Coopey Falls
Coopey Falls is one of the lesser visited waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. But it is one of the prettier ones, zigging and zagging 131 ft. down a steep cliff. It is easy to get to, so why is it not visited so much? It is because it is on private property, owned by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist convent, and is not signed or marked in any way.
Rumour had it, though, that the nuns are happy to allow visitors in to see their own private waterfall. All you need to do is ask them. So John and I drove into the convent and I went up to their door and knocked. It was around dinner time, and I think they were all getting ready to sit down and eat. But I was greeted by a very friendly old lady, and she was very kind and gracious, and said to me to “Enjoy!”. Well, that is exactly what John and I did, it is a very pretty waterfall, even though the flow was a bit low in October. I truly applaud the sisters, allowing people to come in to see and “enjoy” their waterfall. It would be very easy for them to say “no trespassing”. That is what everyone else does, it seems. But it would be a mighty shame if they did that. So go see Coopey Falls. But ask first, and be respectful. Everyone should be able to “enjoy” this one.