Shepperd's Dell
State Natural Area

Near Portland, Oregon, United States

This beautiful falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway is worth a quick stop as you explore the bigger-name waterfalls along the highway. A two-tiered roaring waterfall cascades down steep cliffs into Youngs Creek and out to the Columbia River far below.

You can hear the falls from the beautiful historic bridge, but to see the falls you’ll need to take a short trail (.2 miles round trip and down some short stairs) to its base. The upper fall is around 42'; the lower tier is about 50' tall.

Parking is on either side of Highway 30. 

mdi-alert-outline General advisory
mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use year round mdi-cellphone Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call park: 503-695-2261
Current Conditions Directions Feedback

Amenities & Features

Questions

mdi-help-circle-outline What's Allowed

Can I fly my drone in the park?

Please call 503-695-2261 for park specific rules

Can I metal detect?

No metal detecting is allowed in West Gorge State Parks

mdi-help-circle-outline Day use/Special Events

How do I get a Special Use Permit?

This park requires a Special Use Permit for special events or activities. Please open the Special Use Permit application to see examples of events that need a permit.  If you have questions about whether you need a special use permit for your activity and to receive instructions on how to submit the application, please call 503-695-2261.

For more questions, review our statewide FAQ

History

We owe our thanks to a modest dairy farmer who gave us his “dell.” In 1915, George Shepperd gave this property — all that he had — to the City of Portland as a memorial to his wife Mattie. Later the city gave the tract to the state.

Brochures and Maps

mdi-file-pdf-box Columbia Gorge Visitor Guide

Photos