Latourell Falls and Edgefield

2.4 miles

Easy

600 ft gain

No pass required

At just over 30 minutes from Portland, Latourell Falls is an easy getaway when you want to get out in nature without spending the day driving. On the way back to town, stop at McMenamin’s Edgefield and have a drink while exploring a historic property.

Trip highlights:

Two spectacular and photogenic waterfalls
Impressive lichen-covered columnar basalt
Easy 2.4-mile loop hike surrounded by Doug fir trees, maples, and ferns
Glimpses of trillium in the undergrowth
Several picnic locations
Many other waterfalls in the area if you are looking to explore further

Know before you go:

Drive time from Portland to Latourell Falls is about 30-35 minutes.
Parking is free and no pass is needed. There are restrooms and picnic tables by the paved parking lot.
Parking is limited. You may want to consider arriving early on beautiful weekend days.
Dogs are welcome on the trail.
The hike is good for children.
The trail is muddy in spring and there are some slick rocks. Hiking boots would be ideal.
The Lower Falls will be visible just past the parking lot. The Upper Falls is a little over a mile away, for a total distance of about 2.4 miles on a loop trail.
There is some uphill walking and elevation gain is a little over 600 feet.

*Historic Columbia River Highway Bridge*

Getting there:

Take I-84 East from Portland until Exit 28, then exit onto Bridal Veil Road. Take Bridal Veil Road for 0.2 miles, then turn right onto Historic Columbia River Highway. Continue for about 3 miles and the parking lot will be on your left.

On the trail:

There will be two trails from the parking lot. Go ahead and take either. They are both part of the same loop. I’ll discuss the clockwise direction starting from the trailhead sign at the parking lot near the picnic tables. Walk 100 feet or so from the parking lot and stop at the viewpoint for Lower Latourell Falls. This single-tiered waterfall is a massive 224 feet in height. The falls are surrounded by dramatic columnar basalt and framed by the bright green of lichen clinging to the rock. Continue along the trail for a side view of the Lower Falls.

The trail follows Latourell Creek as it winds through ferns, maples, alders, and cedars. Hike a little over a mile to reach the striking, two-tiered Upper Latourell Falls. The upper tier is a thin veil of water running over craggy basalt and the lower tier falls freely in front of a basalt cavern. There will be a picturesque wooden footbridge in front of the falls to cross Latourell Creek. The bridge offers a good view of the pool below the falls.

*Latourell Falls trail seen from the falls*

Cross the footbridge for another vantage point of the lower tier of the falls. There is a little path to get behind the falls, although it is slippery, so proceed with caution if you attempt it.

The trail continues through a fairytale forest of ferns and Doug fir trees, now along the other side of Latourell Creek.

About a half-mile or so from the Upper Falls, there will be a branch to the right leading to an overlook. The short trail to the overlook is very muddy and there are some slick rocks near a precipice, so I’d recommend skipping this one. It looked as though a protective guard rope had fallen. The overlook is next to the top of the Lower Falls, although there is not a view down it and pictures will not be impressive (see below). There is a view of the Columbia Gorge off to the left, although there will be a safer viewpoint farther on with views at least as good.

A little farther along the main trail, there will be a viewpoint on your right that overlooks the Columbia Gorge. There is a little bench there and it is a good place for a snack.

After the viewpoint, head down the trail - finally downhill! - passing by a whimsical arch-shaped tree that looks like a person diving into water. There will be ferns and flowers in the undergrowth.

You will cross the scenic Historic Columbia River Highway to finish the loop. The trail resumes on the other side of the road and passes by a picnic area including a covered picnic structure.

Past the picnic area, you will pass back under the Historic Columbia River Highway bridge and head toward the base of Lower Latourell Falls.

*Historic Highway bridge over the trail*

Now nearly back to the parking lot, you will reach a wooden footbridge that passes in front of Lower Latourell Falls. Last, but certainly not least, take in the specular view of the Lower Falls seen from the bottom. Then, make the short trek back to the parking lot.

Before leaving the Columbia Gorge, you might want to consider visiting any or all of these nearby waterfalls and attractions:

Do the 1.4-mile out-and-back hike that leads to Bridal Veil Falls. You will pass the parking lot for Bridal Veil driving to and from Latourell, so this stop is a particularly easy (and rewarding) one to add.
Do the even shorter 0.4-mile roundtrip hike to Wahkeena Falls by continuing a little farther east down the Historic Columbia River Highway.
See Multnomah Falls. If you’ve made it to our page, we’re thinking you’re already familiar with Oregon’s most iconic waterfall, but in any case, it’s very close to Latourell. If you haven’t been, DEFINITELY stop here!
Stop at Horsetail Falls, which will be directly off of the Historic Columbia River Highway with no hiking necessary. You can also walk 0.4 miles from here to see Ponytail Falls.
Drive up to Vista House or the Women’s Forum and take in the views of the Columbia Gorge from above.

Edgefield:

Our next stop is McMenamin’s Edgefield in Troutdale on the way back to Portland. This fun and quirky property is all about ambiance. Explore the buildings, grounds, and gardens with the drink of your choice.

Getting there:

From the Latourell Falls parking lot, turn right onto the Historic Columbia River Highway back to I-84 West. Take I-84 for 10 miles and then take Exit 16. Turn left onto NE 238th Dr, then left onto Halsey St. Your destination will the on your right in about a half mile. There will be free parking aplenty in several paved lots.

About the property:

Edgefield was the site of a poor house in the early 20th century. It has since been bought and the converted into a local attraction, including a hotel, spa, gardens, and numerous eating and drinking locations. Many of the original buildings and features are still there, albeit with a very different (and more cheerful) feel.

Dogs are allowed on the property but must be on the patio when at restaurants.

Ten fun things to do at Edgefield:

Explore the grounds. With many buildings, outdoor spaces, and whimsical art, you will want to spend some time checking it all out. Get a wine, beer, coffee, or cocktail and take it with you as you go.
Wander through the gardens and admire the flowers.
Stop at the wine cellar, brewery, or one of the bars for a drink.
Grab lunch or dinner at one of the restaurants. You can also have a picnic at one of the tables on the lawn.
Relax in a rocking chair on one of the patios or balconies.
Play some pool in the poolhall.
Play a round of golf. A course meanders around the back of the property.
Watch a movie at the movie theater.
Attend an outdoor concert, which are hosted regularly on the property. Look for tickets online in advance.
Shop for artisan glass at the glass blower’s studio.

Want more time to see in all? You can book a room at the hotel for an overnight stay. If you stay at the hotel, you can also access the spa’s soaking pool.