Latourell Falls
Upper and lower falls loop
The Route
The loop follows Latourell Creek past the upper falls and returns below the highway to the lower falls.
- Eastern TrailheadUphill approach
- Upper FallsBridge across Latourell Creek
- Highway CrossingWestern alternate lot
- Picnic GroundsUnder historic highway bridge
- Lower FallsFootbridge and main-lot return
Upper Falls Approach
The longer loop begins at the main parking area and climbs past viewpoints of the lower waterfall. The trail continues above Latourell Creek toward Upper Latourell Falls, reached in just under a mile. A bridge crosses the creek near the upper falls, after which the route climbs briefly before descending on the opposite side of the valley.
Lower Falls & Picnic Area
The combined loop crosses the Historic Columbia River Highway near the western parking area and descends through the picnic grounds. It passes beneath the highway's historic bridge to the base of Lower Latourell Falls, where columnar basalt surrounds the waterfall. A footbridge and uphill connection complete the return to the main lot. This three-mile description includes the lower falls and picnic-area connection, not just the shorter upper loop.
Terrain Along the Route
Forest trail climbs the creek, crosses above the upper falls and descends toward the lower basalt amphitheater.
Selected full loop including the picnic-area/lower-falls connection follows WTA’s 3-mile/540-ft reference. Friends of the Columbia Gorge lists 2.4 miles/600 ft for its loop description; source totals differ. Reference Set: 2026-10-23.
Weather
Current forecasts open at the providers below. NWS forecasts describe a terrain grid cell, not an exact summit.
Access
Historic Highway Trailhead, Columbia River Gorge, OR
Trailhead & Approach
Start at the Latourell Creek lot on the Historic Columbia River Highway, or the lower Guy Talbot day-use area.
Parking & Entry
The route guide lists No parking permit required in the route guide. This is a reference listing, not a live parking or permit availability check.
Route Choice
The full upper-and-lower falls loop, not just the short lower viewpoint path.
Road Approach
From I-84 Exit 22, Corbett Hill Road connects with the Historic Columbia River Highway. The alternate western lot is before the historic bridge; the main eastern trailhead is across it.
Parking & Facilities
WTA lists no parking permit and a trailhead toilet. The combined loop crosses the highway and passes through the picnic grounds; it is not entirely a road-free forest circuit.
Source information checked 2026-10-23. Road snapshots are dated separately.
Reports
Route Reference & Map
Open the original route description, map and access information at the publisher.
Official Access & Updates
Open the official page for current access notices, permits and seasonal information for this destination.
Links open the publishers’ report pages. Reports are not automatically imported or filtered to a forecast date.