Friday Five: Local Hikes Under 5 Miles

1. Latourell Falls

2.4 miles loop | No permit required to hike

Approximately 35 minutes east of Portland

As most outdoorsy Portlanders know, you don’t have to go far to experience the beauty of a waterfall. The closest of the Columbia Gorge falls to Portland, Latourell Falls is a fairly easy hike that still affords great close up waterfall views.

The trailhead can be reached by taking 1-84 east to exit 28 at Bridal Veil, then continuing down the historic highway about 2.8 miles until reaching the Latourell Falls parking lot on the left. The parking lot isn’t huge, but is less likely to be as full as those at the more well-known Oneonta or Multnomah Falls.

Begin heading up the paved viewpoint trail to the first viewpoint. You’ll step off the paved trail on to a dirt path that crosses several small bridges and hugs the creek. Hike up to the Upper Falls for a great view. From here you can either head back down the way you came, or keep going on the path down to Guy Talbot Park and picnic area to complete the 2.4 mile loop. From the park, you’ll cross under the highway bridge and back to the bottom of the falls.

The path is forested, providing side views of the falls as you climb up. You’ll see the smaller lower falls before reaching the large upper falls at the top. Take care with the steep drop offs and spend some time enjoying the cool forest on a hot day.