The 249 foot high, 20
foot wide Latourell Falls cascades down a cliff on the north side of Pepper Mountain in giant steps. Water flow is significant
only in the late Winter and Spring months when snow melts increase the amount
of ground water.
Though you can view Latourell Falls
from the highway, a short, paved, slightly downhill, path (wheelchair
accessible) takes you to the base of Latourell Falls. You can also walk behind
the waterfall. Another paved path (also from the parking lot) takes you to a
vantage point where you can not only view Latourell Falls from above but view
the 100 foot tall Upper Latourell Falls. Both of these waterfalls drop in
white, horsetail forms and are very picturesque.
The Guy W. Talbot State Park
is adjacent to the waterfalls. No
entrance or parking fee charged visitors but there is a fee to reserve the
large picnic shelter. For more information, phone 1-800-551-6949 or view:
Guy W. Talbot State Park
How to get there:
From I-84 exit 28,
take the old highway (now called the Historic Columbia River Highway) and
head west (toward Portland) about 3½ miles to the park entrance and parking area.
For photos
of Latourell Falls, see:
For more information about the Latourell
Falls and the State Park, you may phone the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area in Hood River at
800-551-6949 (toll-free) or 503-695-2261.
