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The upper falls of Latourell Creek can almost be thought of as the middle step-child of the Columbia Gorge waterfalls. Its well worth the time it takes to hike to, but because there are so many other waterfalls to be seen further to the east, most visitors who embark on the Columbia River Historic Highway heading east from Crown Point pass up on the opportunity to see this waterfall in favor of the more well known selection further into the Gorge. Upper Latourell Falls consists of a domed slide which dumps immediately into a 120 foot horsetail that begins wide and condenses into a powerful plunge, similar to the falls on Horsetail Creek. Latourell Creek has a moderately small drainage and loses a lot of gusto into the autumn, so expect the falls to lose a bit of appeal late in the year (though it may be easier to photograph then).
- Upper Latourell Falls is the Official name of this waterfall.
It appears there may have once been a trail that traversed the canyon higher up and may have bridged the creek right across the face of the falls. Remnants of what appears to be a trail-tread can be seen on either side of the falls.
Upper Latourell Falls are located within Guy W. Talbot State Park, accessed from the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway approximately 5 miles east of Crown Point or 3 ½ miles west of the town of Bridal Veil. Park at Latourell Falls and follow the paved path steeply to the upper viewpoint, then pick up the path as it reverts to dirt and climbs to the upper falls in a little over 3/4 of a mile. The trail loops back to the highway on the opposite side of the creek for those looking for a longer walk.
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