Latourell Falls Loop Hiking Guide
Latourell Falls drops 249 feet in a single unbroken plunge against a wall of columnar basalt streaked with vivid yellow lichen, and it is visible from the car park — which means most visitors photograph it and drive on. The 2.2-mile loop behind it climbs to a second, quieter upper falls you can walk behind, then returns along the creek. It needs no permit, which in the Gorge is increasingly unusual.
The Lower Falls
A paved path leads from the lot at Guy W. Talbot State Park to a viewpoint at the base of the main falls in a couple of minutes. The basalt columns and the acid-yellow lichen on them are the distinguishing feature — no other Gorge waterfall looks quite like this. Spray reaches the viewpoint in high water. Most people see this much and leave, which is why the loop above is comparatively peaceful.
The Loop and the Upper Falls
The trail climbs on switchbacks above the lower falls, follows the creek upstream through mossy forest, and reaches the upper falls where the path passes behind the water. It then crosses and descends the far side back toward the highway. About 600 feet of gain over the full loop, with some rooty and slick sections. An hour and a half is typical including stops.
No Permit, Year-Round
Unlike Multnomah down the road, Latourell requires no timed-use permit and no parking pass — it is an Oregon State Parks day-use area with free parking. Combined with its low elevation, that makes it one of the most reliably accessible Gorge waterfalls in every season. Winter brings the highest water and the fewest people, and the basalt with ice on it is worth the cold.
Combining a Waterfall Day
Latourell sits at the western end of the Historic Columbia River Highway, with Bridal Veil, Wahkeena and Multnomah strung out to the east. Driving the historic highway and stopping at several is the classic Gorge day and considerably more rewarding than treating any one of them as a destination. Latourell is the natural first stop coming from Portland.
Practicalities
There are toilets and a picnic area at the park. Leashed dogs are welcome. The lot is modest and fills on fine weekends, though turnover is fast because most visitors stay only minutes. Watch footing on the loop, which stays wet — the same moisture that keeps the moss and lichen vivid makes roots and rock slick nearly year-round.
Hiking tips for Latourell Falls Loop
- Walk the full loop rather than stopping at the base viewpoint; the upper falls sees a fraction of the visitors.
- Use this as the first stop on a Historic Columbia River Highway waterfall day heading east from Portland.
- Come in winter for the highest water and near-empty trails — no permit means no seasonal booking hassle.
- Expect slick roots and rock year-round; the moisture that makes the lichen vivid never really lets up.
- Take advantage of free parking and no timed-use permit, which distinguishes this from Multnomah a few miles east.
Nearby trails to explore
- Multnomah Falls
- Angels Rest
- Wahclella Falls
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Latourell is the easiest Gorge waterfall to build a group day around. Use TrailMates to find Portland hikers doing multi-waterfall runs along the historic highway. Download the TrailMates app to join one.