Latourell Falls — Attraction in Washougal

I really enjoyed this hike. After living in the PNW and hiking many of the "waterfall" trails on Historic Hwy 30, I finally decided to check it out. I'd signed up for a Trail Ambassador shift with Trailkeepers of Oregon and wanted to familiarize myself with the place. I took the counterclockwise route which took me past the waterfall right away from the parking lot. It winds down to Talbot Park which features some historic buildings like the Carriage House and some picnic tables and restrooms. There is some parking available down there as well.

After crossing the road, there's a bit of elevation gain and you are rewarded with an amazing viewpoint of the Columbia River. The rest of the upper part of the trail doesn't have much elevation gain. The Upper Falls is worth the effort. There are a few unofficial trails which TKO is working to decommission due to safety concerns.

On my way home, I drove west on the Hwy 30 and near the "Figure 8 Loops" (the winding bit before you reach Vista House at Crown Point), I saw a couple of black bears running across the road about 30 ft in front of me: a mama bear and her little cub.

I returned to Latourell Falls a few days later for a Trail Maintenance work party and got a chance to earn some sweat equity. After doing some trail work in the middle of park, we continued and completed the clockwise route back to the parking lot.

Finally, I returned for my TKO volunteer shift that Saturday, greeting visitors, orienting them about the trail, and suggesting other waterfall hikes in the area.

I generally go for hikes with some distance elevation gain as my fitness continues to improve but this is still a great short,...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Latourell Waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, and I must say it was a breathtaking experience. The waterfall cascades down a towering basalt cliff, dropping 224 feet into a shallow pool below. The contrast between the white veil of water and the dark rocks behind it creates a stunning visual display that is truly awe-inspiring.

The hike to the waterfall is an easy 2.4-mile round trip, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The trail is well-maintained and meanders through lush greenery, providing plenty of opportunities to appreciate the natural beauty of the area.

When I reached the waterfall, I was amazed at its power and the sheer volume of water flowing over the cliff. The sound of the water crashing against the rocks was soothing, and the mist from the waterfall provided a refreshing and cooling effect on a warm day.

Overall, the Latourell Waterfall is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the Columbia River Gorge. It's a perfect spot for a peaceful hike or a picnic with friends and family. The beauty and power of the waterfall are simply unforgettable, and I would highly recommend this natural wonder to anyone looking for a scenic and...

There was no parking fee and lots of parking. The upper falls was a lot of uphill but worth it for the great waterfall that if you feel adventurous you can go behind. Then after a little more uphill you are practically going down hill at that point. I reccomend going off the side trails because on one of them past the upper fall there is a cliff edge that shears off and you can see the trails and the creak below easily a 100 ft drop with no railing so please use caution. After the down hill you will come to the street from there you will cross the street and walk down a small trail then steps. From there stay to your right and you will be on your way through the rest of the trail where you will soon walk to the bottom of the Latourell Falls. Have...