On the Trail

Permits & Pets

Latourell Falls and Upper Latourell Falls are within Guy Talbot State Park, managed by Oregon State Parks. No permits are required. Dogs must be on a leash.

On the Trail

• Take a photo of the trailhead map, adjacent to the highway. The unpaved trail to both falls begins on the east side of the viewpoint and climbs along the east side of Latourell Creek. Right away, come to excellent views of the 224-foot columnlike plunge of Latourell Falls (called “Lower Falls” on the park map). You’ll notice the iridescent chartreuse lichen on the canyon wall glowing as if lit from behind.
• Continue on the trail as it begins to burrow into the canyon, passing through a forest of big cedars and firs to Upper Latourell Falls. At the falls, cross the creek and follow the trail along the west bank.
• After passing a spur trail that offers a good vantage of Lower Falls, the trail meanders west, and you may think you’ve missed a turn, but eventually it switchbacks downhill to the Historic Highway.
• Turn right, carefully walking the shoulder to return to the start, or cross the highway and follow the paved trail to the carriage house and restrooms.
• From the park, follow the paved trail back along the creek, where it crosses under the highway and leads to a bridge near the base of Lower Falls. From here, head uphill to the parking area.
• Please always stay on the trail and clean your boots before and after you hike. Hikers are a common vector for spreading invasive seeds.
• Restrooms are located at the trailhead.

Post-Hike Explorations

From the parking area, Vista House at Crown Point is 2.4 miles west on the Historic Highway. The view from this clifftop overlook changes with every season, day, and hour. Inside the stone “comfort station,” from the earliest days of automobile tourism, are interpretive displays, an espresso stand, and a gift shop selling locally made art and crafts, along with Gorge-related books. Friends of Vista House volunteers are on hand to answer questions.