About Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls is a 2.4 miles hike that features a 224-foot waterfall and is located in the Colombia River Gorge. The loop trail starts and ends near the base of the waterfalls. You can feel the spray of the falls as the water pours down and against the tall pillars of columnar basalt. The surrounding area in blanketed in the vivid greens of moss and other vegetation. It’s one of the best waterfall hikes in the Colombia River Gorge due to its picture worthy features, colors, and landscape.
Contents:
- Where is Latourell Falls located?
- Is Latourell Falls open?
- Is Latourell Falls an easy hike?
- Do I need reservations for Latourell Falls?
- Other FAQs
Where is Latourell Falls located?
Latourell Falls is near portland and the Washington/Oregon border. This area is called the Columbia River Gorge. The falls are nested next to some of the major attractions in the gorge like Multnomah falls, Bridal veil falls, and more.
How far is Latourell Falls from Portland Oregon?
Latourell Falls is 29.9 miles from Portland, Oregon which means about 34 minutes of driving time. It’s quite close given the payoff and a great place to take visitors and family. You can also take them on a tour of the gorge waterfalls in the area if you choose to hike here as there are some great falls you can drive up that are nearby.
You can get to the Latourell Falls trailhead by:
Latourell Falls Directions from Portland
- Drive east on I-84 E/US-30 E from Portland (25 miles)
- Take exit 28 toward US-30/Bridal Veil
- Continue onto E Bridal Veil Rd (0.2 miles)
- Turn right toward Historic Columbia River Hwy (115 ft)
- Continue down Historic Columbia River Hwy (2.8 miles)
- Note: At this point you will be parallel with US-30 driving back toward Portland. This is all part of the plan.
Is Latourell Falls open?
Latourell Falls is a year-round hiking trail so it is almost always open. The exception to this is during winter storms that are so severe that it requires closing the trail. However, I’ve hiked Latourell Falls in the winter several times without any issues.
The Weather in Latourell Falls
Is Latourell Falls an easy hike?
Yes. Latourell Falls is one of the easiest hikes in the Columbia River gorge. There’s an elevation gain of 625 feet but it’s quite short at 2.4 miles and very family-friendly. I’d recommend this one for new hikers, out-of-towners, and visiting family or friends.
Note: Even, if you don’t want to hike or are just passing through you should stop here. The loop trailhead starts near the view of the falls and you can get right below them if you want. The Upper Latourell Falls is easily accessible and a short walk from the parking lot.
Parking at Latourell Falls: 45.538866, -122.217618
The Falls Coordinates: 45.537047, -122.217861
Do I need reservations for Latourell Falls?
No, you do not need reservations or permits for Latourell Falls. That said, this is a popular hike in the gorge and the parking lot can fill up quickly. It has less than 20 parking places in the lot. I’d plan to do this in the morning to avoid any parking issues. Plus, you will can better pictures in the morning without a crowd of people.
Note: Between May 24 and Sept. 5, 2022, a Timed Use Permit will be required for each personal vehicle accessing federal lands adjacent to the Waterfall Corridor between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. just east of the Bridal Veil off-ramp (Exit 28) to Ainsworth State Park (Exit 35). So, if you plan to hike this trail & the other falls along the gorge then you should buy a permit.
This you are interested in other waterfall hikes you should check these out.
Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can see the falls from the road as you drive by the trailhead and parking lot. So, even if you don’t hike here keep a lookout as you drive by or stop to take some pictures from the parking lot. It has a viewpoint that gives a good vantage of Latourell Falls.
Yes, many people get married in the Columbia River Gorge at the Bridal Veil, Latourell Falls, and Multnomah Falls. Latourell Falls is easy to access and has a more private area for photos in the upper falls. The trail is also quite short & easy so it’s a good place to elope.
The name was imported from French-Canadians in the 1600s so the pronunciation is supposed to be French rather than English (originally “LaTourelle”). You will likely hear locals pronounce it as, “la-TOR-el”.