Latourell Falls Loop and Mist Falls

Old picture with my old camera

Latourell Falls is probably the second hike I've ever done in the Gorge. We stumbled upon it one day without knowing it was there in our first or second exploration of the Gorge and decided to check it out. We took the lower path and hiked up the big hill, then back to the upper falls. At the time, not used to the hikes, it was a tough hike. I decided we hadn't seen the upper falls in so long, surely we can check this out again.

It was super-easy.

First off, we went up the opposite way so we could avoid the big hill if you take the low path first, which made it 3 times as simple. Then we just ended up being in shape and with a better understanding of the gorge, the 2.5 mile loop was just nothing to us.

If you go up the left path, you reach the viewpoint pictured above. You then climb up the hill some more until you loop back to the top of the falls. There is a fence keeping you from walking out on the ledge, but judging from how worn down the ground was, it didn't stop many people, including us. You can peek down to the bottom viewpoint.

Then you just keep going back along the creek for a while until you hit the upper falls, which were more impressive than I remembered.

Picture from the first trip

I didn't take any pictures of Latourell on the hike this time, because everything was overgrown and the lighting was kind of terrible, so my old pictures will have to do.

Once you pass the upper falls you follow the creek on the other side and you can walk out on the cliff on the other side of the waterfall and peer down. From there it's just a walk down the big hill to the base of the falls. On the way you see the worlds best yoga tree.

The hike lasted an hour. It was the easiest hike we've done in the past year. I fully recommend it for anyone. The hike itself doesn't pass anything mind blowing, but it's a really casual hike that is a good way to kill an hour if you've got one. It's a stroll through the woods. Although I'd go later in fall, when the trees are colorful and the trail is less overgrown.

MIST FALLS

I read about this guy on PortlandHikers.org (My favorite site in the world) and decided since Latourell was so easy that we should try this quick scramble nearby.

This was the definition of a hidden gem. I have no idea how anyone even found it. The parking lot is just a dirt section next to highway 30 big enough for one car. The trail is just walking up a rocky landslide. Literally, you just walk up a rockfall. The rocks slide and slop with each step. It's hypersteep, and for the grand total of 1/5 mile it's the hardest hill I've ever climbed. But it was worth it, because then you end up all alone in a little open section below the falls and can just drink it in.

We slid on our butts on the way down and things went really fast, it was great. If you can find it, it's a wonderful little spot that keeps the casuals away. A real hidden gem of a spot.