Latourell Falls Loop

Latourell Falls Loop is a 2-mile loop from the east-side trailhead, following Latourell Creek to Upper Latourell Falls and returning along the opposite bank. It brings you close to two very different drops: Lower Latourell Falls is a sheer plunge over columnar basalt, while the upper waterfall breaks into a partly hidden top tier and a lower fall that spills into a pool. Chartreuse lichen brightens the dark rock around the lower cascade. The standard route also crosses small wooden bridges and keeps the creek in view through much of the canyon. A few published descriptions give longer distances because they continue through the lower picnic area and under the old highway bridge; those added paths are outside this two-mile loop.

Allow about 1½ to 2 hours if you stop at both waterfalls. The path climbs soon after leaving the trailhead and is moderately difficult, with rocky patches, uneven ground and several small bridges rather than a smooth paved stroll. Early on, the trail gives you a quick look back toward Lower Falls; farther up, it narrows into a shaded creek canyon beneath large cedars and firs. A succession of bends and switchbacks carries you toward Upper Falls. The last approach crosses the creek beside the waterfall, where the upper block drop is partly hidden behind rock before the lower tier falls into its pool. The waterfall spray reaches the bridge, so pause there for the close view, then cross and follow the return trail on the far bank.

The west-bank path climbs a little more, passes a spur with another look toward Lower Falls, then meanders before turning downhill to the Historic Columbia River Highway. That wandering section can feel as though it has lost the way; keep following the marked trail rather than turning back at the first bend. The route comes close to the highway on its return, so watch for traffic at the roadside shoulder and crossing. For a photo, the early lower-falls viewpoint puts the long plunge and its vivid lichen-streaked basalt in one frame. At Upper Falls, the footbridge gives a tighter composition with the hidden upper lip, falling water and creek pool. The full loop is rougher than the separate accessible walk to Lower Falls; that shorter option is about a mile round trip and stays by the historic bridge.

Start at the Latourell Falls Trailhead lot on the Historic Columbia River Highway. Oregon State Parks currently requires a day-use parking permit there, sold on site; that is a parking requirement, not a hiking reservation. If the highway-side lot is full, the lower Guy W. Talbot State Park parking near the carriage house is the documented overflow option. Restrooms are available at the trailhead and lower picnic area, which also has a covered shelter. Dogs may join on leash. There is no food stop on the route; Vista House, about 2.4 miles west along the Historic Highway, is a separate stop with an espresso stand, interpretive displays and a gift shop. If you only want an easy look at Lower Falls, use its paved approach beneath the 1914 bridge instead of committing to the creekside loop.