Latourell Falls

For a moderately difficult hike, take a short staircase up to the highway and carefully cross over to the Latourell Falls Loop trailhead. This popular 2-mile trail passes over some rocky areas, through dense foliage and over four small wooden bridges, then follows Henderson Creek. Finally, hikers arrive at Upper Latourell Falls, the third tallest waterfall in the Columbia Gorge. It’s a two-tiered drop: first a block fall that’s almost hidden and then a plunge into a pool. The hike returns to the highway along the opposite bank of Henderson Creek.

Guy Webster Talbot and his family used this property as a summer estate until 1929 when they donated it to the state. The tiny town of Latourell borders the north side of the park. Homeowners ask that visitors please respect their privacy.

The upper falls and part of the trail are part of George W. Joseph State Natural Area, named for the family that gave the land to the state in 1934 and 1942.