Latourell Falls, Oregon
October 25th / 2025 -
The recent atmospheric rivers have brought intense rain and rapid snowmelt to Oregon and Washington State, causing significant flooding and forcing waterfalls to overflow. Iconic sites like Latourell Falls are experiencing dramatic, high-volume flows.
Latourell Falls is one of the first waterfalls you come across along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. The falls plunge 224 feet over a massive wall of columnar basalt, some of the best formations in the Pacific Northwest. This waterfall is usually most recognized for the large patch of bright yellow lichen decorating the cliff face to the right of the falls.
The recent atmospheric rivers have brought intense rain and rapid snowmelt to Oregon and Washington State, causing significant flooding and forcing waterfalls to overflow. Iconic sites like Latourell Falls are experiencing dramatic, high-volume flows.
Latourell Falls is located in the Columbia River Gorge at the Guy W. Talbot State Park. The Talbot State Park offers restrooms; dog clean up station and a posted hiking map.
Latourell Falls in Guy W. Talbot State Park is open year-round for day-use, typically from 0600 to 1800 or 2200 depending on the season. No fees or permits are required for entry. The area is accessible daily, though the trail can be icy in winter and the area is best visited in spring for maximum flow.
There are several trails in the park and worth taking time to hike them. With a few more mintues drive of Latourell Falls you can find other amazing waterfalls such as Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Wahclella and Bridal Veil falls. So, if chasing waterfalls is youre thing you are definitely in the right area.
A small parking lot is located across the road from Latourell Falls. The parking is free. But empty spaces may be scarce, especially during the summer months, the most popular time to visit the waterfalls in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge.
The winter months and early spring are the best times to visit Latourell Falls. (I took all the pictures you see here in February.) Fueled by rain, the waterfall is at its peak. The drop looks less impressive at the end of summer.
Latourell Falls is one of the first waterfalls you come across along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. The falls plunge 224 feet over a massive wall of columnar basalt, some of the best formations in the Pacific Northwest. This waterfall is usually most recognized for the large patch of bright yellow lichen decorating the cliff face to the right of the falls.
Latourell Falls is located in the Columbia River Gorge at the Guy W. Talbot State Park. The Talbot State Park offers restrooms; dog clean up station and a posted hiking map.
There are several trails in the park and worth taking time to hike them. With a few more mintues drive of Latourell Falls you can find other amazing waterfalls such as Multnomah Falls, Wahkeena Falls, Wahclella and Bridal Veil falls. So, if chasing waterfalls is youre thing you are definitely in the right area.
Parking
A small parking lot is located across the road from Latourell Falls. The parking is free. But empty spaces may be scarce, especially during the summer months, the most popular time to visit the waterfalls in Oregon’s Columbia River Gorge.
The Best Time to Visit
The winter months and early spring are the best times to visit Latourell Falls. (I took all the pictures you see here in February.) Fueled by rain, the waterfall is at its peak. The drop looks less impressive at the end of summer.
