Columbia River Gorge Scenic Byway
Sheppard's Dell
During my previous visit to the Columbia River Gorge, I distinctly
remember making the decision to drive past Sheppard's Dell without
stopping. From the road, it looked like an area that would have
required a long hike downhill, and I was too lazy to investigate.
So on this trip, I was determined to see what I had missed.
Sheppard's Dell is the last roadside attraction you'll pass, before Old
Rte. 30 climbs up to Crown Point. In September 2006, a washout had
forced road crews to close the byway just west of Sheppard's Dell (which
meant the only way to reach Crown Point was a very long loop around from
the west--good thing I visited it on Day 2!). I drove past the
"Road Closed Ahead" signs, hoping I could reach Sheppard's Dell without
much trouble. Not only was I able to get there, it was more
rewarding than I expected (and easier to access, too!)
A short walk down from the road ends at this waterfall, just a small
portion of a much larger cascade, that's simply too large to fit into
any one picture. The fall leaves added an extra touch.
It only takes a short walk to reach this point, down a paved path that
resembles the historic roadway, thanks to an arched stone wall.
From the bottom of Sheppard's Dell, you can see the old arched bridge
that carries old Rte. 30.
About halfway up the path, I found a good spot to photograph the lower
portion of the falls. There's no way to reach the lowest point,
where the cascade splashes into a small pool of clear water.
Since the road was closed beyond Sheppard's Dell, I
had the rare chance to walk along the middle of the old historic road,
without worrying about traffic.
Take a close look at this distinctive road, and then watch for it in car
and truck commercials on TV. This road is very popular with ad
filming crews.
Thanks to the lack of traffic, the road was covered with pine needles
and leaves.
Stop on the bridge for this view of the surrounding countryside...
... and of course, the historic bridge itself.
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According to
WaterfallsNorthwest.com, Sheppard's Dell is named after
the original landowner, George Sheppard, who donated the
land to the public in 1915. The bridge that spans the
Dell was constructed in 1913, and is registered as a
National Historic Landmark. |
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Also In This Area:
Columbia River Gorge Scenic
Byway - Crown Point
Oneonta Gorge
Multnomah Falls,
Horsetail Falls,
Oneonta Gorge,
Wahkeena Falls,
Latourell Falls,
Crown Point
Dalles Dam
Maryhill, Washington -
Stonehenge
Mount Hood Scenic Loop, US 26
and Route 35, Oregon
Timberline Ski Resort and
Miracle Mile Lift, Government Camp, Oregon
Windy Ridge Viewpoint, Mount
St. Helens, Washington
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