This Oregon Landscape Turns Into a Serene Frozen Wonderland During Winter

I am in love with Oregon, particularly the Columbia River Gorge. Its beautiful landscape captured my heart from the very first time I visited it many years ago. While I love driving in summer and enjoying the green, lush scenery found here, when it transforms into a winter wonderland, it’s breathtaking. I love visiting destinations like Multnomah Falls during the winter months, but there’s something about a snowy Latourell Falls in Oregon that I just can’t get enough of — it’s mesmerizing.

There are more than 230 known waterfalls in Oregon, and the Columbia River Gorge is home to nearly 100 of them. While I have visited many of these falls, Latourell Falls is one of my favorites and one that I believe deserves a spot on every hiker’s bucket list, especially during the winter months.

Latourell Falls is a waterfall with many claims to fame. At an impressive 249 feet tall, this is the third-tallest waterfall in the Columbia River Gorge, and it features an impressive two-tiered drop. While you can see portions of these falls from the highway, to capture the entire waterfall in all its glory, you will need to put on your hiking boots and tackle a two-mile trail.

The Latourell Falls trailhead is located within Guy W. Talbot State Park — also known as Latourell State Park — and near the Columbia River Highway. This is a loop trail that is approximately two miles long, and you’ll certainly want proper footwear despite the shorter journey. Depending on when you tackle the hike, you may encounter everything from muddy to icy portions of the trail.

In total, you will climb more than 600 feet in elevation, and in snow, mud, or ice, the journey may test you physically and mentally – come prepared for a challenge. However, when you see the stunning Latourell Falls in all its glory, you’ll be grateful you made the trek. This remarkable natural wonder is pure natural beauty frozen in time.

It’s quite an incredible sight to see tall tree branches heavy with snow. You may even catch glimpses of green poking out between the winter white. The pool of water at the bottom of the falls may be icy and snowy, also creating a peaceful sight.

Keep in mind that Latourell Falls is a popular trail in Oregon, and you will likely be sharing your experience with others. Be respectful as you hike and always pack out everything you pack in. Also, not every winter is going to produce wintry falls, so when the cold weather arrives, you’ll want to take advantage of the snowy, icy sights Mother Nature has just created.

For more information on the Latourell Falls Loop Trail in the Columbia River Gorge, visit AllTrails. If you're looking for even more wonderful things to do in the area, head on over to our itinerary planner for nearby recommendations!