Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil Falls is located about 30 miles east of Portland along the Historic Columbia River Highway. If you want to see the two-tiered cascade up close, plan to descend a steep trail at the Bridal Veils Falls State Scenic Viewpoint for about a third of a mile. State Park officials request visitors don’t try to view the falls from the narrow highway; it’s safer to hike down the trail away from cars. Also consider the half-mile Overlook Trail, which affords expansive views of the Columbia River. Bridal Veil Lodge, originally built in 1926, is located across the street from the falls and features queen-bed cottage rooms. If you’re traveling with a group, consider renting a four-bedroom room at the main lodge.
Ki-a-Kuts Falls
Ki-a-Kuts Falls stands along the Tualatin River in a remote part of Oregon about 50 miles west of Portland. A relatively new waterfall on Oregon maps, Ki-a-Kuts Falls was officially dedicated in 1999 for Chief Ki-a-Kuts of the Atfalati tribe of Native Americans. Reaching the narrow 40-foot chute requires a rugged hike accessible via private logging roads, which do not have cell service. As such, it is advisable to carry a paper topo map and make note of the GPS coordinates (45.46639, -123.38694). These falls are tough to get to, but your reward is an opportunity to rest and reflect in nature with few people around. Because of the falls’ location far from civilization, there are no lodging accommodations or commercial campgrounds nearby.