Latourell Creek
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| | Raps:1, max ↨250ft
Red Tape: Shuttle: Vehicle:Passenger | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Condition Reports: | 26 Jun 2026
"Park Employee informed us that rappelling here is no longer allowed, even calling the supervisor on speaker to confirm. No matter the day or time, eit |
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| Best season: | July-Sep (avg for this region)
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45.5388, -122.2176
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Introduction
Short and to the point, the main attraction of this descent is a magnificent 250ft waterfall overhanging over basaltic columns.
- Update 2026: Apparently, Oregon State Parks no longer permits rappelling at Latourelle Falls. Canyoneers may risk being cited. Local canyoneers recommend avoiding such prominent "show waterfalls" in any event. See also Red Tape below.
Approach
Just follow the trail to the top of the falls and then drop into the streambed at your earliest convenience. Try to not attract attention of the tourists, and if any of them follows you make sure they are safe and take pictures well away from the top of the waterfall (which is very slippery).
Descent
You are guaranteed to have an audience during the rappel, so please try to make a good impression. The rappel is completely overhung, so just make sure there are no tourists in the fall zone while you descend the waterfall.
Exit
Just walk back on the paved trail to the parking lot.
Red tape
Lautorell Falls is one of a number of popular waterfalls located along the Historic Columbia River Highway. Be aware: unlike other parts of the country, canyoning is not widely known or recognized in the Pacific NW. Individuals climbing, rappelling, or slack-lining around such "show waterfalls" are far more likely to garner negative reactions from the general public at large. Negative reactions can lead to complaints and more rules by the local authorities. If you must descend this creek, locals suggest descending when the number of hikers will be low - e.g. early in the morning or on weekdays. Please be scrupulous about following a Leave-No-Trace ethic. Leaving brightly colored anchors can annoy waterfall photographers, irk land managers, and may encourage the inexperienced / unprepared to attempt to follow you.
Beta sites
CanyoneeringNorthwest.com (archive.org) : Columbia River Gorge Prospects- Super Amazing Map : Latourell Creek
Trip reports and media
Background
Michelle saw an article about this majestic waterfall while in the checkout lane in a local supermarket with Tiffanie, that triggered our interest to go check it out.