Latourell Falls: A Stunning Waterfall Near Portland Oregon
2 minute read | contains affiliate links
Of all the waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, Latourall Falls, a 224-foot single-plunge fall, is the closest to Portland.
It’s also your first introduction to what is known as the, “Waterfall Corridor”, a miles-long road featuring an endless amount of waterfalls.
So how do you get to Latourell Falls? How long is the trail? We answer all these questions and more below.
Quick Stats
Location: Guy W. Tolbot State Park (Corbett, OR)
Fee: None
Permit: If you’re here during the summer season, you’ll need a permit to access the waterfall corridor
Open: Year round
For: Hikers
Restroom: In the parking lot
Parking: Large lot at the trailhead
EV Stations: None
Difficulty: Easy
Popularity: High
Trail Type: Loop
Mileage: 0.2 - 2.4 miles (depending how far you take it)
Elevation Gain: Up to 639-feet
Condition: Maintained
Features: Two waterfalls if you complete the loop
Pets: Allowed on leash
Drones: Not permitted
Hazards: During winter or late spring, the trail can be dangerously icy
Our Visit(s): March 2022
Getting There & Parking
If you’re like most people, you’re probably coming from Portland. If so, then plug, “Vista House”, into your phone’s GPS.
Be sure to pull over and spend some time taking in the views of the Columbia River Gorge from here. They’re stunning.
When you’re done, get back on the road and continue going around the Vista House. From there, it’s only 2.5-miles to Latourell Falls.
Shortly after crossing a moss-covered bridge, you’ll see the parking lot on your right. It’s a fairly large lot with restrooms.
Decide Between The Loop or The Base
Latourell Falls can be partially viewed from the handicap accessible viewing deck adjacent to the parking lot.
For the full experience, though, take either the paved, short trail to the base or complete the full loop.
The trail to the base of the falls is just 0.2-miles (or about a 5-minute walk)
The loop trail is 2.4-miles and takes you up and over to another waterfall (Upper Latourell) and then down to the base of Lower Latourell.
If at first you decide to go to the base but later change your mind and want to do the loop, cross the footbridge at the base and continue on.
If you want to begin with the loop, you’ll see the trailhead to the left of the base trail. It’s an immediate climb from the get-go.
We were here in March and it was especially rainy and cold that morning. Due to this, much of the loop was iced over. So we just did the base.
As stated above, the trail to the base of the falls is mostly paved and only takes about 5-minutes.
This portion of the trail ends at a small look-out directly next to the waterfall. It enables you to get very close.
Due to this, expect it to be misty and on top of that, icy if you’re here in winter or early spring.
The area around the falls is like a fairytale with all the moss covered trees. Even the fall’s basalt-rock wall has moss all over it.
To your right, you’ll notice a footbridge crossing over the creek. This is where you’ll continue along the loop if you wanted.
This footbridge can be especially icy in the right conditions. It was when I was there. I almost biffed it a few times trying to take these photos.
If you don’t want to continue onto the loop, simply head back the same way you came to return to your vehicle.
Additional Waterfalls Nearby
Latourell Falls is only the beginning. There are many, many more waterfalls as your progress further down the corridor.
A few of those are:
Bridal Veil Falls: Read about our visit here
Wahkeena Falls: Read about our visit here
Multnomah Falls: The tallest waterfall in Oregon! Read about our experience here
Your Thoughts…
Does Latourell Falls seem like a place you and your family would enjoy?
Let us know in the comments below! We love hearing from our readers.
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