Latourell Falls waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon USA, cascading down a moss-covered basalt cliff into a forest pool

    Latourell Falls, Columbia River Gorge waterfall, Oregon USA – basalt cliff cascade

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    Latourell Falls

    Water Feature

    Latourell Falls is a tall, narrow waterfall descending in a single drop over a sheer basalt cliff within the Columbia River Gorge. The falls are framed by vertical rock faces with visible columnar formations and surrounding vegetation. The composition resolves through vertical flow and the relationship between water and cliff structure.

    45.53705, -122.21800

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    Gallery

    Latourell Falls waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon USA, cascading down a moss-covered basalt cliff into a forest pool

    Latourell Falls, Columbia River Gorge waterfall, Oregon USA – basalt cliff casca…

    Latourell Falls full cascade and stream, Columbia River Gorge waterfall, Oregon USA

    Latourell Falls waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon USA, with full cas…

    Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon USA, framed by trees from the main viewing platform overlooking the waterfall.

    Latourell Falls viewing platform, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon waterfall landsca…

    Latourell Falls waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon USA, viewed from a forest hiking trail with trees framing the basalt cliff and cascade.

    Latourell Falls forest trail view, Columbia River Gorge waterfall, Oregon USA

    Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon USA, with wooden bridge and forest trail leading toward the waterfall and stream.

    Latourell Falls hiking trail, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon waterfall landscape

    Latourell Falls stream and hiking trail footbridge in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon USA, with flowing water leading toward the waterfall.

    Latourell Falls lower stream and footbridge, Columbia River Gorge waterfall, Ore…

    Bottom of Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon USA, showing waterfall mist, boulders, and flowing creek below the falls.

    Latourell Falls lower waterfall view, Columbia River Gorge, Oregon waterfall lan…

    Top-down view of Latourell Falls waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon USA, showing the drop from the cliff edge to the forested valley below.

    Latourell Falls top view from cliff edge, Columbia River Gorge waterfall, Oregon…

    Quick Facts

    Access

    Moderate Hike

    0–5 min

    Elevation Gain

    10 m

    Best Light

    Morning
    Sunrise
    Overcast

    Light works best when diffuse light reduces contrast because it preserves detail in the falling water and emphasises the structure of the basalt columns.

    Why This Light

    Low-Angle Relief
    Softens Contrast

    Season

    Year-Round Stable

    Summer maintains consistent flow with stable access and clear visibility. Winter can introduce ice formations and increased contrast across the cliff and waterfall.

    Crowds

    Often Busy

    Restrictions

    Access via a short paved path from roadside parking along the Historic Columbia River Highway.

    Photography Notes

    Latourell Falls is photographed from fixed positions near the base rather than by moving through the scene. Composition depends on framing the full vertical drop or isolating sections of the waterfall against the cliff. Distance and angle control how the falls separate from the rock wall and surrounding vegetation.
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    Nearby Places

    View all on map
    Crown Point — 2.1 kmBridal Veil Falls — 3.5 kmWahkeena Falls — 8.2 kmMultnomah Falls — 9.1 kmPonytail Falls — 13.0 kmHorsetail Falls — 13.1 kmMount St. Helens — 72.8 kmJohnston Ridge Observatory — 82.1 km