Nestled in the moss-drenched cliffs of Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge, the Latourell Falls Loop offers an incredible "bang for your buck" experience for hikers of all levels. This 2.4-mile hike transports you through a quintessential Pacific Northwest landscape, where the air is cool and the basalt is draped in vibrant, neon-green lichen. On this loop, you’ll encounter two distinct waterfalls: the towering, 249-foot lower falls—famous for its dramatic basalt columns—and the hidden, two-tiered upper falls that feels like a secret sanctuary deep in the forest. Whether you're marveling at the historic stone masonry of the 1914 bridges or standing in the misty spray of either falls, this hike provides a perfect dose of the Gorge’s rugged beauty. 

Trail Stats:

• Distance: Approximately 2.4 miles
• Total Elevation Gain: Approximately 900 feet 
• Difficulty: Moderate, with gradual climbing
• Duration: 1.5 - 2.5 hours
• Best Season: Spring through Fall (snow and mud may be present in Winter)

Trail Description

From the trailhead at the Latourell Falls parking area, climb the 60 stairs left of the information kiosk. Almost immediately, you’ll reach the Latourell Falls Lookout, a perfect spot to catch a framed view of the 249-foot lower falls plunging over columns of yellow-green, lichen-covered basalt.

From the Overlook, trail transitions to dirt and begins a steady climb into the lush canopy of Douglas firs and big-leaf maples, winding along the side of the canyon to the top of the falls.   Use caution at the top of the falls, and stay behind the barriers at all times.  

From the top of the falls, continue along the trail another half mile to Upper Latourell Falls.  The grade eventually mellows as you approach the falls. The upper falls is a two-tiered 134-foot beauty that twists and slides down a basalt overhang. At the falls, you’ll cross Latourell Creek via a wooden footbridge—a great spot to pause, have a snack and enjoy the view before your return trip along the opposite bank.

Heading back toward the Columbia River, the trail meanders through the forest for another mile, passing a distinctive split spruce tree that has become a local photo favorite among many other interesting trees. As you descend, the path offers a peek-a-boo vista of the Columbia River Gorge and the Washington hills before dropping down toward the Guy W. Talbot Day Use Area.

Cross the Historic Columbia River Highway and continue toward the Day Use Area down a paved trail, and watch for the trail sign directing you to the trail back to the base of the lower falls.  Follow the trail under the majestic, mossy arches of the 1914 Latourell Creek Bridge and on to the base of the Lower Falls. This is the loop’s dramatic finale: stand before the splash pool to experience the full scale of the falls as spray cools your face and arms. From here, a short, paved quarter-mile walk leads you back up the hill to return to the parking area.

Recommended Gear

In Winter and Early Spring, mud and snow may be present along the trail.

• Durable Hiking Boots
• Hiking Poles

Driving Directions 

From Portland (30–40 minutes) or Hood River (50–60 minutes)

• Take I-84 into the Columbia River Gorge.
• Take Exit 22 (Corbett) and follow the signs uphill toward the Historic Columbia River Highway.
• Turn left (East) onto the Historic Highway and continue for approximately 4.5 miles.
• Enjoy the Historic Columbia River Highway.  You will pass the Vista House at Crown Point and wind through the short set of hairpin curves before reaching the park. The main trailhead parking lot will be on your right, just before you cross the historic bridge.

Toltrek Tip: Parking fills up quickly on weekends! If the main upper lot is full, there is a lower parking area in the day-use section. To find it, drive west past the falls and take an immediate right onto Latourell Road, following the signs into the park’s lower meadow.  If you reach the hairpin curve on the Historic Columbia Highway, you have gone too far west.

More Information:

• Oregon State Parks: Latourell Falls Trailhead – Real-time updates, trail conditions, alerts and park contact info.