Guy W. Talbot State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Guy W. Talbot State Park — Home to the iconic Latourell Falls — a 249-foot plunge waterfall over columnar basalt draped in chartreuse lichen — in the Columbia River Gorge, with a moderate 2.4-mile loop trail to both upper and lower falls.
Guy W. Talbot State Park is the gateway to one of Oregon’s most photographed waterfalls — Latourell Falls. Located along the Historic Columbia River Highway, the park protects a section of Henderson Creek as it plunges 249 feet over columnar basalt cliffs famously covered in brilliant chartreuse-green lichen. The loop trail also leads to the lesser-known Upper Latourell Falls, a two-tiered 134-foot cascade.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Columbia River Gorge, OR (Historic Highway) |
| Admission | Free — no fees or passes required |
| Lower Falls | 249 ft plunge over columnar basalt |
| Upper Falls | 134 ft, two-tiered cascade |
| Loop Trail | ~2.4 mi — moderate (520–750 ft gain) |
| Dogs | Allowed on-leash |
The Falls
| Falls | Height | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Latourell | 249 ft | Dramatic plunge — chartreuse lichen on basalt |
| Upper Latourell | 134 ft | Two-tiered cascade — quieter, less crowded |
Hiking
| Option | Distance | Difficulty | What You See |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Falls Viewpoint | ~100 yards | Easy | Main 249-ft plunge |
| Full Loop | ~2.4 mi | Moderate | Both upper and lower falls, bridges, forest |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Waterfall Viewing | 249-ft Latourell Falls — visible from parking area |
| Hiking | Loop trail through moss-covered forest |
| Picnicking | Grassy picnic area with tables |
| Photography | World-class waterfall + columnar basalt shots |
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Latourell Falls?
Lower Latourell Falls is 249 feet — a dramatic plunge over columnar basalt cliffs covered in distinctive chartreuse-green lichen. Upper Latourell Falls is 134 feet with a two-tiered cascade. Both are accessible via the 2.4-mile loop trail.
Do I need to hike to see the waterfall?
No — Lower Latourell Falls is visible from the parking area and reachable via an easy 100-yard walk. However, the full 2.4-mile loop trail to both upper and lower falls is a wonderful moderate hike through moss-draped forest.
Is there a fee to visit?
No — Guy W. Talbot State Park and Latourell Falls are free to visit with no fees or parking passes required. The park includes a picnic area with tables and a grassy hill for relaxation.
