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Difference between revisions of "Latourell Falls Loop Hike"

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[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]
 
[[Category:Northwest Oregon]]
 
[[Category:Columbia River Gorge]]
 
[[Category:Columbia River Gorge]]
 +
[[Category:Accessibility Information]]
 
[[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Waterfall Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Easy Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Easy Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Family Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Family Hikes]]
−
[[Category:State Parks]]
+
[[Category:Oregon State Parks]]
 
[[Category:All Season Hikes]]
 
[[Category:All Season Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Crowded Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Crowded Hikes]]
 +
[[Category:Creek Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Loop Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Loop Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Hikes]]
 
[[Category:Hikes]]
  
−
[[Image:LatourellFalls2.jpg|thumb|400px|Bridge at base of Latourell Falls ''(Steve Hart)'']]
+
[[Image:TKO put tools to trail here.png|400px|right]]
−
[[Image:LatourellFalls5.jpg|thumb|188px|Latourell Falls in spring ''(Steve Hart)'']]
+
[[Image:LatourellFalls6.jpg|thumb|400px|Latourell Falls ''(Steve Hart)'']]
−
[[Image:LatourellFallsTrailFall.jpg |thumb|250px|Autumn leaves along the trail ''(Jeff Statt)'']]
+
[[Image:On the upper loop, Latourell Falls.jpg|thumb|250px|Hiking above Latourell Creek ''(bobcat)'']]
−
[[Image:LatourellFalls6.jpg |thumb|250px|Latourell Falls ''(Steve Hart)'']]
+
[[Image:Oregon wood sorrel (Oxalis oregana), Latourell.jpg|thumb|250px|Oregon wood sorrel ''(Oxalis oregana)'', Latourell Creek ''(bobcat)'']]
 +
[[Image:Upper falls, Latourell Falls.jpg|thumb|250px|Lower tier of Upper Latourell Falls in winter ''(bobcat)'']]
 +
[[Image:Bridge over Latourell Creek, Guy W. Talbot State Park.jpg|thumb|250px|The 1914 bridge over Latourell Creek, Guy W. Talbot State Park ''(bobcat)'']]
 +
[[Image:At the base of the lower falls, Latourell Falls.jpg|thumb|160px|At the base of Latourell Falls ''(bobcat)'']]
 +
[[Image:LatourellFallsMap1.png|thumb|300px|The loop hike to Latourell Falls and Upper Latourell Falls (not a GPS track) ''(bobcat)'' Courtesy: ''Caltopo'']]
  
 
{{Start point|Latourell Falls Trailhead}}
 
{{Start point|Latourell Falls Trailhead}}
−
* End Point: [[Upper Latourell Falls]]
+
* End point: [[Upper Latourell Falls]]
−
* Trail Log: [[Latourell Falls Hike/Log|Trail Log]]
+
* Trail log: [[Latourell Falls Hike/Log|Trail Log]]
−
* Hike Type: Loop
+
* Hike type: Loop
 
{{Distance|2.4 miles}}
 
{{Distance|2.4 miles}}
−
{{Elevation gain|520 feet}}
+
{{Elevation gain|625 feet}}
 +
* High point: 620 feet
 
{{Difficulty|Easy}}
 
{{Difficulty|Easy}}
 
* Seasons: Year round except during winter storms
 
* Seasons: Year round except during winter storms
Line 26: Line 33:
 
* Backpackable: No
 
* Backpackable: No
 
* Crowded: Yes
 
* Crowded: Yes
 +
* [[Latourell Falls Accessibility Information]]
 +
{{Hazards|n=y}}
  
 
=== Hike Description ===
 
=== Hike Description ===
−
Latourell Falls is the closest of the Columbia Gorge waterfalls to Portland. It's just barely visible from the highway, but a short jaunt up a steep paved path leads to a clear viewpoint. A walk down a different path leads to the base of the falls. Latourell Falls, a 249' plunge, is beautiful in all seasons. In the summer, the water flow is very low, creating near misty conditions. In the winter, the splash freezes everywhere.
 
  
−
The most interesting hike is a 2.4 mile loop visiting [[Latourell Falls]], [[Upper Latourell Falls]] and Guy Talbot Park. Beginning from the [[Latourell Falls Trailhead]], follow the paved viewpoint trail up to the viewpoint. From there, a dirt path leads away to the left, steeply around the basin. Look for side views of the falls, particularly in the winter, when the trees have lost their leaves. The trail climbs for about 1/3 of a mile to a bench at the top of the falls. There's a side trail here that drops down to an unimproved log that functions as a bridge of sorts. This side trail shortcuts the loop, shaving about a mile from the trip.
+
<b><font color=red>NOTICE: As of 11/13/2023 this trail and parking area will be closed for the replacement of two bridges and the construction of steps to a viewpoint along the trail. The duration of the closure is weather-dependent, and OSP does not have an expected reopening date. Please check with [https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=112  Oregon State Parks] before you plan your visit.</font color></b>
  
−
The main trail continues southward beside the creek. The trail here is rocky in places and the undergrowth next to the trail is very thick, blocking most views in the summer. The trail crosses four pleasant, small wooden bridges and then comes to Upper Latourell Falls. This waterfall is a two tiered drop, first a block fall that's almost hidden and then a plunge into a pool. The trail crosses Latourell Creek at the base of the falls and heads back down the west side of the creek.  
+
Latourell Falls is the closest of the major [[Columbia River Gorge]] waterfalls to Portland, and it's also one of the most photogenic. A tall single-plunge waterfall of 224 feet, it spills over the lip of an undercut amphitheater of tall pillars of columnar basalt. An eye-catching splash of chartreuse-colored golden cobblestone lichen ''(Pleopsidium flavum)'' adorns the upper amphitheater and contrasts with the dark basalt walls. You can view these lower falls from a point just above the trailhead, but the loop hike here takes you up Latourell Creek to see two-tiered [[Upper Latourell Falls]] before winding down to the state park picnic area below the highway. Then you can hike up under the highway bridge to the base of [[Latourell Falls]] and admire the plunge and basalt columns from below. Between them, the two waterfalls and Latourell Creek flow over three different flows of the Columbia River Basalts, which backfilled this valley between 15.5 and 14 million years ago. The waterfalls are beautiful in all seasons, but in the summer, the water flow is very low, creating near misty conditions; in the winter, the splash can freeze dangerously across the trail.
  
−
Past the log "bridge", the trail comes to a bench overlooking a rock point. It's obvious that many people venture past a cable and out on to this point, but it's equally obvious that one false step or gust of wind will plummet those people 249 feet down to the splash pool. The main trail climbs to another bench at a viewpoint that's overgrown with new fir trees. Then the trail slabs down the ridge to the Highway.  
+
The falls are named after Joseph Latourell, a 19th century settler of the area who became postmaster of the Rooster Rock Post Office in 1887. The Latourell family had a house, now abandoned but still standing, near the current state park picnic area. The land around [[Latourell Falls]] was donated by Guy W. Talbot (and the state park named after him) in 1929. This parcel is adjacent to the George W. Joseph State Natural Area, where you'll encounter [[Upper Latourell Falls]].
  
−
Hikers can return to the trailhead by hiking across the bridge, but there's more trail fun to be had. Across the road, there's an old set of stairs that start a trail dropping down into Guy Talbot Park. Guy Talbot is the man that owned Latourell Falls. The trail drops down to a parking area with picnic tables. From there another paved trail head back under the highway bridge to the base of Latourell Falls. The bridge, dating from 1914 is interesting in its own right, with special lightweight construction due to the instable soils in the area. At the falls, the lichen covered columnar basalt formations around the falls steal the show. From here, it's a short, paved, uphill hike to the lot.
+
Beginning from the [[Latourell Falls Trailhead]], follow the paved viewpoint trail up to the [[Latourell Falls Viewpoint]]. From the viewpoint, a wide dirt path leads makes two short switchbacks up under cedars and mossy maples. Pass above a devil's club thicket where seeps trickle onto the trail tread. Look for a side view of [[Latourell Falls]], particularly in the winter when the alders and maples have lost their leaves. Pass a large Douglas-fir, and switchback twice above the lip of the falls. There's a side trail here that drops down to an unimproved log that functions as a slippery bridge to connect with the loop trail on the other side of Latourell Creek. This side trail shaves about a mile from the trip.
 +
 
 +
The main trail continues beside the creek. Pass another connector to a log crossing of the creek. The trail here is rocky in places, and the undergrowth next to the trail is very thick, blocking most views in the summer. Some large cedars tower overhead as you hike up through a layer of the Frenchman Springs flow of the Columbia River Basalts. The trail crosses four small wooden bridges, passing into a second state park, the George W. Joseph State Natural Area, much of which was gifted by members of the Joseph family to the state in 1934 and 1942. The star attraction of this state property is [[Upper Latourell Falls]]. This waterfall is a two tiered drop, first a block fall that's almost hidden and then a plunge into a pool. (An older trail once led behind the lower tier of the falls, and there was once even a footbridge that crossed in front of the upper tier!) This layer of the Priest Rapids member is, at 14 million years, the second-youngest of the Gorge basalt flows. The trail crosses Latourell Creek at the base of the falls and heads back down the west side of the creek.
 +
 
 +
Gradually descend a salmonberry/sword fern slope under moss-draped big-leaf maples and tall Douglas-firs. Switchback down twice where the creek plunges through a small chute. Admire a cedar "arch" next to the remains of a bench. Then pass the connections with the trails from the other side of the creek, and head up under overhanging vine maples. A spur leads off down to a high and exposed perch at the lip of [[Latourell Falls]]' amphitheater. The main trail climbs to another bench at a cable-protected viewpoint. From here, you can get views to the Young Creek bottomland,  [[Rooster Rock (Columbia Gorge)|Rooster Rock]], Cape Horn, [[Hamilton Mountain]], and [[Table Mountain]]. Irises bloom trailside here in spring. Descend into a mixed forest bowl with thimbleberry and nettles in the understory. Switchback at an arched maple, and wind down to a short paved stretch of trail that reaches the Historic Columbia River Highway.
 +
 
 +
Across the road, there's a trail that drops down into the picnic area for Guy W. Talbot State Park. Descend some stone steps and, past a big Douglas-fir, make a right to follow the loop trail under the 1914 highway bridge. The bridge is interesting in its own right, with special lightweight construction due to the unstable soils in the area. Hike along a steep slope above Latourell Creek on a trail that needs constant bolstering, and cross the footbridge near the base of [[Latourell Falls]]. Take a moment to admire the overhang here, with its array of broken-off columns from 15.5 million-year-old Grande Ronde basalt flows. Then hike up the slope to the parking area and another viewpoint.
  
 
=== Maps ===
 
=== Maps ===
−
{{HikeMaps|latitude=45.53667|longitude=-122.2175}}
+
{{HikeMaps|latitude=45.5369|longitude=-122.2181}}
 +
* [http://friendsofmultnomahfalls.org/maps.html  Historic Columbia River Highway Map (Friends of Multnomah Falls)]
 +
* Green Trails Maps: ''Bridal Veil, OR #428''
 +
* Green Trails Maps: ''Columbia River Gorge - West #428S''
 +
* Geo-Graphics: ''Trails of the Columbia Gorge''
 +
* National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: ''Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area''
  
 
=== Fees, Regulations, etc. ===
 
=== Fees, Regulations, etc. ===
−
* None
+
* Day-use only: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
 +
* Restrooms, picnic tables, interpretive signs
 +
* Dogs on leash
  
−
{{TripReports|Latourell}}
+
{{TripReports|Latourell Falls}}
 +
* [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=31235  Latourell Falls Loop (Before Construction, Currently Closed)]
 +
* [https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=26539  Latourell Falls 4/22/18]
 +
* [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=26432  GoalTechHikes Latourell Falls - Nobody there...almost]
 +
* [http://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=23545  GoalTech hikes Latourell Falls - Perfectly Beautiful 4/1/16]
  
−
{{RelatedDiscussions|Latourell}}
+
{{RelatedDiscussions|Latourell Falls}}
  
 
=== Guidebooks that cover this hike ===
 
=== Guidebooks that cover this hike ===
 +
* ''Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon'' by Adam Sawyer
 +
* ''52 Hikes for 52 Weeks'' by Franziska Weinheimer (Hike Oregon)
 +
* ''Day Hikes in the Columbia Gorge'' by Don J. Scarmuzzi
 
* ''Take a Walk: Portland'' by Brian Barker
 
* ''Take a Walk: Portland'' by Brian Barker
−
* ''Day Hike! Columbia Gorge'', by Seabury Blair, Jr.
+
* ''Curious Gorge'' by Scott Cook
−
* ''Afoot and Afield Portland/Vancouver'', by Douglas Lorain
+
* ''PDX Hiking 365'' by Matt Reeder
−
* ''35 Hiking Trails, Columbia River Gorge'', by Don & Roberta Lowe
+
* ''100 Hikes: Northwest Oregon'' by William L. Sullivan
−
* ''Columbia River Gorge, 42 Scenic Hikes'', by Don & Roberta Lowe
+
* ''Oregon Hiking'' by Matt Wastradowski
−
* ''Hiking the Columbia River Gorge'' - 1st and 2nd Editions, by Russ Schneider
+
* ''Washington Hiking'' by Craig Hill
−
* ''100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon'' - 3rd Edition, by William L Sullivan
+
* ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Craig Hill & Matt Wastradowski
 +
* ''Day Hiking: Columbia River Gorge'' by Craig Romano
 +
* ''Hiking the Columbia River Gorge'' by Russ Schneider; revised by Jim Yuskavitch
 +
* ''Afoot & Afield: Portland/Vancouver'' by Douglas Lorain
 +
* ''100 Classic Hikes in Oregon'' by Douglas Lorain
 +
* ''Best Easy Day Hikes: Portland, Oregon'' by Lizann Dunegan
 +
* ''Best Hikes With Kids: Oregon'' by Bonnie Henderson & Zach Urness
 +
* ''Best Hikes with Children: Western & Central Oregon'' by Bonnie Henderson
 +
* ''Day Hike! Columbia Gorge'' by Seabury Blair, Jr.
 +
* ''Oregon: The Creaky Knees Guide'' by Seabury Blair, Jr.
 +
* ''70 Virtual Hikes of the Columbia River Gorge'' by Northwest Hiker
 +
* ''Best Short Hikes in Northwest Oregon'' by Rhonda & George Ostertag
 +
* ''Columbia Gorge Getaways'' by Laura O. Foster
 +
* ''Oregon's Columbia River Gorge: Camping & Hiking'' by Tom Stienstra & Sean Patrick Hill
 +
* ''Oregon Hiking'' by Sean Patrick Hill
 +
* ''Pacific Northwest Hiking'' by Scott Leonard & Sean Patrick Hill
 +
* ''35 Hiking Trails: Columbia River Gorge'' by Don & Roberta Lowe
 +
* ''Columbia Gorge Hikes: 42 Scenic Hikes'' by Don & Roberta Lowe
 +
* ''The Columbia Gorge: Short Trips and Trails'' by Oral Bullard & Don Lowe
 +
* ''Oregon State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide'' by Jan Bannan
 +
* ''Hiking Oregon's Geology'' by Ellen Morris Bishop
 +
* ''Fire, Faults, and Floods: A Road & Trail Guide Exploring the Origins of the Columbia River Basin'' by Marge & Ted Mueller
 +
* ''Waterfalls of the Columbia Gorge, Volume One: Oregon'' by Zach Forsyth
 +
* ''Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest'' by Gregory A. Plumb
 +
* ''Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest'' by David L. Anderson
 +
* ''Canine Oregon'' by Lizann Dunegan
 +
* ''Best Hikes With Dogs: Oregon'' by Ellen Morris Bishop
  
 
=== More Links ===
 
=== More Links ===
−
See more information at
+
* [https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=112  Guy W. Talbot State Park (Oregon State Parks)]
−
* [http://www.nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike02.html Short loop at NWHiker]  
+
* [https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=111  George W. Joseph State Natural Area (Oregon State Parks)]
−
* [http://www.nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike03.html Loop including Upper Latourell Falls at NWHiker]  
+
* [http://www.nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike03.html Latourell Falls Long Loop Hike (Northwest Hiker)]
−
* [http://www.iinet.com/~englishriver/LewisClarkColumbiaRiver/Regions/Places/latourell_falls.html Lewis and Clark's Columbia River] (history)
+
* [http://www.nwhiker.com/CGNSAHike02.html Latourell Falls Short Hike (Northwest Hiker)]
 +
* [https://wyeastblog.org/2012/12/26/latourell-falls-makeover-part-1/  Latourell Falls Makeover (Part 1) (WyEast Blog)]
 +
* [https://wyeastblog.org/2013/01/08/latourell-falls-makeover-part-2/  Latourell Falls Makeover (Part 2) (WyEast Blog)]
 +
* [https://gorgefriends.org/hike-the-gorge/latourell-falls-loop.html  Latourell Falls Loop (Friends of the Columbia Gorge)]
 +
* [https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/latourell-falls  Latourell Falls Loop (Washington Trails Association)]
 +
* [http://columbiariverhighway.com/latourell-falls-trail/  Latourell Falls (The Columbia River Highway)]
 +
* [http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/latourell.html  "Latourell, Oregon" (The Columbia River: A Photographic Journey)]
 +
* [http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/joseph_state_natural_area.html "George W. Joseph State Natural Area, Oregon" (The Columbia River: A Photographic Journey)]
 +
* [https://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/oregon/hikes/latourell-falls-hike  Latourell Falls Hike (Outdoor Project)]
 +
* [https://www.protrails.com/trail/887/portland-columbia-river-gorge-latourell-falls  Latourell Falls - 2.4 miles (ProTrails)]
 +
* [https://www.viamagazine.com/attractions/latourell-falls-columbia-gorge  "Latourell Falls in the Columbia Gorge" (Via Magazine)]
 +
* [http://www.backcountrycow.com/blog/2017/latourell-falls-loop-hike  Latourell Falls Loop Hike — Columbia River Gorge, Oregon (backcountrycow)]
 +
* [http://www.urbanblisslife.com/latourell-falls-loop-day-hike-oregon/  Day Hike: Latourell Falls Loop (UrbanBlissLife)]
 +
* [https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/pacific-northwest-latourell-falls.html  Latourell Falls (World of Waterfalls)]
 +
* [https://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/waterfall/Latourell-Falls-4061  Latourell Falls (Northwest Waterfall Survey)]
 +
* [https://portlandtribune.com/go/42-news/379414-266274-vista-house-2-trails-now-open-in-gorge- "Vista House, 2 trails now open in Gorge" (Portland Tribune)]
 +
 
  
 
=== Contributors ===
 
=== Contributors ===
 
* [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]] (creator)
 
* [[User:Stevefromdodge|Stevefromdodge]] (creator)

Latest revision as of 19:35, 31 March 2024

TKO put tools to trail here.png
Latourell Falls (Steve Hart)
Hiking above Latourell Creek (bobcat)
Oregon wood sorrel (Oxalis oregana), Latourell Creek (bobcat)
Lower tier of Upper Latourell Falls in winter (bobcat)
The 1914 bridge over Latourell Creek, Guy W. Talbot State Park (bobcat)
At the base of Latourell Falls (bobcat)
The loop hike to Latourell Falls and Upper Latourell Falls (not a GPS track) (bobcat) Courtesy: Caltopo
Nettles

Contents

Hike Description

NOTICE: As of 11/13/2023 this trail and parking area will be closed for the replacement of two bridges and the construction of steps to a viewpoint along the trail. The duration of the closure is weather-dependent, and OSP does not have an expected reopening date. Please check with Oregon State Parks before you plan your visit.

Latourell Falls is the closest of the major Columbia River Gorge waterfalls to Portland, and it's also one of the most photogenic. A tall single-plunge waterfall of 224 feet, it spills over the lip of an undercut amphitheater of tall pillars of columnar basalt. An eye-catching splash of chartreuse-colored golden cobblestone lichen (Pleopsidium flavum) adorns the upper amphitheater and contrasts with the dark basalt walls. You can view these lower falls from a point just above the trailhead, but the loop hike here takes you up Latourell Creek to see two-tiered Upper Latourell Falls before winding down to the state park picnic area below the highway. Then you can hike up under the highway bridge to the base of Latourell Falls and admire the plunge and basalt columns from below. Between them, the two waterfalls and Latourell Creek flow over three different flows of the Columbia River Basalts, which backfilled this valley between 15.5 and 14 million years ago. The waterfalls are beautiful in all seasons, but in the summer, the water flow is very low, creating near misty conditions; in the winter, the splash can freeze dangerously across the trail.

The falls are named after Joseph Latourell, a 19th century settler of the area who became postmaster of the Rooster Rock Post Office in 1887. The Latourell family had a house, now abandoned but still standing, near the current state park picnic area. The land around Latourell Falls was donated by Guy W. Talbot (and the state park named after him) in 1929. This parcel is adjacent to the George W. Joseph State Natural Area, where you'll encounter Upper Latourell Falls.

Beginning from the Latourell Falls Trailhead, follow the paved viewpoint trail up to the Latourell Falls Viewpoint. From the viewpoint, a wide dirt path leads makes two short switchbacks up under cedars and mossy maples. Pass above a devil's club thicket where seeps trickle onto the trail tread. Look for a side view of Latourell Falls, particularly in the winter when the alders and maples have lost their leaves. Pass a large Douglas-fir, and switchback twice above the lip of the falls. There's a side trail here that drops down to an unimproved log that functions as a slippery bridge to connect with the loop trail on the other side of Latourell Creek. This side trail shaves about a mile from the trip.

The main trail continues beside the creek. Pass another connector to a log crossing of the creek. The trail here is rocky in places, and the undergrowth next to the trail is very thick, blocking most views in the summer. Some large cedars tower overhead as you hike up through a layer of the Frenchman Springs flow of the Columbia River Basalts. The trail crosses four small wooden bridges, passing into a second state park, the George W. Joseph State Natural Area, much of which was gifted by members of the Joseph family to the state in 1934 and 1942. The star attraction of this state property is Upper Latourell Falls. This waterfall is a two tiered drop, first a block fall that's almost hidden and then a plunge into a pool. (An older trail once led behind the lower tier of the falls, and there was once even a footbridge that crossed in front of the upper tier!) This layer of the Priest Rapids member is, at 14 million years, the second-youngest of the Gorge basalt flows. The trail crosses Latourell Creek at the base of the falls and heads back down the west side of the creek.

Gradually descend a salmonberry/sword fern slope under moss-draped big-leaf maples and tall Douglas-firs. Switchback down twice where the creek plunges through a small chute. Admire a cedar "arch" next to the remains of a bench. Then pass the connections with the trails from the other side of the creek, and head up under overhanging vine maples. A spur leads off down to a high and exposed perch at the lip of Latourell Falls' amphitheater. The main trail climbs to another bench at a cable-protected viewpoint. From here, you can get views to the Young Creek bottomland, Rooster Rock, Cape Horn, Hamilton Mountain, and Table Mountain. Irises bloom trailside here in spring. Descend into a mixed forest bowl with thimbleberry and nettles in the understory. Switchback at an arched maple, and wind down to a short paved stretch of trail that reaches the Historic Columbia River Highway.

Across the road, there's a trail that drops down into the picnic area for Guy W. Talbot State Park. Descend some stone steps and, past a big Douglas-fir, make a right to follow the loop trail under the 1914 highway bridge. The bridge is interesting in its own right, with special lightweight construction due to the unstable soils in the area. Hike along a steep slope above Latourell Creek on a trail that needs constant bolstering, and cross the footbridge near the base of Latourell Falls. Take a moment to admire the overhang here, with its array of broken-off columns from 15.5 million-year-old Grande Ronde basalt flows. Then hike up the slope to the parking area and another viewpoint.

Maps

Fees, Regulations, etc.

  • Day-use only: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
  • Restrooms, picnic tables, interpretive signs
  • Dogs on leash

Trip Reports

Related Discussions / Q&A

Guidebooks that cover this hike

  • Hiking Waterfalls in Oregon by Adam Sawyer
  • 52 Hikes for 52 Weeks by Franziska Weinheimer (Hike Oregon)
  • Day Hikes in the Columbia Gorge by Don J. Scarmuzzi
  • Take a Walk: Portland by Brian Barker
  • Curious Gorge by Scott Cook
  • PDX Hiking 365 by Matt Reeder
  • 100 Hikes: Northwest Oregon by William L. Sullivan
  • Oregon Hiking by Matt Wastradowski
  • Washington Hiking by Craig Hill
  • Pacific Northwest Hiking by Craig Hill & Matt Wastradowski
  • Day Hiking: Columbia River Gorge by Craig Romano
  • Hiking the Columbia River Gorge by Russ Schneider; revised by Jim Yuskavitch
  • Afoot & Afield: Portland/Vancouver by Douglas Lorain
  • 100 Classic Hikes in Oregon by Douglas Lorain
  • Best Easy Day Hikes: Portland, Oregon by Lizann Dunegan
  • Best Hikes With Kids: Oregon by Bonnie Henderson & Zach Urness
  • Best Hikes with Children: Western & Central Oregon by Bonnie Henderson
  • Day Hike! Columbia Gorge by Seabury Blair, Jr.
  • Oregon: The Creaky Knees Guide by Seabury Blair, Jr.
  • 70 Virtual Hikes of the Columbia River Gorge by Northwest Hiker
  • Best Short Hikes in Northwest Oregon by Rhonda & George Ostertag
  • Columbia Gorge Getaways by Laura O. Foster
  • Oregon's Columbia River Gorge: Camping & Hiking by Tom Stienstra & Sean Patrick Hill
  • Oregon Hiking by Sean Patrick Hill
  • Pacific Northwest Hiking by Scott Leonard & Sean Patrick Hill
  • 35 Hiking Trails: Columbia River Gorge by Don & Roberta Lowe
  • Columbia Gorge Hikes: 42 Scenic Hikes by Don & Roberta Lowe
  • The Columbia Gorge: Short Trips and Trails by Oral Bullard & Don Lowe
  • Oregon State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide by Jan Bannan
  • Hiking Oregon's Geology by Ellen Morris Bishop
  • Fire, Faults, and Floods: A Road & Trail Guide Exploring the Origins of the Columbia River Basin by Marge & Ted Mueller
  • Waterfalls of the Columbia Gorge, Volume One: Oregon by Zach Forsyth
  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest by Gregory A. Plumb
  • Waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest by David L. Anderson
  • Canine Oregon by Lizann Dunegan
  • Best Hikes With Dogs: Oregon by Ellen Morris Bishop

More Links


Contributors

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Oregon Hikers Field Guide is built as a collaborative effort by its user community. While we make every effort to fact-check, information found here should be considered anecdotal. You should cross-check against other references before planning a hike. Trail routing and conditions are subject to change. Please contact us if you notice errors on this page.

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