Backpacking the Northwest

Latourell Falls is a wonderful introduction to the many waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge. It is a plunge falls with a height of 249 feet. You can access the main or lower falls from the parking lot in the Guy W. Talbot State Park; this falls on Latourell Creek is named after Joseph Latourell, a prominent Columbia River Gorge settler. It is on the Historic Highway, 3.4 miles west of Exit 28 off I-84. It’s a short walk from the park’s picnic area to the viewpoint. The upper Falls is also a plunge falls with a height ranging between 75-100 feet. You can get behind the falls if you choose to cool off on a hot summer day. In winter the ice forms thickly and makes for beautiful pictures. To get to falls, travel another 0.8 of a mile along the trail from Latourell Falls (above). Continue on the trail to finish the loop back at the parking lot.
Trailhead:
You can get there from I-84. If you’re coming from the west, you can exit at Troutdale (Exit 17), Lewis and Clark State Park (Exit 18), Corbett (Exit 22), Bridal Veil (Exit 28 or Dodson (Exit 35). If you’re coming from the east, you can exit at Dodson [Exit 35], Bridal Veil [Exit 28] or Corbett (Exit 22].
(Lat:45.53882 Lon:-122.2177)

Some reviews of this hike

Reviewed by Jennifer on 12/17/2006
This is a spectacular set of waterfalls. The lower falls were roaring with all of the rain and snow that we’ve been having here. A breathtaking 250 ft. plunge. The upper falls are well worth the hike. A roaring two tier plunge that I had all to myself. The approach to the base of the falls was extremely slick and icy so you cannot approach the base in the winter when it’s really cold. One note: The trail loop to the upper falls has exposed cliffs and dropoffs that are very dangerous. Near the top of the lower falls there is a fence. For the love of God to not go past this fence. It is EXTREMELY dangerous. Some fools have bushwacked a trail to the cliff. If you slip it’s 250 feet to your death over the waterfall onto the rocks below.

Reviewed by Steve on 9/14/2006
The waterfalls on this hike are very pretty and I mean gorgeous. The rest of the scenery was rather disappointing for the gorge, lots of brambles and brush, not many views. The trail to the base of the falls is paved and easy. The trail to the upper falls is really steep to start with, no matter which way you walk the loop. The eastern side of the loop has some nice side views of the lower falls, the west side is boring, regrowth maple forest. The upper viewpoint of (Lower) Latourell Falls (off the main trail) is VERY dangerous and I recomend staying on the trail. If you’re a waterfall freak, don’t miss this one. If you’re looking for old growth or scenic vistas, it’s not that great.

Reviewed by Geoffrey on 11/2/2005
Initial elevation change a little rough for the little ones, I had to lie to my 5 year old a bit more than usual to coax her along. The lower falls standard water falling off a cliff is juxtaposed against a pretty unique upper fall geometry, I’ve some photos available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ludt/ in the “search by tag” search box enter “latourel falls”

Reviewed by Sherrie on 6/21/2005
I took my mom on this hike – it’s easy and beautiful, and if you want a nice beautiful hike without having to take all day, this is a great one! Not far away is the Vista House which is a nice stop-off. For more Photos click here: http://photobucket.com/albums/y152/Tanapics/Latourell%20Falls/

Reviewed by PK on 4/20/2005
It is a nice trail for a leisurely hike. The views from the top of the Columbia River below are very nice. The downside of the trail is that it can be pretty crowded on a nice weekend.

Reviewed by Jodi S. on 8/29/2003
Very good, maintained trail. Start out from the parking lot and climb the asphalt trail is the best way to view the falls. After viewing the falls, there are numerous trails that go in different directions, the first part of the trail that V’s out, stay to the left ( going uphill ) will actually take you back down to the parking lot.