As the third tallest waterfall in “Waterfall Alley”, Latourell Falls is a stunning 224-foot waterfall that plunges directly down from Latourell Creek. What sets this waterfall apart from many of its peers in the Columbia River Gorge is its straight drop (while the others are tiered). Located about 35-40 minutes outside of Portland, Oregon, it makes for an excellent day trip and is often included in local travel itineraries.
Located within Guy W. Talbot State Park (a.k.a Latourell State Park) off the Historic Columbia River Highway, you’ll find the 2-mile Latourell Falls Loop, which is rated as moderate. The park is open daily from 6am to 8pm and is known for being kid- and dog-friendly. At the parking lot, you can either go left or right. If you take a left, it leads uphill and takes longer to reach a viewpoint of the lower falls. After passing the lower falls, the trail continues on to the upper falls. Alternatively, you can go right, which immediately descends and provides a shorter path to the lower falls with a different viewpoint.
We opted to go right towards the lower falls with the private tour group we were with. This route is approximately 0.1-ish miles along a very easy, steady, and wide path that my daughter navigated effortlessly. It took us directly to the waterfall, where we were able to enjoy it in all its glory. This path also leads to the Latourell Creek Bridge, built in 1914, making it 110 years old. It’s since been designated as a National Historic Landmark.
As mentioned in the intro, Latourell Falls is unique among its waterfall counterparts in the Columbia River Gorge because it drops directly down, while the others tumble to some degree. Additionally, it serves as an excellent example of columnar basalt – i.e., fractures formed during the cooling of thick lava flows. These striking geological formations are clearly visible in large amounts behind and around the waterfall.
Overall, while Latourell Falls is just one of the many beautiful waterfalls in “Waterfall Alley” of the Columbia River Gorge, it’s definitely worth a visit and should not be missed. Its unique direct drop sets it apart, making it a striking sight that is easily viewable with just a short walk. For those wanting more of a challenge, you can continue along the 2-mile Latourell Falls Loop, guaranteeing a nice workout with even nicer scenery. 👌🏼
