.
If it’s warmer while you’re here, we definitely recommend going up there. We’ll be doing it on our next visit for sure.
There are two other destinations you can reach from this trail. They are:
Wahkeena Falls: Via the Wahkeena Trail portion, you’ll continue past the upper deck of Multnomah Falls and will eventually reach Wahkeena Falls, passing multiple other waterfalls along the way. Total milage from the bottom is 1.8-miles.
Larch Mountain: For those looking for a challenge, hike up to Larch Mountain. Based on the pictures we’ve seen, the views are spectacular. Total milage from the bottom is 6.8-miles.
SEE MY TOP RECOMMENDATION FOR A DAY HIKE BACKPACK ON AMAZON HERE!
Multnomah Falls Lodge
Multnomah Falls Lodge is an authorized concessioner providing many amenities to visitors. It features a gift shop, restroom, restaurant, and espresso bar.
If you want to dine here, specifically in the summer months, reservations are highly ecouraged. If you want to check out their menu, go here.
If you’re like us and visit during the off-season, you shouldn’t have a problem getting a table. We walked in and we’re seated right away.
The service was great, we were seated at a table with a great view of Multnomah, the beer was cold, and the food was good.
Nearby Lodging
Despite the name suggesting so, Multnomah Falls Lodge doesn’t have a hotel attached to it.
If you’ll be spending the majority of your vacation in the Columbia River Gorge, here are a few hotels located nearby:
Columbia Gorge Hotel: In Hood River, Oregon, 25-miles east
Best Western Columbia Inn: In Cascade Locks, Oregon, 11-miles east
Edgefield Manor: In Troutdale, Oregon, 18-miles west
So where should you stay? That’s dependent on your preferences, plans, and budget. If you’re coming strictly for the gorge, we would recommend staying in Troutdale or Cascade Locks.
If you plan to visit Portland as well, basing yourself in the downtown area and driving/shuttling into the gorge may make more economic sense.
Weather and Best Time To Go
We visited Multnomah Falls in March of 2022. The weather, while a bit chilly in the morning, was great and we experienced very little in the way of crowds.
If your goal is to see Multnomah at its peak flow and the least amount of visitors possible, we recommend visiting in either winter or mid-spring.
Just keep in mind that due to the mist from the upper fall, Benson Bridge often freezes over and thus, the bridge and trail closes to the public for safety.
In winter, the lower viewing deck could also be frozen over due to snowy conditions.
During our visit, the bridge was partially frozen, but open. We witnessed more than a few people nearly eat concrete (including us) because of it.
If you want to ensure that you can access the bridge, then summer or fall would be the times to go. However, these months come with their own downsides:
Crowds get thick.
Parking can be difficult to come by.
You’ll need a timed reservation to go.
The flow dies off a little bit (winter/spring is the peak).
It’s hot (summer)
If you can stomach the above challenges, then visiting during summer or fall would be the way to go if Benson Bridge is important to you.
For our next visit, we plan to go during the fall. We’ve seen photographs of the fall foliage in the gorge and it is simply stunning.
Additional Information & Reminders
There are no EV charging stations. The nearest ones are in Troutdale, Oregon, west of Multnomah Falls.
Drone use is prohibited. It’s painful, but true. As of January, 2022, the use of drones at Multnomah Falls is prohibited.
Reservations may be required. If your visit coincides with the mid-May to mid-September timeframe, you will need a reservation through recreation.gov.
There are amenities. There’s a clean restroom, gift shop, ATM, snack bar, and restaurant on-site, but no lodging. The closest hotels are in either Troutdale or Cascade Locks.
The bottom platform is handicap accessible. There’s a ramp adjacent to the stairs leading to the bottom platform. All of it is paved. The trail going to bridge, while paved, is not accessible.
Pets are allowed. As long as they’re leashed, you can bring your pet.
Benson Bridge may be closed during your visit. If it freezes over, Benson Bridge closes to the public.
A Quick Note…
We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, we’ve added Amazon links to those products and others we recommend.
If you decide to purchase, Amazon will pay us a small commission at no additional cost to you.
“Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is a great resource for anyone starting out in photography)
“The Landscape Photography Book” by Scott Kelby (another great resource for beginners)
Take A Self-Guided Tour of Pittock Mansion in Portland
Welcome to the historic splendor of Portland’s crown jewel - Pittock Mansion. Perched atop the West Hills, this elegant…
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Welcome to the historic splendor of Portland’s crown jewel - Pittock Mansion. Perched atop the West Hills, this elegant chateau beckons visitors with its captivating architecture and breathtaking views.
Embark on a journey through time as we delve into the rich history and opulent charm of Pittock Mansion, offering a glimpse into the lives of Portland's most influential family.
Join us as we uncover the fascinating stories and hidden treasures that await behind the doors of this iconic landmark.
As I usually am with these types of posts, I’m going to be vague when discussing the tour and what you’ll see as I don’t want to spoil everything.
I’ll first go over the parking situation at Pittock Mansion, as well as tours offered and admission fees. Then, I’ll discuss the history of the mansion and its former owners, while showcasing photos I took that’ll provide a glimpse into what you’ll see on the tour.
Let’s get into it!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
Pittock Mansion Location, Parking & Admission Fees
Pittock Mansion (pronounced Pit-Tick) is located within one of Portland’s Forest Park, and is near many popular attractions such as the Portland Japanese Garden, Oregon Zoo, and the Wildwood Trail (which will also take you to the famed Witches Castle).
For GPS purposes, its address is:
3229 NW Pittock drive
Parking at Pittock Mansion is easy with its large, paved lot near the mansion’s entrance. The mansion is part of Portland’s “Pay to Park” program.
The parking rate here is $2 per hour with a daily maximum of $8. The enforcement hours are between 9:30am - 8:00pm, inclusive of holidays. You can see up to date rates and additional information at Portland.gov.
Currently, the only tour offered is self-guided and you’ll need to pay for admission. Pittock Mansion tour prices (as of July 2023) are:
$14.50 (Adults)
$12.50 (Seniors 65 & up)
$10.50 (Children 6 - 18)
Free (Children 6 & under)
During the self-guided tour, you’ll have access to the mansion itself and the grounds. Currently, there is no access to the Gate Lodge. You can check the status of that here.
Tour tickets can be purchased on site (not recommended during summer months) or online. You’ll be asked to choose your date of visit and an entry time.
Keep in mind that you don’t need to purchase a ticket in order to visit the grounds. You’ll only need one if you actually want to see the interior of the mansion.
Pittock Mansion History & Tour Photos
Pittock Mansion was built in 1914 by Henry and Georgiana Pittock, who are considered to be the founders of Portland as we know it.
Henry and Georgiana would arrive to Portland (separately) in the mid-1850’s. Henry would go on own the successful newspaper, The Oregonian (which prints to this day), and become a savvy investor in industries such as real estate, silver mining and the railroad.
Georgiana would become an influential leader and figurehead in Portland, founding many local charities and organizations, such as The Ladies Relief Society, Women’s Union, and The Martha House.
The 16,000 square foot, French Renaissance style home was designed by architect Edward T. Foulkes with all the latest (of the time) technology.
As you’ll likely notice, the mansion was built in an oval shape with 45 degree angled wings. This was done to enable a commanding view of downtown Portland and the beautiful Cascade Mountains.
There are 23 rooms contained within the mansion, of which include; a sewing room, smoking room, music room, library, five large bedrooms and two sleeping porches.
You’ll have access to view many of the rooms listed above. You’ll also ascend the multi-level dueling grand staircase, with marble flooring throughout, as part of the tour.
Henry and Georgiana weren’t the only two that lived here. In fact, many members of their extended family moved in with them when construction completed.
This included their two daughters and their husbands, as well as their three grandchildren, Rhoda, Georgiana, and Peter (who was born in the mansion). Their two orphaned nieces also took up residence in the hilltop home.
As fate would have it, Henry and Georgiana would only enjoy the mansion and its splendors for four years. Georgiana would pass away in 1918 from stroke complications, with Henry following suit just a few months later.
The family continued to live in the mansion well into the 1950’s, with grandson Peter and his father, Edward, being the final residents.
In 1958, they moved out of the mansion and put it up for sale. After sitting empty for four years, the mansion was heavily damaged by a hurricane-like storm and consequently fell into disrepair.
By 1964, developers set their sights on the mansion, wanting to bulldoze it to make way for a new housing development. Portlanders, however, had something else in mind.
Citizens rallied against the idea of a development and instead demanded the mansion be repaired and preserved. The city agreed, paying a cool $225,000 for the property ($67,500 of which was raised by citizens).
Repairs took fifteen months to complete but by late 1965, Pittock Mansion opened to the public. The transformation from a private, luxurious residence to a historic museum was complete.
Today, the Pittock Mansion Society, a local non-profit, manages the day-to-day operations of the property and ensures it’s preservation for all.
I hope you’ll consider visiting and taking a tour of Pittock Mansion during your trip to Portland. It’s truly a beautiful property and a classic Portland experience.
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Gilda’s: A Wonderful Italian Restaurant in Portland
During our trip to Portland last year, my wife and I were looking for a nice Italian restaurant for our anniversary…
2 minute read | may contain affiliate links
During our trip to Portland last year, my wife and I were looking for a nice Italian restaurant to host our anniversary dinner. After scouring Yelp, we landed on Gilda’s.
Based on reviews, locals and visitors alike seemed to enjoy it (which is rare) and the dimly lit, semi-casual atmosphere seemed right up our ally.
Additionally, it isn’t a chain. It’s locally owned and operated, which is something we make a point of supporting during our travels.
Take all that and combine it with the fact that it was a quick 15 minute walk from our downtown area hotel and it was a no-brainer.
So if you’re looking for an Italian restaurant in Portland, read on to find out about our experience, what we ordered, our recommendations and more!
Restaurant Info
Location: Portland, OR
Address: 1601 SW Morrison Street
Cost: Mid - high range
Food: Italian
Open: Lunch & dinner (closed for a couple hours in between)
Seating: Indoor. Dining room and lounge available
Alcohol: Extensive beer, wine and cocktail offerings
Website/Menu: www.gildasitalianrestaurant.com
Our Visit: March 2022
Disclaimer: I am not a professional restaurant critic, nor has this restaurant offered me any incentive to write this post. My opinions are my own and are based on my personal experience only.
Gilda’s is located in the Portland neighborhood of Goose Hallow, on the ground level of the historic Commodore Hotel.
It was opened by Chef Marco in 2010 and expanded in 2012 with the opening of the lounge in the adjacent space.
Chef Marco received his culinary training at Apicious International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy. He credits his mother and grandmother (Gilda) as his early culinary influences.
As you may have guessed, the restaurant is lovingly named to honor Grandma Gilda, who sadly passed away in 2008, just two years before its opening.
According to the website, Grandma Gilda was known for her love of cooking homemade pasta, pizzas, soups and desserts for family and friends.
To her, food equalled love, and that’s the same passion for cooking Chef Marco committed to bringing to the City of Roses.
The dining room is dimly lit with Italian themed decor throughout, giving off a romantic, yet cozy atmosphere. A large photo of Grandma Gilda hangs deservedly near the entrance.
The menu consists of many Italian classics you know and love such as rigatoni, spaghetti and meatballs, and pappardelle, as well as rotating specials.
They also have an extensive libations menu consisting of a variety of beers, wines and cocktails. I deviated from my usual Old Fashion to try their Blackberry Lemon Drop (and I have no regrets).
Its base is Tito’s Vodka (a popular brand out of Austin, Texas) mixed with fresh lemon juice and blackberry coulis, finished with a lemon wedge and sugared rim.
I may or may not have ordered a few of these as I found the drink delicious, never mind smooth and perfectly crafted.
We were served a starter of their garlic bread with a side of tomato sauce. If you like garlicky-garlic bread, this is for you.
For our entrees, my wife ordered their special at the time, an oxtail dish. Speaking truthfully, she was let down by it as she felt the oxtail was overcooked and lacked sufficient flavor.
I kept it simple by ordering the Rigatoni Alla Bolognese, a house staple that I thoroughly enjoyed. The housemade pasta was perfectly cooked, the sauce had excellent flavor and I received a generous heaping of parmesan.
To finish the meal, we ordered the Italian classic, Tiramisu. I’ve yet to have a bad Tiramisu and Gilda’s was no exception (I bit into it before getting a picture).
Aside from my wife’s dish, we had a great experience at Gilda’s. If we’re ever in Portland again (and we definitely will be), we wouldn’t hesitate to book a table.
Whether you’re a visitor looking for a great place to eat in Portland or a local looking for a date night meal, I hope you’ll consider Gilda’s.
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Thank you for reading.
Latourell Falls: A Stunning Waterfall Near Portland Oregon
Of all the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, Latourall Falls, a 224-foot single-plunge fall, is the closest to Portland…
2 minute read | contains affiliate links
Of all the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, Latourall Falls, a 224-foot single-plunge fall, is the closest to Portland.
It’s also your first introduction to what is known as the, “Waterfall Corridor”, a miles-long road featuring an endless amount of waterfalls.
So how do you get to Latourell Falls? How long is the trail? We answer all these questions and more below.
Quick Stats
Location: Guy W. Tolbot State Park (Corbett, OR)
Fee: None
Permit: If you’re here during the summer season, you’ll need a permit to access the waterfall corridor
Open: Year round
For: Hikers
Restroom: In the parking lot
Parking: Large lot at the trailhead
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: High
Trail Type: Loop
Mileage: 0.2 - 2.4 miles (depending how far you take it)
Elevation Gain: Up to 639-feet
Condition: Maintained
Features: Two waterfalls if you complete the loop
Pets: Allowed on leash
Drones: Not permitted
Hazards: During winter or late spring, the trail can be dangerously icy
Our Visit(s): March 2022
Getting There & Parking
If you’re like most people, you’re probably coming from Portland. If so, then plug, “Vista House”, into your phone’s GPS.
Be sure to pull over and spend some time taking in the views of the Columbia River Gorge from here. They’re stunning.
When you’re done, get back on the road and continue going around the Vista House. From there, it’s only 2.5-miles to Latourell Falls.
Shortly after crossing a moss-covered bridge, you’ll see the parking lot on your right. It’s a fairly large lot with restrooms.
Decide Between The Loop or The Base
Latourell Falls can be partially viewed from the handicap accessible viewing deck adjacent to the parking lot.
For the full experience, though, take either the paved, short trail to the base or complete the full loop.
The trail to the base of the falls is just 0.2-miles (or about a 5-minute walk)
The loop trail is 2.4-miles and takes you up and over to another waterfall (Upper Latourell) and then down to the base of Lower Latourell.
If at first you decide to go to the base but later change your mind and want to do the loop, cross the footbridge at the base and continue on.
If you want to begin with the loop, you’ll see the trailhead to the left of the base trail. It’s an immediate climb from the get-go.
We were here in March and it was especially rainy and cold that morning. Due to this, much of the loop was iced over. So we just did the base.
As stated above, the trail to the base of the falls is mostly paved and only takes about 5-minutes.
This portion of the trail ends at a small look-out directly next to the waterfall. It enables you to get very close.
Due to this, expect it to be misty and on top of that, icy if you’re here in winter or early spring.
The area around the falls is like a fairytale with all the moss covered trees. Even the fall’s basalt-rock wall has moss all over it.
To your right, you’ll notice a footbridge crossing over the creek. This is where you’ll continue along the loop if you wanted.
This footbridge can be especially icy in the right conditions. It was when I was there. I almost biffed it a few times trying to take these photos.
If you don’t want to continue onto the loop, simply head back the same way you came to return to your vehicle.
Additional Waterfalls Nearby
Latourell Falls is only the beginning. There are many, many more waterfalls as your progress further down the corridor.
A few of those are:
Bridal Veil Falls: Read about our visit here
Wahkeena Falls: Read about our visit here
Multnomah Falls: The tallest waterfall in Oregon! Read about our experience here
Your Thoughts…
Does Latourell Falls seem like a place you and your family would enjoy?
Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers.
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Thank you for reading.
Check Out These Amazing California Destinations!
Hug Point Waterfall and Sea Caves: How To Get There, Timing The Tide, and More
Ever wanted to check out a waterfall that feeds directly into the ocean? If you’re near the beautiful coastal town of Canon Beach…
4 minute read | Contains affiliate links
Ever wanted to check out a waterfall that feeds directly into the ocean? If you’re near the beautiful coastal town of Canon Beach, you won’t have to look far.
Just four or five miles south on Highway 101 is Hug Point State Recreation Site. This gorgeous 43-acre stretch of Oregon coastline is not to be missed.
The site features the namesake waterfall, a bounty of sea caves carved into rugged sandstone, and jaw-dropping coastal views.
Many people come to Hug Point to see this rare phenomenon for themselves but as some find out, it isn’t as simple as just showing up. You need to know a couple things first.
Thankfully, seeing the waterfall and sea caves is easy as long as you know what you’re doing and are prepared. Things can go south rather quickly otherwise.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with all the necessary information you’ll need to ensure a successful visit (and remain safe at the same time). Let’s get into it!
Here’s some great beach gear we recommend…
Getting Here
The Hug Point waterfall can be found at Hug Point State Recreation Site, just five or so miles from the equally must-see attraction, Haystack Rock.
Getting here from other cities is simple as it’s located along Highway 101. Since it’s a popular spot, any GPS system would easily get you there.
If you’re staying in Portland, it’s an easy day trip. If you brought your own vehicle or can rent one, the drive from downtown to Hug Point is only 83-miles (one-way).
If you don’t have access to a vehicle, there’s a bus that provides twice-daily service from Portland to Canon Beach.
Something you should know, though, is the bus does not service Hug Point directly. It drops off near Haystack Rock’s public parking area in Canon Beach.
So you’ll either need to hitch-hike, walk from Haystack Rock to Hug Point on the beach, or try your luck with ride-sharing options.
Parking
There’s a narrow, but large parking lot at Hug Point that leads straight down to the beach. There are public restrooms and walkways on either side.
We were here in March and arrived at around 1pm. To our surprise, we had no issue getting a parking spot. If you’re here in the summer, though, plan to arrive early.
There were, “no parking”, signs all along the road outside the lot so if it’s full, you may have to circle around a few times until a spot opens up.
As you make your way to the stairs leading to the beach, keep an eye out for a lookout point on your right. There’s a small, short spur trail that’ll lead you to it.
This view gives you a great idea of how inaccessible Hug Point is during high tide; as you can easily see the wave lines up to the rocks.
Hug Point Tide Times
Before we get to the waterfall, we want to reiterate the importance of checking the tide before you go, as the waterfall is 100% inaccessible during high tide.
Timing low tide is important, but knowing when high tide comes back in is even more so. You do NOT want to get stuck out there.
To check tide times by specific dates, check this website. Be sure to bookmark it and check again before your visit.
Hug Point Waterfall
From the stairs leading to the beach, getting to the waterfall is simple and straight forward. Simply go north (right) from the stairs, towards the large sea cliff ahead.
You’ll go around the sea cliff at the point (the side closest to the water) and continue straight. As you get around it, you’ll see the waterfall about 200 yards out.
When Hug Point waterfall came into view, I was floored by the amazing scenery. Even though it wasn’t at peak flow (more on that later).
In case you’re wondering, yes, you can climb up to the top of the falls. There isn’t much to see and the rocks on the way up are slick, but you’re ok to go up.
Facing the beach from the top provides a unique perspective that most don’t see (most people look at the waterfall and move on).
Just know that at peak flow, it may be too dangerous to go up to the top. Just use common sense and you should be fine.
The beach in front of the waterfall makes for a great spot for a family picnic or recreating. During our visit people were flying kites, picnicing, etc.
Just around the way from the waterfall are a handful of caves carved into the limestone by waves over thousands of years.
Definitely check these out but as stated above, be mindful of high tide. Getting stuck in one of those caves wouldn’t end well.
The largest one we had found is at the back of the cliffs and has multi-colored patterns on the limestone. You can see, in great detail, the pattern of the waves in the rock.
When we got around to the other side, though, it was pitch black and the flashlight on our phones didn’t suffice. So bring a good flashlight if you wish to explore further.
To the left of the caves, you’ll see a shelf that literally “hugs” the cliffside. Take this to go to the other side to another beach and a beautiful enclave.
The shelf is covered with thousands of mussels and unfortunately, you can’t walk here without crushing at least a handful of them.
*Fun Fact: Early Oregon pioneers used this shelf to cross from one end of the beach to the other in stagecoaches.
At the end of the shelf, if you look out into the distance, you’ll see Haystack Rock. If you have the time, you could walk all the way to it from here.
As long as the tide remains low, you can explore all you want. When you’re done, simply head back in the same direction you came.
When To Go
If your main goal is to see the Hug Point waterfall at full flow, then you’ll want to visit in the winter or in very early spring after a healthy rain or snowfall.
When we visited in mid-March, it definitely wasn’t at peak flow. So November - February would probably be your best bet.
There isn’t much rain in the summer so obviously, the later into summer it is, the less flow there will be. Plus, summer is swarming with people.
If you just want to see it and don’t care about how heavy the flow is, then anytime is a good time, really. It just depends on your tolerance for crowds.
A Quick Note…
We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, we’ve added Amazon links to those products and others that we recommend.
If you decide to purchase, Amazon will pay us a small commission. This helps us keep Inked with Wanderlust running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.
“Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is a great resource for anyone starting out in photography)
It is our hope that this article was helpful to you in planning your next adventure. If so, please share it with your family and friends on Facebook or Pinterest.
You can further show support by subscribing to our newsletter below. In it, you’ll receive a once weekly newsletter containing announcements, new post alerts, news, and more!
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please engage with us in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
Haystack Rock: How To Get There, Parking, History, and More!
Haystack Rock is one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks and has been featured in countless publications, TV shows, and…
4 minute read | Contains affiliate links
Haystack Rock is one of Oregon’s most recognizable landmarks and has been featured in countless publications, TV shows, and movies (The Goonies being the most infamous).
Rising 235-feet above this beautiful stretch of coastline, this huge stack of basalt rock features amazing geology, colorful tide pools, and is the seasonal home to the Tufted Puffin.
Haystack Rock has been on our Oregon wish list for a while now and recently, we were finally fortunate enough to visit.
We had a great time and were in awe of its commanding presence, but there were a few things we wish we’d known before going.
With that in mind, we wrote this comprehensive guide to help your visit go much smoother. In it, we’re going to cover: finding parking, it’s history, hotels, when to go and more!
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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
Directions to Cannon Beach
Haystack Rock is located in the famous, coastal community of Cannon Beach, Oregon. Many films and TV shows, such as The Goonies and Kindergarten Cop were filmed here.
It’s no wonder, as Cannon Beach features miles of pristine, jaw-dropping coastline views, multiple beaches, a waterfall, and multiple shops, restaurants, and hotels.
With Portland being Oregon’s most visited city, visitors to the City of Roses will be happy to know that Cannon Beach is a fairly easy day-trip from there (and other cities).
From Portland:
Make your way to US-26. Take the westbound section for roughly 75-miles
You’ll then begin seeing signs for US-101 south towards Cannon Beach/Tillamook. Take that for about 5-miles
When you see the exit sign for Sunset blvd, take it and merge onto the main road
From Astoria:
Take US-101 south for about 26-miles
Take the Sunset blvd exit
From Vancouver:
Take I-5 south into Portland (about 2-miles)
Take I-405 across the Fremont Bridge
Merge onto US-26 west for 75-miles
Take US-101 south towards Cannon Beach/Tillamook for 5-miles
Take the exit for Sunset blvd
Haystack Rock Parking & Entrances
This is a point of contention amongst people visiting Haystack Rock and is one of the things we wish we’d known before going.
There are two main parking areas and entrances to the beach that houses Haystack. One is what we refer to as the, “Tik Tok”, entrance and the other is the day-use entrance.
Hemlock Street Entrance
We refer to it as the “Tik Tok” entrance because we discovered it on the popular short-video app (as a million others have) and assumed it to be the only entrance.
*If you don’t know what we’re talking about, you can watch our Tik-Tok clip of it here.
This (admittedly cool) entrance can be found near the corner of South Hemlock street and View Point Terrace in a residential neighborhood.
Next to the corner of these two streets is a small pullout. It’s big enough to fit about three normal sized vehicles. There is no other legal parking here.
*Arrive EARLY if you want to park here!
Directly across the street from this pullout you’ll see a wooden deck, stairwell, and bench situated in between two (very nice) houses.
At first, it’ll look like a private entrance to one of the houses but fret not. It’s a 100% public-use, legal entrance to the beach.
You’ll walk down an alley along a dirt path between those two houses. Haystack Rock will soon come into view and you’ll descend the final stairwell to the beach.
The Ecola Court Entrance
This entrance, while nowhere near as unique and cool as the Hemlock one, will still get the job done as it provides easy access to Haystack and a plethora of (free) parking.
The Haystack Rock Park & Ride parking lot is located along South Hemlock Street at the corner of Gower Ave. It’s a large lot that also has three RV spaces.
*Across the street from this parking lot is a small public restroom
Simply park your vehicle, walk down Gower Ave towards the beach, and turn left on Ecola Court. You’ll see the entrance and Haystack Rock straight ahead.
Haystack Rock Tide Pools
This is something else we didn’t think to check before going but fortunately, we arrived right at low tide when the tide pools were visible.
This marine garden is flushed with sea life. During our visit, we spotted crabs, starfish, mussels, and anemones.
You’re allowed to enter and explore the tide pools, but only during low tide. This is the only time they are visible and accessible.
Volunteers from the Haystack Rock Awareness Program are there from Spring to Fall to show you around and answer questions (they’ll be the ones in the red jackets).
Be sure to time your visit by checking tide times here.
Seeing the Tufted Puffins
We were here in March, so the Tufted Puffins hadn’t quite made their way to Haystack Rock yet. They usually arrive in late April and leave in September.
So while we were mostly treated to your garden variety Seagulls, Mother Nature did provide us with a special treat; a Bald Eagle.
When it landed on the rock, the Seagulls went ballistic (according the volunteer, they don’t get along all too well). Unfortunately, my lens couldn’t zoom in enough to get a shot, but it was awesome to see nonetheless.
Haystack Rock Formation
Haystack Rock was formed 15-16 million years ago by, you guessed it, volcanic activity from the Blue Mountains and Columbia Basin.
It was once part of the rugged coastal cliffs but was eventually separated from it due to erosion from the crashing waves of the Pacific Ocean.
The jagged stacks adjacent to Haystack, also formed by lava, are collectively referred to as, “The Needles”. Both are made up of basalt rock.
Best Time to Go
There’s no real bad time to go and mostly depends on your personal preferences.
Winter: While not an ideal time due to how cold it is, you’ll experience minimal to no crowds (which isn’t a bad thing). You may also experience the rarity of seeing Haystack with a coating of snow.
Spring: This is when we were here and we found the weather to be perfect. It was a bit chilly in the morning but around mid-morning it began to warm up. Also, crowds weren’t bad and parking was plentiful.
Summer: Do we even need to say it? Yes? Ok…Hot, crowded, and lodging is super expensive. Don’t do it if you can avoid it. On the other hand, rain is minimal.
Fall: It starts raining regularly again, but summer crowds start tapering off and lodging becomes a little more affordable.
Hotels
We visited Haystack Rock and Cannon Beach as a day trip from Portland, so we didn’t stay in any of the hotels.
However, we did research a few of the top rated ones near Haystack Rock and can recommend some of them. They are:
Hallmark Resort & Spa Cannon Beach: This is a beautiful hotel super close to the beach with rooms offering amazing views of Haystack Rock and the ocean.
Surfsand Resort: Another beautiful that offers rooms with a view of the beach. This one is also super close to the Ecola Court entrance to Haystack.
The Courtyard: This charming hotel features cozy rooms, a cafe, and is perfectly situated between Haystack Rock and the many shops/restaurants of Cannon Beach.
A Quick Note….
We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, we’ve added Amazon links to those products and others that we recommend.
If you decide to purchase, Amazon will pay us a small commission. This helps us keep Inked with Wanderlust running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.
“Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is a great resource for anyone starting out in photography)
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting us!
It is our hope that this article was helpful to you in planning your next adventure. If so, please share it with your family and friends on Facebook or Pinterest.
You can further show support by subscribing to our newsletter below. In it, you’ll receive a once weekly newsletter containing announcements, new post alerts, news, and more!
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please engage with us in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
A Quick Guide To Visiting The Beautiful Wahkeena Falls (Oregon)
Wahkeena Falls (Wa-Kee-Na) is a multi-tired waterfall along Oregon’s famed, ‘Waterfall Corridor’, in the awe-inspiring Columbia River…
5 minute read | Contains affiliate links
Wahkeena Falls (Wa-Kee-Na) is a multi-tired waterfall along Oregon’s famed, ‘Waterfall Corridor’, in the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge.
Named after the Yakama word for, “most beautiful”, Wahkeena Falls has a total height of 242-feet. It may not be as tall as its neighbor, Multnomah Falls, but it’s no less gorgeous.
In this quick guide, we’ll show you a few of the photos we took during our visit and fill you in on some details you’ll want to know before visiting. Let’s do this!
Here’s some great hiking equipment we recommend…
Wahkeena Falls Information
Getting To Wahkeena Falls
Distance from:
Portland: 29 miles east (30 minute drive)
Troutdale: 14 miles east (17 minute drive)
Vista House: 8 miles east (19 minute drive)
Multnomah Falls: 8.5 miles west (15 minute drive)
Cascade Locks: 14 miles west (22 minute drive)
Vancouver: 32 miles west (33 minute drive)
Bend: 162 miles north (3 hour and 15 minute drive)
Coming from Portland or Troutdale, you’ll be on I-84 east for most of the drive. You’ll take exit #28 to Bridal Veil and continue straight on the Historic Columbia River Highway.
From Cascade Locks or further, you’ll travel on I-84 west before taking exit #35 and merge onto the Historic Highway.
If you’re coming from the west, Wahkeena Falls will be after Bridal Veil Falls on your right. If you’re coming from the east, it’ll be after Multnomah Falls on your left.
Parking
Even during the off-season, parking can be scarce at Wahkeena Falls. There’s a small pull-out style lot across the street and an even smaller one in front of the entrance.
When we arrived, both were full. We were here in March, which isn’t a particularly busy time. So in the summer, we can imagine how insane it gets.
If you find yourself in the same situation, do what we did and circle around. This is a spot where most people get out of their car, check it out, and move on.
Chances are good that if you circle around - or even just come back to it later - you’ll snag yourself a spot. Patience will take you far, here.
Hiking At Wahkeena Falls
You can partially view the waterfall from the main viewing deck below, like most people. If you want a great view, though, take the trail up to the footbridge.
While not as famous as Benson Bridge over at Multnomah, Wahkeena Falls has a bridge of its own and yes, you can walk up to it!
Standing in the parking lot and facing Wahkeena Falls, the trail is to your right. If you take the one to your left, you’ll end up at Multnomah.
The trail is part dirt, part gravel and is a 2/10’s of a mile, uphill walk (can’t really designate this as a hike). We would rate the trail as easy for most.
Wahkeena Falls To Fairy Falls
From the footbridge, you can hike a little further up Wahkeena Canyon to another beautiful waterfall, Fairy Falls. It is less than a mile from here.
Due to icy conditions on the trail, we decided to skip it and bank it for our next visit. If you’re here when its warmer, though, you should definitely go for it.
*To see what Fairy Falls looks like, check out the website, The Outbound
Wahkeena Falls To Multnomah Falls Loop
Multnomah Falls and Wahkeena Falls are connected by a network of hiking trails. One of them runs parallel to the Historic Highway between the two waterfalls.
The other trail takes you up to the footbridge, past Fairy Falls, and eventually reaches the top of Multnomah.
From there, drop down to the base of Multnomah Falls and continue left on the trail parallel to the highway, completing the loop.
One-way milage for this hike is 1.8 miles and based on what we’ve been told, the hike is moderate for most. So just use your best judgement.
Is Wahkeena Falls Open?
That’s a question often asked. A big fire ripped through Oregon’s side of the gorge a few years ago and heavily damaged numerous trails and foliage.
To answer your question, yes, Wahkeena Falls IS open. As is the entire loop trail to Multnomah Falls. To get current information on closures, check out the website, Ready Set Gorge.
Weather and Best Time To Go
A lot of this is based on your personal preferences and ability to deal with weather conditions.
Summer: It’s warm/hot with little to no rain. So you won’t have to worry about icy conditions. However, you will be dealing with heavy crowds and needing a permit to access the Historic Highway.
Winter: Crowd levels will be low, but you’ll be dealing with snow and ice conditions. Benson Bridge will be closed for the majority of the season due to it icing over.
Spring: The weather improves, but you’ll be dealing with on and off again rain showers. Mornings are chilly, with ice still present at certain points along the trail. Crowd levels begin to pick up.
Fall: When they peak, fall colors in the gorge are breath taking. Crowds start tapering off from the summer and the weather, while still rainy, is mostly mild.
It is our hope that this article was helpful to you in planning your next adventure. If so, please share it with your family and friends on Facebook or Pinterest.
You can further show support by subscribing to our newsletter below. In it, you’ll receive a once weekly newsletter containing announcements, new post alerts, news, and more!
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please engage with us in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
Oregon's Waterfall Corridor Permit: Everything You Need To Know To Get One
If you’re planning to visit the many waterfalls, State Parks, and trails along Oregon’s famed, Waterfall Corridor, and you intend…
5 minute read | Contains affiliate links
If you’re planning to visit the many waterfalls, State Parks, and trails along Oregon’s famed, Waterfall Corridor, and you intend to drive, you’re going to need a permit.
The Historic Columbia River Highway (aka, Waterfall Corridor) is a narrow, two lane road that allows visitors easy access to the multiple natural attractions in the area.
The problem is, during the busy summer months, this road has been known to experience heavy traffic congestion. On top of that, parking is nearly impossible to find.
Due to this, the Oregon Department of Transportation decided to implement a vehicle access permit system this year in an effort to reduce the amount of vehicles on the road at a time.
In order to help make your visit go as smoothly as possible, we wrote this comprehensive guide to bring you all the information you’ll need to either get a permit or avoid it all together.
Permit Information
How To Get A Permit, Dates, & Cost
*Official information is a bit scarce at the moment. This article will present current information provided by the Oregon Department of Transportation. As more information gets released, it will be added to this article.
A permit will be required for anyone planning to drive on the Historic Columbia River Highway between May24th and September 5th, 2022, between the hours of 9am and 6pm.
Thus far, no details have been given as to going about obtaining one.
However, considering permits for other area attractions like Multnomah Falls are obtained through Recreation.gov, one could assume that will be case here as well.
As far as cost goes, a representative of the Oregon DOT was quoted as saying, “we anticipate the fee to be around $2”. This will be per vehicle, not per person.
So while not set in stone, the fee is likely to be low and to simply cover the operational costs.
Checkpoint Locations
Per the Oregon DOT, there will be checkpoints at:
Exit #28 near Bridal Veil Falls
Exit #35 near Ainsworth State Park
For context, Bridal Veil Falls is on the west side of this area with Ainsworth State Park being on the east side.
At these checkpoints is where you’ll present your timed permit. You can either show a printed copy or the digital version on your mobile device.
On your permit will be a specific time for you to enter. You will NOT be granted access prior to that time. You can, however, stay for however long you like.
*Also, you will only be able to come through one time. Once you exit through one of the checkpoints, you will NOT be able to re-enter.
*If you accidentally leave, you’ll either need another valid permit or come back after 6pm.
What To Do If You Don’t Have A Permit
The whole point to this program is reduce traffic and its impact on the Gorge. Implementing the permit system allows for the number of vehicles along the highway to be reduced.
To assist in this goal, there are other ways you can visit the Waterfall Corridor without needing to worry about obtaining a permit.
They are:
Taking part in an organized tour
Utilizing one of the various shuttles that service the Gorge.
Park at or near Vista House and use a bicycle to get around.
Arrive by vehicle BEFORE 9am or AFTER 6pm.
One thing to keep in mind that walking along the Historic Highway is not an option. The road is simply too narrow and dangerous for pedestrians.
A few of the notable shuttle companies that service the Gorge are; Sasquatch Shuttle, Columbia Gorge Express, and Explore the Gorge.
*Having a permit only guarantees access. It DOESN’T guarantee parking. It would be wise to at least consider taking a shuttle in.
Attractions Affected (and not affected)
This may be your first time to the beautiful stretch of road and you may not know which attractions are and are not affected by this.
Below is a list of the most popular attractions that you will NOT be able to drive to without obtaining a permit:
Bridal Veil Falls (read our post about this waterfall, here)
Angel’s Rest hiking trail
Wahkeena Falls (read our post about this waterfall, here)
Multnomah Falls (requires a permit of its own)
Oneonta Gorge (currently closed)
Horsetail Falls
Ainsworth State Park
That said, there are multiple attractions you can still visit even if you don’t have a vehicle permit. Some of the most popular ones are:
Portland Women’s Forum State Scenic Viewpoint
Vista House
Latourell Falls
Elowah Falls
Upper McCord Creek Falls
Wahclella Falls
Bridge of the Gods
As you can see, there is still plenty to see. So if you weren’t able to get a permit, spend time at these and then make your way to the others after 6pm.
Multnomah Falls Permit
There are two parking lots at Multnomah Falls; a small one right across the street along the Historic Highway and a second, large one off I-84.
If you manage to snag a spot in the smaller lot, then your vehicle permit will be the only one you’ll need.
Chances are though, you’ll need to park in the larger lot. If so, you’ll need a timed reservation in order to visit Multnomah.
We wrote a comprehensive guide on visiting Multnomah Falls. It covers their timed reservation policy, hiking trails, and more! Check it out here.
The Parking Situation
As stated above, your timed permit to access the Historic Highway doesn’t guarantee you a parking spot at any of the above attractions.
With the exception of the large lot at Multnomah, the parking lots at the waterfalls are small. Even with the permit system in place, available parking will be scarce.
To save yourself the hassle, you may want to consider taking part in a tour or taking a shuttle in.
A Quick Note…
We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, we’ve added Amazon links to those products and others that we recommend.
If you decide to purchase, Amazon will pay us a small commission. This helps us keep Inked with Wanderlust running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.
“Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is a great resource for anyone starting out in photography)
It is our hope that this article was helpful to you in planning your next adventure. If so, please share it with your family and friends on Facebook or Pinterest.
You can further show support by subscribing to our newsletter below. In it, you’ll receive a once weekly newsletter containing announcements, new post alerts, news, and more!
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please engage with us in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading and safe travels.
How To See Bridal Veil Falls In Oregon
Located in the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge right off of the Historic Highway is the beautiful, easily accessed 120-foot waterfall…
6 minute read | Contains affiliate links
Located in the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge right off of the Historic Highway is the beautiful, easily accessed 120-foot waterfall, ‘Bridal Veil Falls’.
It’s part of the Oregon State Scenic Viewpoint and is on the site of an old lumber mill. The park is open year round and there are no entry or parking fees.
*If you’re visiting between May and September, you’ll need a vehicle permit to enter the Waterfall Corridor.
We were fortunate enough to discover this waterfall during our visit in March 2022. We learned quickly that Multnomah Falls wasn’t the only amazing waterfall around here.
In fact, there are MANY gorgeous waterfalls on the Oregon AND Washington side of the river. This post, though, will focus on Bridal Veil.
So are the trails difficult or easy? What can you expect once you reach the falls? How do you get there? We’ll answer these questions and more below!
Here’s some gear we recommend…
Getting To Bridal Veil Falls and Permits
Getting There
Bridal Veil Falls can be found along Oregon’s Waterfall Corridor inside the Columbia River Gorge. It’s super easy to find as its parking lot is right off the highway.
The exact address is E Crown Point HWY, Bridal Veil, OR 97010. Simply plugging, ‘Bridal Veil Falls’, into your GPS will suffice.
From Vista House: Leaving the Vista House lot, drive east on Historic Columbia River Highway for 4.5 miles. It’ll be the next waterfall AFTER Latourell Falls and the parking lot will be on your left (across from the Lodge).
From Cascade Locks: Travel west on Interstate 84. Take exit 35 to the Historic Columbia River Highway. It’ll be the next waterfall after Wahkeena Falls and the parking lot will be on your right. Total milage is around 18 miles.
From Portland: Make your way to Interstate 84 east and stay on it for about 25 miles. You’ll take exit #28 (look for signs stating Bridal Veil and/or Angel’s Rest) and follow the signs for the Historic Highway. The parking lot will be on your right.
You’ll know you’ve arrived to the correct lot (aside from the signage) when you see Bridal Veil Falls Lodge across the street.
The park is located in between two equally beautiful waterfalls, Latourell Falls and Wahkeena Falls. Unlike them, though, Bridal Veil is on the north side of the highway.
Fees
There are no fees for Bridal Veil Falls, but if your visit coincides with the May through September timeframe, you will need a permit to access the Historic Highway.
The fee for this permit is $2 per vehicle and they will be verified by State Parks Staff between Bridal Veil (near exit 28) and Ainsworth State Park.
Trails to Bridal Veil Falls
Overlook Loop Trail
On arrival, you’ll have a choice to make. You can go straight on the traditional Bridal Veil Falls trail or you can bear left to the overlook.
Initially, we had every intention of doing both (they are not connected). We were going to do the main trail, come back, and then go to the overlook.
However, we spent more time than we thought we would down there and by the time we got back to the split, we had run out of time.
We had dinner reservations in downtown Portland and if we didn’t leave at that moment, we would’ve missed it. So we had to bank it for next time.
Based on pictures we’ve seen, the trail is half a mile (roundtrip) and terminates at a wooded platform overlooking the top of the falls (similar to the one we went to).
*At the split (just off from the parking lot) you’ll find a restroom open to public use
Bridal Veil Falls Trail
The main trail to the base of falls is 3/4’s of a mile (roundtrip) on a slightly steep decent to Bridal Veil Creek and the falls.
It had just rained during our visit so the trail was a little muddy, but we had no problem navigating it. We would rate it as easy going down and easy to moderate going up.
Soon after the second switchback is when you’ll run into the first of two bridges on the trail. This bridge is followed by a concrete stairwell leading you to the next bridge.
The second bridge takes you across Bridal Veil Creek and leads you to yet another stairwell, this one taking you up to a wooded viewing deck for the waterfall.
Take the stairwell to the viewing deck overlooking Bridal Veil Falls. The deck isn’t big so if it’s busy, you’ll have to hang out for a few minutes until a spot opens.
There are many different perspectives of the waterfall from here. If you’re into photography, you can get pretty creative here.
When you’re done, simply head back in the direction you came to the trailhead. From there, you can leave or see the top of the falls from the Overlook Loop.
Additional Things To Know
It is visible from the road, but don’t do it. That road is very narrow and the chance of a vehicle vs. pedestrian accident occurring is high. View the falls from one (or both) of the trails, not the road.
Drone use is prohibited. Like most of the gorge, drone use is not allowed at Bridal Veil.
No EV charging stations. The nearest ones are to the west of Bridal Veil in Troutdale.
Restroom is available. There is a restroom (vault variety) just ahead of the trail split near the parking lot.
Nearby Attractions
This area is littered with amazing natural sights, most of which require little to no effort to see (aside from driving around).
There’s so many that we couldn’t possibly list them all, but we will list a few of our favorites. If you’d like to see more, check out the website, Ready Set Gorge.
Multnomah Falls - The tallest waterfall in Oregon and one of the most visited natural sites in the PNW. Check out our guide by tapping/clicking on the link.
Vista House (Crown Point)
Wahkeena Falls
Oneonta Gorge (currently closed)
Bridge of the Gods (connects Oregon and Washington)
Latourell Falls
Ainsworth State Park
Horsetail Falls
Fairy Falls
Angel’s Rest (hiking trail)
And so much more!
A Quick Note…
We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photos on our website. Below, we’ve added Amazon links to those products and others that we recommend.
If you decide to purchase, Amazon will pay us a small commission. This helps us keep Inked with Wanderlust running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.
“Understanding Exposure” by Bryan Peterson (this book is a great resource for anyone starting out in photography)
It is our hope that this article was helpful to you in planning your next adventure. If so, please share it with your family and friends on Facebook or Pinterest.
You can further show support by subscribing to our newsletter below. In it, you’ll receive a once weekly newsletter containing announcements, new post alerts, news, and more!
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please engage with us in the comment section below.
Thanks for reading and safe travels!
How To Hike To Witch’s Castle (Stone House) in Portland
When we were planning our trip to Portland, we found many attractions we wanted to check out. Witches Castle, however, was…
When we were planning our trip to Portland, we found many attractions we wanted to check out. Witch’s Castle, however, was near the top of the list.
Officially called, “Stone House” (per trail signage), it was given the name, “Witch’s Castle”, by a group of local teenagers many years ago and it just stuck.
You can find it in Macleay Park, which in of itself is located in the much larger, Forest Park. All of this is just a mere few miles from downtown Portland.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to get to the trailhead, trail details, the history of Witch’s Castle, and so much more!
Getting To Witch’s Castle
You can find the castle by hiking the Wildwood Trail. It can be accessed by both Upper and Lower Macleay Park.
*During our visit, the lower park and trail were closed due to construction projects and trail improvements. So the upper trail was our only option.
Lower Macleay Park
Lower Macleay Park is located at the corner of NW 30th and Upshur, just outside of a residential neighborhood.
Its parking lot is fairly large, but I can see it filling up rather quickly in the busy summer months. So plan accordingly.
To reach Witch’s Castle from here, take the smooth, flat trail for 3/4’s of a mile. From what we were told, it is relatively flat and smooth.
Upper Macleay Park
You can find the upper parking lot just passed the Portland Audubon Society. You’ll see a sign (pictured above) indicating you’re in the right spot.
The parking lot can hold a decent amount of vehicles but like the lower lot, it will probably fill quickly during summer time.
There’s a single, portable bathroom and off in the grassy area you’ll find a couple picnic tables. The trail starts where the parking lot ends.
Transportation To The Park
Public Buses: Buses run from the downtown area and throughout Forest Park with multiple stops. For detailed information on, follow this link.
Vehicle: If you have your own vehicle, simply punch “Upper Macleay Park” (or Lower) into your GPS of choice and follow the directions.
Uber/Lyft: Cell reception is good here, so utilizing ride-sharing options is an option (it’s what we did). Just be sure to specify Macleay Park as your drop-off location and not, “Witch’s Castle”.
The Wildwood Trail (Upper)
From the parking lot to Witch’s Castle it’s a half-mile, downhill hike, up until you reach the bridge. After the bridge, it’s easy going with only a few ups and downs.
From the parking lot, you’ll head left on the trail. You’ll almost immediately begin your downhill descent through beautiful moss covered trees and rocks.
As you descend, you’ll begin to hear the sounds of rushing water. That’s because there’s a beautiful creek running parallel to the trail at the bottom.
In a short time, the bridge will come into view. This bridge gets you across the creek and provides an epic view of a beautiful cascade.
Be sure to spend some time here taking all the pictures you can. To us, it was just as much as a highlight as the castle was.
From here, you’re about halfway to Witch’s Castle. The trail will mostly flatten out with only a few ups and downs from here.
Until you reach the castle, you’ll be treated to non-stop gorgeous views of multiple cascades running through moss covered rocks. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale.
You’ll have plenty of areas where you can step off to the side to get that perfect shot. Just be mindful to not walk through the creek itself.
Before you’ll know it, you’ll arrive at Witch’s Castle at around the quarter-mile mark (from the bridge). It kinda sneaks up on you through the trees.
As you can see in the photo above, this is a popular place for taggers (graffiti). Every so often the city will clean it off but that’s happening less and less now.
When we were here (early March), we only had to share the space with a few others. If you come in the summer, though, prepare yourself for crowds.
You’re free to go up the stairs and go into the structure all you like. Just be aware that there will likely be others trying to get their own pictures as well.
Once you’re done exploring the castle, either head back the way you came or keep going onward. From here, it’s less than a mile to Pittock Mansion!
History of Witch’s Castle
By now, you’re probably dying to know how Witch’s Castle got its name and its backstory. It’s an age-old tale of romance, murder, and hauntings!
Let’s get to it…….
The Property
Danford Balch, who came to Oregon in 1850 with his family, claimed a large parcel of land in what is now Forest Park. He hired Mortimer Stump, a local man, to clean up the property and build a home.
When the home was finished, Mortimer moved in with the Balch family (this included Balch, his wife, and nine children). Eventually, Mortimer and Balch’s eldest daughter, Anna, would fall in love.
Their relationship would continue and eventually, Mortimer asked Balch for his blessing to marry Anna. I’ll give you one guess as to what his answer was…
An emphatic, “NO!”.
Balch felt that Mortimer wasn’t worthy of Anna and to drive his point home, he threatened to kill Mortimer if they ever eloped. Did that stop them?
This wouldn’t be much of a story if it did, right?
Long story short, they eloped in Vancouver in 1858 and came back shortly after to collect their belongings. Balch was waiting and would make good on his threat.
He shot Mortimer dead. On sight.
Balch tried to make excuses for this but in the end, the Police didn’t buy it. He was sentenced to death and was hanged for his crime (which was the first legal hanging in Oregon).
Balch’s wife (who is often referred to as the “Witch”) stayed in the home and lived there until her death. Local lore says the spirits of Mortimer and Balch continue to haunt the property to this day.
The Stone House
When it comes to the actual structure we have today, well, it was never a home. The home that the Balch family lived in was demolished years ago.
The stone structure, what we refer to as, ‘Witch’s Castle’, was built in 1930 and maintained by Portland Parks & Recreation. Originally, it was supposed to be a restroom and ranger station.
However, in 1962, a big storm came through and heavily damaged the structure. So much so, it was deemed useless and left abandoned.
In the 1980’s, a group of local high school students re-discovered it and dubbed it, ‘The Witch’s Castle”. The rest, as they say, is history.
Things To Know Before Going
Park hours are between 5:00am and 10:00pm.
Dogs are permitted on the trail but you must pick up after them.
Much like other popular areas, vehicle break-ins are common here. We saw multiple piles of glass on the ground in the parking lot.
This trail is UBER popular. It was quiet when we were here, but it isn’t uncommon to see 150+ other hikers (or more) on this trail.
*Side Note…
We’re often asked about the equipment we use to capture the photographs on our site. Below, you’ll find links to that equipment (and more) on Amazon. If you decide to purchase, Amazon pays us a small commission. This helps us keep the site running and doesn’t cost you anything extra.
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21 Weird, Unique, and Fun Things To Do In Portland Oregon
Portland, Oregon’s largest city, has long had a reputation for being, shall we say…weird. That’s no insult, either. Portlandiers wear…
3 minute read | contains affiliate links
Portland, Oregon’s largest city, has long had a reputation for being, shall we say…weird. That’s no insult, either. Portlandiers wear that badge with pride.
That weirdness the city is known for brings in tourists by the millions, annually. Recently, those millions included the two of us.
We visited a number of tourist attractions and local favorites during our visit in order to bring to you, dear reader, our list of twenty-one weird, unique, and fun things to do in Portland.
Some of these include links to their own, detailed posts we typed up. So if you’d like further information on that particular one, give that link a tap (psst, doing so also helps support this site. Thanks in advance).
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Visit our online store today and start your journey of style and adventure. Happy exploring!
A Quick Note About Portland…
It’s no secret. Portland has been in the news a lot recently and you’ve no doubt noticed.
Between the protests, homelessness, and crime, its been never ending.
For prospective, we stayed, ate, and walked around downtown Portland. Not once did we feel threatened and no one ever bothered us.
That said, there are homeless camps everywhere and crimes such as theft and vehicle break-ins are common.
Much like any city you visit, be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables close by. You shouldn’t have a problem.
That being said, let’s get on with the list!
1) Voodoo Doughnuts
Much like you can’t visit Seattle without hearing about Amazon or Starbucks, chances are good that if you’re coming to Portland, someone will mention Voodoo Doughnuts.
They’re not the best doughnuts in the city (in our humble opinions), but they’re delicious and certainly the best at making creative, unique doughy treats.
A few of our favorites include the Bacon Maple Bar, Dirt, The Homer, Vicious Hibiscus, Maple Blazer Blunt, and the Voodoo Doll (their signature donut).
They have a couple locations but for the true experience, head to the Old Town store. This is the original location.
Get there early to avoid the line (it gets long). We arrived around nine and were able to walk right in but during the tourist season, that rarely happens.
They also accept online orders and offer delivery through DoorDash and Uber Eats if you don’t want to make the trip to the store.
2) Funhouse Lounge
Catching a comedy show at the Funhouse Lounge is one of those quintessential Portland experiences you must do.
They offer a variety of shows such as comedy musical parodies, stand-up comedy, improv, amateur nights, burlesque, and more.
They also have a clown room you can check out while you’re there. Unfortunately for us, it was being used as a storage room at that time, so we couldn’t see it.
The show we came for, however, was hilarious! It was a musical parody of the classic film, Pulp Fiction. The actors and actresses were superb.
To see their current schedule and purchase tickets, check out their website.
3) Mill Ends Park
This one definitely falls under the “weird” category of this article. Mill Ends Park is a tiny (and we mean, TINY) urban park in the middle of the street near an intersection.
With a total area of just 452 square inches in a two-foot circle, Mill Ends Park is likely the smallest park you’ll see anywhere in the world.
There’s only room to safely fit two to four people, max. So if there’s a group already there, hang out on the sidewalk until they’re done.
It is located near the intersection of SW Taylor and S Naito PKWY and can be easily accessed from the Tom McCall Waterfront Park (near the fountain).
4) The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
Unfortunately, we ran out of time and couldn’t visit this awesomely weird place, but you definitely should!
This museum is packed with creepy exhibits, merchandise, and artwork. Per their website, it isn’t recommended for small children.
For further information, you can check out their website here.
5) Witch’s Castle
Witch’s Castle was one of the highlights for us. Not just because we got to explore the ruins of this local favorite, but because the hike on the way was stunning!
Located in the boundaries of Forest Park, the hike to Witch’s Castle (or Stone House) begins at either the Upper or Lower Macleay Park along the Wildwood Trail.
It’s a short, half-mile hike from the upper trail or a near equally short 3/4 mile hike from the lower trail to Witch’s Castle.
The lower portion of the trail was closed during our visit, so I can’t speak on what it’s like. The upper portion, however, is stunning.
If you’re in Portland and you’re even remotely into hiking, you need to check this one out. For more detailed information, read our guide here.
6) Pioneer Courthouse Square
Long known as, “Portland’s Living Room”, Pioneer Courthouse Square is a 40,000 square-foot public space in the center of Downtown Portland.
When there’s not a pandemic going on, the city holds many local events and concerts here. It also features a few local food trucks and a Starbucks.
Even when there isn’t an event going on, it’s still worth checking out. There’s plenty of artistic exhibits to see and during the holidays, the city Christmas Tree is on full display.
7) Wishing Tree
Since 2013, tourists and locals alike have been writing their wishes on little white tabs and hanging them from this special tree.
It’s located on the corner of NE Morris street and 7th avenue on private property. The owner of the property keeps blank tabs on the tree. Simply pick one and write down your wish.
8) McMenamins Kennedy School
Kennedy School was originally built in 1915 and served as a public elementary school until 1975. It closed and remained vacant for years.
The McMenamins brothers, who were the founder’s of Oregon’s first post-prohibition brewpub, purchased the property and began restoring it in 1997, saving it from demolishment.
A lot of effort was made to preserve the building and its contents, such as; using school book pages as wallpaper, framing yearbook photos, and painting murals of former students.
These days, what was old is now new again as Kennedy School retains much of its original charm. In the former classrooms, you can now find bars, restaurants, lodging, shops, and more!
To get information on room rates and more, check out their website here.
9) Pittock Mansion
Pronounced, Pit-tick, this beautiful home was where Henry and Georgina Pittock lived in the early 1900’s. Henry Pittock was the owner of the newspaper, The Oregonian, and is often credited as the man who built Portland.
Georgina found her way to Portland along the Oregon Trail and would go on to find success in founding numerous charities and organizations such as Ladies Relief Society and Women’s Union.
The family would occupy the mansion until 1958, when the Grandsons of Henry and Georgina would put it up for sale. It sat empty for years and was heavily damaged by storms.
After holding fundraisers, the city would eventually acquire the property and restore it. Today, self-guided tours are offered to the public.
To purchase tickets or for more information, go here.
10) Portland Japanese Garden
Once dubbed by former Ambassador of Japan, Nobuo Matsunaga, as, “the most beautiful and authentic Japanese garden in the world outside of Japan”, the Portland Japanese Garden is a can't-miss destination.
Unfortunately, we were rained out on this day and couldn’t go (expensive cameras and water don’t mix). To see pictures of this beautiful place, head over to their website here.
11) Eat Gourmet S’mores at ‘1927 S’mores Company’
Remember sitting around the campfire and enjoying that sweet, chocolaty classic, S’more? Well, you can now enjoy one in a downtown setting as well.
Located on SW Alder street in Downtown Portland, 1927 S’Mores Company serves up amazing gourmet s’mores and hot chocolate.
In our travels, this is the first time we’ve encountered a place solely dedicated to s’mores, so we felt it deserved a spot on this list.
Be sure to get there early, as the interior isn’t spacious at all. You can view their Yelp profile here.
12) Powell’s Books
Powell’s Books is the largest independent bookstore in the world. It has served Portland since 1971 and is beloved by locals and tourists alike.
The store has multiple entrances, several levels (with elevators), and has over one million books for sale. You can find just about any book you could think of here.
The original, flagship location can be found on W Burnside street in the downtown area. If you’d like to browse their inventory online, you can do so here.
13) The ‘Keep Portland Weird’ Mural
Remember at the beginning of this article when I stated, “Portlandiers consider their weirdness as a badge of honor”? Here’s the proof.
It’s one of the many murals found throughout the city, but it’s special because it represents the city’s quirky nature and the individualism of its citizens.
It’s painted on the back of Dante’s Nightclub in Old Town, right across the street from VooDoo Doughnuts (making it an easy two-for-one trip).
The exact address is 350 West Burnside street.
14) The Redwoods at Hoyt Arboretum
This is another one we got rained out on and wish we had more time to explore. This short loop trail starts near Hoyt Arboretum and goes through a beautiful forest of redwood trees.
You can find it in Washington Park, not too far from the Japanese Garden and Portland Zoo.
15) Cartlandia
Since Kisha is a natural-born foodie, us coming here was a no-brainer. With over 30 food trucks to choose from, Cartlandia is every foodie’s dream come true.
It is located on SW 82nd avenue and is open daily from 7am to 9pm. Covered seating is plentiful and on-site parking, while limited, is available.
Here, you can find just about every category of food, including; BBQ, Mexican, Asian, Egyptian, breakfast, desert, and so much more.
For up-to-date information on which carts are currently on site, check out their website here.
16) White Stag Sign
This one is more for the Photographers out there (unless you happen to enjoy staring at signs in the middle of the night).
You could always photograph or see the sign during the day but at night, when it’s all lit up, is best, in our opinion.
The sign is viewable from the waterfront, but it is partially obstructed by trees. To get the best view, head up to the Burnside Bridge.
Either side results in a great photo but in my opinion, I liked the left side of the bridge (facing the sign) the best. This area can be a bit sketchy a night. So if you go, be cautious.
17) Tom McCall Waterfront Park
While you’re nearby checking out White Stag, be sure to spend some time exploring Tom McCall Waterfront Park.
It runs adjacent to the Williamette River and is around 36 acres in size. You’ll get amazing views of Portland’s many bridges and see many art installations along the way.
Cherry Blossom Trees dot the walking path and are a special treat for the eyes if you get here while they’re in full bloom.
18) Mount Tabor Park
Located just a short drive from the downtown area, Mount Tabor Park is a large forested park covering what was once an active volcano!
It has hiking trails, tennis courts, playgrounds, and amazing 360-degree views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
19) The Portlandia Statue
The Portlandia is a sculpture by Raymond Kaskey. It’s easy to find as it’s right along the sidewalk and above the entrance of the Portland Building on SW 5th avenue.
The sculpture was commissioned by the city in 1985, is 34-feet high, weighs 6.5 tons, and is based on the Portland city seal.
It is located just a few blocks away from Pioneer Courthouse Square, making it an easy jaunt once you’re done exploring that.
To get photos form an elevated position, head over to the building across the street and go up the escalator.
As it’s private property, I asked a Security Guard if it was ok and he let me go in. So keep that in mind if you decide to do the same.
20) Discover Art Murals
Portland, including and especially the downtown area, is littered with amazing art murals on the sides and rear of buildings and walls.
21) Chase ALL The Waterfalls
While you won’t find any in the city itself (aside from the few cascades in Forest Park), you’ll find a whole bunch of them just outside of it.
Just around 30-minutes or so up the Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway is where you’ll find the majority of them.
A few of the most popular ones include Multnomah Falls (the tallest waterfall in Oregon), Bridal Veil Falls, Elowah Falls, Latourell Falls, Wahkeena Falls, and so much more!
List Recap:
VooDoo Doughnuts
Funhouse Lounge
Mill Ends Park
The Freakybuttrue Peculiarium and Museum
Witches Castle
Pioneer Courthouse Square
The Wishing Tree
McMenamins Kennedy School
Pittock Mansion
Portland Japanese Garden
1927 S’mores Company
Powell’s Books
The ‘Keep Portland Weird’ Mural
The Redwoods at Hoyt Arboretum
Cartlandia
White Stag Sign
Tom McCall Waterfront Park
Mount Tabor Park
Portlandia Statue
Art Murals
Chase Waterfalls
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You can further support us by staying on and reading one or more of the related articles above.
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