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Latourell Falls Trailhead

State Park near Portland, Oregon, United States
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Guy W. Talbot State Park — also called Latourell State Park — is a peaceful picnic site located on the Historic Columbia River Highway across from the trail to Upper Latourell Falls.

The secluded park is often uncrowded even on the best days. A modern picnic shelter is available for rent. A gently sloping grassy hill dotted with Port Orford cedars, Douglas-firs, alders and maples invites frisbee tossing and quiet relaxation.

Visitors can take a short walk underneath an historic 1914 bridge to the base of Lower Latourell Falls, a 224-foot plunge over columnar basalt splashed with chartreuse-colored lichen.

Latourell Falls Loop hike: For a moderately difficult hike, take a short staircase up to the highway and carefully cross over to the Latourell Falls Loop trailhead. This popular 2-mile trail passes over some rocky areas, through dense foliage and over four small wooden bridges, then follows Henderson Creek. Finally, hikers arrive at Upper Latourell Falls, the third tallest waterfall in the Columbia Gorge. It’s a two-tiered drop: first a block fall that’s almost hidden and then a plunge into a pool. The hike returns to the highway along the opposite bank of Henderson Creek.

Guy Webster Talbot and his family used this property as a summer estate until 1929 when they donated it to the state. The tiny town of Latourell borders the north side of the park. Homeowners ask that visitors please respect their privacy.

The upper falls and part of the trail are part of George W. Joseph State Natural Area, named for the family that gave the land to the state in 1934 and 1942.

mdi-alert-outline General advisory
mdi-alert-outline General advisory
mdi-cellphone Call for reservations: 800-452-5687
Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call for park info: 503-695-2261
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Amenities and features

Questions

mdi-help-circle-outline General

How do I reserve the picnic shelter?

Reservations may be made 1 day to 6 months ahead of time.  The picnic shelter at Talbot State Park is reservable through online reservations (available 365 days a year, opening at midnight every day)  or by calling (800) 452-5687 (Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service 800-735-2900 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

mdi-help-circle-outline What's Allowed

Can I fly my drone in the park?

Please call 503-695-2261 for park specific rules.

Can I metal detect?

No metal detecting is allowed in West Columbia Gorge State Parks

mdi-help-circle-outline Day use/Special Events

How do I get a Special Use Permit?

This park requires a Special Use Permit for special events or activities. Please open the Special Use Permit application to see examples of events that need a permit.  If you have questions about whether you need a special use permit for your activity and to receive instructions on how to submit the application, please call 503-695-2261.

For more questions, review our statewide FAQ

History

Guy Webster and Geraldine Talbot gave the original 125 acres in 1929. Guy W. Talbot (1873-1961) was president of Pacific Power and Light Company and lived on the tract at the time of the gift. Multnomah County gave additional land in 1935, and sold further acreage to the state in 1952. Lands also were given by the Eva Larson Estate. The balance of the property was purchased from various owners up to 1984. Some of the park's early development was carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1933 and 1935.

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