It’s never too early to start planning your Oregon vacation that should involve chasing waterfalls. Latourell Falls is one of the first waterfall seen along the Columbia Gorge Scenic Highway. The falls plunge 224 feet over a massive wall of columnar basalt, some of the best formations in the Pacific Northwest. This waterfall is usually most recognized for the large patch of bright yellow lichen adorning the cliff face to the right of the falls.
Latourell Falls Loop: This is a very popular trail to the third tallest waterfall in the Columbia Gorge. The upper falls and part of the trail are part of George W. Joseph State Natural Area, donated by the estate of George W. Joseph, a state senator and an influential nominee for Governor of Oregon in 1930. Access to George Joseph State Park is possible by using the trail from Latourell Falls and Guy Talbot State Park. A trail leads from the parking lot to the top of lower Latourell Falls. Beyond this point on the trail, you’ve entered the enchanted forest of George Joseph State National Area, where sword fern, moss and lichens are barely illuminated through the dense stands of timber. Continue on the trail to a rarely visited wonder which is upper Latourell Falls.
The falls were named for Joseph Latourell, a well known settler of the area. In 1887 Joseph Latourell was named postmaster of the Rooster Rock Post Office, one of the first in the area.
Thank you for trusting us to be your home away from home. We’ve posted our Hospitality and Health Policy on our website. We invite you to read online reviews for the Old Parkdale Inn. And then we encourage you to go directly to our website and Book Direct for all the right reasons.
We’re your home base for exploring and enjoying the Hood River Valley and beyond. After a full day, you’ll love the peace and tranquility of the Old Parkdale Inn. Relax in the gardens, perhaps with your favorite beverage, by the bonfire, roast some s’mores, weather permitting of course.
What’s to do
The Hood River Fruit Loop is located in the beautiful Hood River Valley at the foot of majestic Mt. Hood offering you a variety of wines, fruits, vegetables, flowers, ciders, and food. Many outdoor adventures, such as kayaking, windsurfing, skiing, snow boarding, and hiking, await. Mt. Hood Meadows, Cooper Spur Mountain Resort, and Timberline Ski areas are only a short drive away, as is the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood National Forest where trails and wildlife abound.
Book your stay at the Old Parkdale Inn and take advantage of our partnerships:
Wet Planet Whitewater Adventures – A 10% discount will be applied at checkout when you use the code we provide to book online.
Cascade Canyon Guide – request code for 10% off trips
