Latourell Falls Hike

At 249 feet, Latourell Falls is an impressive cascade and the third tallest waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, after Multnomah Falls (620 feet) and Elowah Falls (289 feet).  That also means it is the fifth tallest in the state of Oregon, after Munson Creek Falls (319 feet) and Salt Creek Falls (286 feet).

Fortunately, this waterfall is also one of the easiest to reach from Portland.  The 2.4-mile loop leaves from the parking lot and winds through temperate old-growth to lead you to Latourell Falls and Upper Latourell Falls, then back down through Guy Talbot State Park just on the north side of the historic highway.  Here you can end your adventure with a perfectly selected picnic spread.  If you are out for an all-day tour of the Gorge, be sure to start with Portland Women's Forum Scenic Viewpoint, then head east to the Crown Point Vista House before continuing on the Historic Columbia River Highway past the region's entire collection of cascades.