Latourell Falls Loop Hike

The Columbia River Gorge is full of jaw-dropping views and stunning waterfalls. One of those waterfalls is Latourell Falls, found on the Latourell Falls Hike. This is a great short and easy day hike from Portland. On this trail, you will see two of the best waterfalls in Oregon, starting with Latourell Falls and ending at Upper Latourell Falls on this 3-mile loop trail.

Latourell Falls Directions

Getting to Latourell Falls from Portland

Getting to Latourell Falls from Hood River

Latourell Falls Hike Details

• Length: 3.0 miles
• Elevation Gain: 728 feet
• Difficulty: Easy-Moderate
• Views: 4/5
• Popularity: Medium to Very Popular
• Time to Hike: 1 hour to 1 hour 45 min
• Open: This trail is open as of 2021
• Dogs: Dogs are allowed on a leash
• Trailhead Location: Off Historic Columbia River Highway in Guy W. Talbot State Park

Latourell Falls

Starting from the Latourell Falls Trailhead, you can head either clockwise towards Upper Latourell Falls or counterclockwise to the base of Latourell Falls (Lower Latourell Falls). If you start your hike counterclockwise, it is only a quarter of a mile to the Lower Latoruell Falls from the trailhead.

Latourell Falls is an impressive 249 feet tall. This single-drop waterfall is the third tallest waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge. You can get up close and personal to the falls, or admire them from the bridge over Latourell Creek. This is an amazing spot to take photos. Some people even get married at the base of Latourell Falls with the water thundering behind them!

Continue counterclockwise and the trail will take you under the bridge on the Historic Columbia River Highway towards a day use and picnic area in Guy W. Talbot State Park. Before reaching the picnic tables follow the curve back up and across the highway.

After a little over a mile of hiking, there is a small lookout through the trees of the Columbia River Gorge. This is especially beautiful in Fall. The trees start to turn and show a beautiful display of orange and yellow leaves. There is a small bench here if you need to stop and take a breath or just want to enjoy the scenery before reaching Upper Latourell Falls.

Upper Latourell Falls

Almost exactly two-thirds of the way through the hike, you will reach Upper Latourell Falls. While Upper Latourell Falls is a little under half the height of Latourell Falls, it is still quite a sight to see. The unique two tiers of the falls give you a sense of wonder.

Similar to Latourell Falls, a bridge connects the trail at the base of the falls allowing for some pretty great photos and an amazing view of the falls. You can also go a bit behind Upper Latourell Falls, but watch your step as the rocks are steep and quite loose here.

While busy, you might find a small bit of solitude here compared to the Lower Falls since the hike required means it receives slightly fewer visitors. Visit in the morning if you are hiking on a weekend to experience the falls in peace and calm.

After you have had your fill of waterfalls, finish up the hike by heading downhill for another 1.2 miles. Almost to the end of the trail, you will be able to catch one last glimpse of Latourell Falls from a distance before returning to the trailhead.

Tips for Visiting Latourell Falls

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• Hike Latourell Falls and all of the Columbia River Gorge from Fall to Spring for the best water flow and most impressive falls. In summer, many waterfalls will be down to a trickle.
• Prepare for mud and wear waterproof hiking boots, especially if you are visiting in Fall through Spring as mentioned above.
• Speaking of water, bring a rain jacket to avoid the famous Pacific Northwest showers and to wear close to the waterfalls!
• As always when hiking, Leave No Trace! Protect these natural places for other visitors to continue enjoying and pack out what you bring in, stay on the trail, and respect the wildlife.
• This hike can get quite crowded during peak times so have a backup trail in mind, and if the trailhead is full continue to a less popular waterfall. See below for several nearby waterfalls in the gorge.

Other Waterfall Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge

• Multnomah Falls– 2.4 miles, 810 feet, Moderate– Oregon’s tallest waterfall is only 13 minutes away from Latourell Falls. The trail will take you all the way to the top, but you can also hike just to the base of the waterfall.
• Bridal Veil Falls– 0.5 miles, 78 feet, Easy– Bridal Viel Falls is just down the road from Latourell Falls and has a similar two-tiered waterfall like Upper Latourell Falls, but only requires a short 0.5-mile hike.
• Wahkeena Falls– 6.1 miles, 1,751 feet, Moderate– Just before Multnomah Falls is Wahkeena Falls. The whole hike is 6 miles, but it is only 0.2 miles to Wahkeena Falls. If you continue on the trail you will see Fairy Falls, Ecola Falls, Wiesendanger Falls, Dutchman Falls, and eventually Multnomah Falls.
• Horsetail and Ponytail Falls– 0.9 miles, 331 feet, Easy– Horsetail and Ponytail Falls trail will also take you by 2 stunning waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge. This is a great alternative if the parking lot for Latourell Falls is full.

You Might Also Be Interested In:

• Rowena Plateau and Tom McCall Point
• Silver Falls State Park and the Trail of Ten Falls
• Best Things to Do on the Oregon Coast

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