Latourell Falls is located in Guy W. Talbot State Park, and it’s the closest of the major Columbia River Gorge waterfalls to Portland. Hiking there in any season is beautiful, and in a short walk, you can see two waterfalls!

I’ve been hiking the Latourell Falls loop trail several times and in every season; however, I never get tired of it. I walked there solo, carrying my daughter on my back, with friends and this last time with my son. We enjoyed the autumnal colors starting to appear within the greenery and, of course, the two magnificent waterfalls.

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What to see and do

The Latourell Falls loop hike is one of my favorite near Portland since, after about 30 to 40 minutes of driving, you can start walking in this gorgeous place.

In the 2.4 miles loop trail, you can find two waterfalls, Latourell and Upper Latourell Falls, beautiful foliage and trees, wildflowers in Spring and Summer, bridges, picnic areas, incredible vistas, and more. It’s indeed, a hiker and photographer paradise.

The hike

Beyond the beauty this area offers, there is also flexibility in the way you can explore this trail.

Once you park you have different options.

The first one is taking the path on the right (next to the Latourell bridge) and walk until you reach the base of Latourell Falls. This short walk is the best option if you don’t have so much time or are visiting several spots on a day trip in Columbia River Gorge, but still want to enjoy a beautiful waterfall.

Second is the option one plus cross the bridge you will find in the base of Latourell Falls and continue on that trail until you reach one of the picnic areas of Guy W. Talbot State Park. You will find a Picnic Shelter, some tables under magnificent trees, beautiful wildflowers in Spring, and the old and abandoned Latourell House (once the Latourell family house; the falls are named after Joseph Latourell, a 19th-century settler, and postmaster). Then come back to the parking area using the same trail. This hike is still short but with more things to see and explore.

Or take the path on the left and make the complete 2.4 loop trail.

Latourell Falls Loop Hike

The trailhead is located next to the parking area, and from there, you have to take the left path, walk the trail up to the Latourell Falls viewpoint.

From the viewpoint, continue on the dirt path, and at some point, you will enjoy a side view of the waterfall. This view is better in winter when the trees don’t have leaves. And since all this section of the trail is uphill is good to know that there are benches in several spots to take a break.

Following the path, you will find a narrow side trail on the right that leads you to a log to cross the creek and go the other side of the course; however, if you want to make the complete loop, stay on the main trail and continue.

After crossing four small wooden bridges, you will finally arrive at the Upper Latourell Falls (the third tallest waterfall in the Columbia Gorge), part of the George W. Joseph State Natural Area.

The trail crosses Latourell Creek at the base of the falls and then continues until you arrive at the Historic Columbia River Highway. Before arriving at the highway, you will enjoy beautiful views and two tree formations we loved: one cedar arch and one dragon-shaped tree! (we love finding shapes in the trees during our hikes)

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Carefully cross the road, and you will see the trail that reaches the picnic area of Guy W. Talbot State Park. From there, take the path under the beautiful 1914 highway bridge, and you will find the base of Latourell Falls. After crossing the creek, you can come back to the parking area.

Find out even more hiking ideas here and waterfalls here!

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Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

• Two photogenic waterfalls, Latourell and Upper Latourell Falls.
• Great vistas.
• 2.4 miles hiking trails.
• Parking area.
• Picnic areas, one with a picnic shelter at Talbot State Park that is reservable (For reservations call 800-452-5687) and another next to the parking area.
• Restrooms (closed right now).

Important information and tips

• Location: Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019.
• Website.
• Open for Day-use only: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Fees: No fees. Free parking.
• Dogs on leash.
• The hike is classified as easy, but it has some challenging uphills sections, and it can be slippery on rainy days and in winter with snow or icy conditions.
• Dress in layers, especially during Spring, Fall, and Winter. It rains a lot in Columbia River Gorge, so some kind of waterproof jacket is always handy. Additionally, under the tree canopies can be colder than in other areas. On the same day, you can have all the weather there!
• The parking area fills up quickly. It’s always a good idea to arrive early in the morning or visiting on weekdays.