Latourell Falls - 2.4 Miles Round-Trip

Latourell Falls plunges 224' over a columnar basalt wall on the west end of the Columbia River Gorge. A loop can be taken over the top to Upper Latourell Falls, a 120' horsetail with an accessible grotto behind it. While crowds can build at the main fall, fewer make the 445', 1.2 mile climb to see the upper fall.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

Latourell can be experienced several ways, including great views from the parking lot and just a few steps up the main trail. You can also drop to a viewing area near the plunge pool, or hike the complete loop.

The loop comes highly recommended for its range of perspective, and a close look at the upper fall. Clockwise travel is more common, but each direction requires a short, steep climb up the Latourell Creek drainage.

This description travels counter-clockwise for lighter crowds, and omits the lower viewing area for descriptive simplicity. The lower viewing area adds only nominal distance to the loop:

Walk west from the trailhead for .15 miles along the Historic Columbia River Highway to a sign pointing left for the upper falls (it says, '1.04 miles to the falls'). You'll cross a scenic bridge over Latourell Creek en route, which was built in 1914.

Turn left and begin a steady, winding climb to a step-out viewpoint with panoramas across the river (.52 miles). The trail dips, veers right at a fork, then rises back along the creek under sprawling bigleaf maple and notably large cedar.

You'll see the far side of the loop across the creek before reaching a bridge at the base of Upper Latrourell Falls (1.2 miles : 623'). The falls spill over a large grotto that's fairly easy to walk under. Cross the bridge to see the uppermost portion of the falls, which is concealed on the initial approach. 

The loop continues down the east side of Latourell Creek to the top of Latourell Falls with a dizzying look at its vertical path. Bright yellow lichens distinguish the lip over which it tumbles. Continue steeply down to the trailhead to complete the loop.