🏆 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.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Rooster Rock State Park (a short drive away) and Vinzenz Lausmann Memorial State Natural Area (a short drive away).
Park Location
Plan your gear for Guy W. Talbot State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
