The 100 foot high, 10+
foot wide Sheppard's Dell Falls plunges down a cliff on the north side of Pepper Mountain in
one 42 foot giant step, then shoots out and down as a concave fan for its
final drop of 50 feet. Water flow tends to be seasonal, the significant flow,
of course, in the late Winter and Spring months when snow melts increase the amount
water in Young's Creek.
Though you can view Sheppard's Dell
Falls
from the highway, a short, paved footpath takes you to beautiful arched bridge
(which, itself, is the frequent subject for photographers) from which you have
a great view of the waterfalls and the Columbia River gorge.
The waterfalls are in
the Sheppards Dell State Natural Area. No
entrance or parking fee charged visitors. For more information, phone 1-800-551-6949 or view:
Sheppards Dell State
Natural Area
How to get there:
From I-84 exit 28,
take the old highway (now called the Historic Columbia River Highway) and
head west (toward Portland) about 2½ miles to the park entrance and parking area.
For more information about the Sheppard's Dell
Falls and the State Park, you may phone the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Hood River at
800-551-6949 (toll-free) or 503-695-2261.
