Columbia River Gorge Tour w/Latourelle Falls

Columbia River Gorge Itineraries
STANDARD	OPTIONS/ADDITIONS
3-4 hours Classic Standard Tour - ½ day	5-6 hours Classic Standard Tour with ¾ day options	7-8 hours Classic Standard Tour with full-day options
Please Choose Columbia River Gorge Tour	Please Choose w/Bonneville Dam w/restaurant stop w/ Sternwheeler Cruise w/Multnomah Falls w/Latourelle Falls w/Fairy Falls w/Larch Mountain	Please Choose w/Mt Hood Tour* w/Eagle Creek Hike w/Triple Falls Hike w/Gorge Wine Tour w/Portland City Tour
* Mt. Hood tour option is 8½-9 hours long.

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Highlights:

One great waterfall viewed from below & above, moderate hike in and out, beautiful trees & wildflowers

Near: Western Gorge, OR  

Scenery:  Beautiful

Distance: 2.4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain: 520 ft

Hike Time: 1.5 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Condition: Well maintained trail

Hike Type: loop

Latourell Falls is the closest of the Columbia Gorge waterfalls to Portland. The first stop is an easily accessible viewpoint of the lower falls, just up from the Latourell Falls Trailhead. For a view from above the falls, climb the trail to the left of the base. To continue on to Upper Latourell Falls, take the shortcut down and over a log bridge, or continue on the trail along the creek, crossing four wooden bridges. Upper Latourell Falls is two-tiered, although the top half is somewhat obscured. The trail is a loop, crossing the creek at the Upper Falls base, and then following the creek back toward the highway. Crossing the highway, a set of stairs takes you down toward Guy Talbot Park. From the picnic area, take the paved trail under the highway to return to the lower falls.

NOTE: The lovely view from the bench just above the log bridge should be enjoyed from behind the cable, as winds in the Gorge can be quite gusty.

1.5 hours have been allotted to the hike itself, and is offered year-round.  Maximum 47 persons. A Trailhead Release Agreement form is required from each member of the group (see below *).  Be prepared to hike alone or with your group alone.  Be prepared for inclement weather (rain, snow, cold, etc.) during winter time tours.

* While we consider this tour to be completely safe; in wilderness areas, possible wilderness dangers are always present.  If you plan on hiking on any trails, a Trailhead Release Agreement form will be required for your tour.  This hike is not recommended for children or pets.   This trail is not near running water, you should plan on carrying your own supply. The cliff sections are moderately exposed, so anyone subject to vertigo should proceed carefully, and turn back if the first set of cliffs are uncomfortable...  If you have any apprehensions about nature hiking and/or nature areas, you should not do this hike.

Photo (c) Greg Lief