Latourell Falls
Oregon • 224 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.4 miles
Trail Type
Loop
Elevation Gain
620 ft
About Latourell Falls
Latourell Falls is a stunning waterfall located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. It is known for its dramatic plunge of water over a basalt cliff, surrounded by lush greenery and moss-covered rocks. The waterfall is part of Guy W. Talbot State Park and is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the area.
The Setting
Latourell Falls sits at 367 feet within Guy W. Talbot State Park, in the coastal lowlands of Oregon. At 224 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.
Height: 224 feet
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Wahkeena Falls (242 ft) lies 5.1 miles to the east. Also nearby: Coopey Falls (150 ft, 3.1 mi) and Bridal Veil Falls (120 ft, 2.2 mi).
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 2.4-mile loop trail gains 620 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The trail to Latourell Falls offers a scenic loop that takes visitors to both the lower and upper falls. The path is well-maintained but includes some steep sections and uneven terrain. The lower falls are visible near the parking area, while the upper falls require a moderate hike through a forested area.
What to Expect
The falls plunge 224 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Latourell Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Latourell Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting, as the waterfall flow is at its peak due to snowmelt. Fall offers beautiful foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience with potential icy conditions.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 49°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
The trail can be slippery, especially after rain. Stay on marked paths and avoid getting too close to the edge of the waterfall. Be cautious of falling rocks and debris.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Sandy River, 6.2 miles away, not on Latourell Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
687 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 82 years of record
8.33 ft
Water depth at gauge
49°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 49 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge SANDY RIVER BLW BULL RUN RIVER, NR BULL RUN, OR (10 km away).
Today
Strong
687 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Strong
666 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
869 cfs
6/10Sat
Roaring
854 cfs
6/10Sun
Roaring
845 cfs
6/10Mon
Roaring
1004 cfs
6/10Tue
Roaring
1112 cfs
6/10Best window: Today — strong flow, mostly cloudy (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to mid May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Troutdale hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Latourell Falls Frozen?
Updated about 9 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately strong flow slows freezing
Latourell Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 59°F to 53°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 858 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail. See every frozen waterfall in Oregon.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
Along the line through the falls, the bare ground drops about 349 feet, most of it in one sheer step, the signature of a plunge waterfall. The falls are listed at 224 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 350 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 137 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 223 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 350 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 349 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northeast
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Latourell Falls is located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, approximately 30 miles east of Portland, Oregon. The trailhead is well-marked and easily accessible by car.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
There is a parking lot near the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. Arrive early to secure a spot.
Elevation
367 feet above sea level
Coordinates
45.536854° N, -122.218135° W
Land Management
Managed by CITY
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking. Bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
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With 2.4 miles and 620 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)
Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Where to Stay
Mount Hood Village
Comfort Inn Troutdale-Portland East
Mt Air Motel
Courtyard by Marriott Portland East
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, such as Multnomah Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, are located nearby. The Historic Columbia River Highway offers scenic viewpoints and picnic areas.
Wildlife
Visitors may encounter birds, squirrels, and other small forest animals. Keep an eye out for native plants and wildflowers along the trail.
Cities near Latourell Falls
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