Latourell Falls Trail in the Columbia Gorge
Located within Guy W. Talbot State Park, Latourell Falls and Upper Latourell Falls are two of many waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. If you get on the Historic Columbia River Highway in Corbett, these will be the first falls you come to. Look for the parking area 2.5 miles from Vista House.
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Latourell Falls Trail Stats
Trailhead: Latourell Falls Trailhead
Trail Type: Loop
Difficulty: 🟢 Moderate based on OK Which Way’s rating system
Distance: 2.4 miles
Elevation: 130 – 625 feet
FUN FACT: The Columbia River Gorge has the greatest concentration of waterfalls in North America
Planning Your Visit
Location: In the Columbia Gorge along the Historic Columbia River Highway, about 40 minutes from Portland
Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time
Parking: Latourell Falls Trailhead
Park Pass Needed: none. Latourell Falls is outside the seasonal waterfall corridor permit area.
Entrance Fee: none
Trail Map: Link to AllTrails map
Pets: Leashed dogs are allowed
Being only 40 minutes from downtown Portland, Latourell Falls is a popular hike. Parking is available close to the falls, but does fill up quickly.
Latourell Falls Viewpoint
Latourell Falls can be viewed just a few steps away from the parking area. But, as time allows, definitely explore more. The hike is lovely, not too strenuous, and the upper falls are beautiful.
Hiking Latourell Falls Loop
If you decide to follow the loop trail, head towards the left, going up. Along the trail you’ll catch varying glimpses of the plunge type waterfall.
Latourell Falls
Waterfall Height: 224 feet
Waterfall Type: Plunge
Watershed: Columbia River
Source: Latourell Creek
The moss, ferns, and bright yellow lichen create a magical feeling.
Plunge Waterfalls drop vertically and lose contact with the bedrock
I’ve mentioned this in previous posts, but it’s worth mentioning again – I love columnar basalt. And this hike has it.
Upper Latourell Falls
Less than a mile up the trail, you’ll reach Upper Latourell Falls. It feels especially mysterious since a small portion of it is hidden from view. After crossing the bridge near the base of the falls, you can step behind the two-tiered falls.
Heading Back
After exploring behind the falls, continue down the trail.
Once you reach the highway, you have the option to follow the bridge back to your car or continue along the trail across the road. If continuing, follow the trail through the picnic area.
The trail will lead you under the bridge to the base of Latourell Falls. Being near the water, looking up at the cliff, surrounded by all the greenery, is breathtaking.
From here follow the trail up to the highway, finishing the loop.
Access to this location can also be done without hiking the entire loop. Instead, follow the trail off to the right when standing at the viewpoint near the highway. It’s only a quarter mile to the base of the falls.
Final Thoughts
The Latourell Falls Loop trail is popular, and definitely worth it.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Optional Items to Bring
- 10 Essentials
- Collapsible Hiking Poles
- Hiking Shoes with good traction
Our Stats
Date: March 2022
Distance: 3.13 miles
Start: Latourell Falls Trailhead
End: Latourell Falls Trailhead
Hiking Time: 2hr 13min
*A quick note on our hiking style – We stop and smell the roses. When I go for a run, speed is a consideration. While hiking, it is not. We take photos, watch the chipmunk in the tree, find geocaches, and simply enjoy the adventure. So, typically a hike can be completed in a shorter time than we log.
Historic Columbia River Highway
This historic highway, referred to as the King of Roads, is a Scenic Byway, an All American Road, and National Historic Landmark
Thinking About Hiking in the Gorge?
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More to Explore in the Columbia Gorge
This trail review is based only on Jennifer’s experience. Hike at your own risk with the understanding that individual scenarios in a natural environment will be variable.
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