Taking engagement photos at a waterfall can create a truly magical and romantic experience. The serene and natural beauty of a waterfall serves as an incredible backdrop that adds an element of uniqueness to your photos. Having your engagement photos taken at a waterfall will undoubtedly create stunning and memorable images that reflect the love and joy you share with your partner.
One waterfall I cannot recommend enough for your engagement photos is Latourell Falls! Located in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon, Latourell Falls offers such stunning natural beauty that will make your photos truly unforgettable. Latourell Falls is a 224-foot waterfall with lush forest surroundings. This waterfall provides a dreamy and romantic atmosphere that perfectly captures your love story. Whether you’re seeking an adventurous shoot or a quiet and intimate setting, Latourell Falls has it all. Don’t miss the opportunity to create timeless memories in this one of a kind location!
Why Should You Take Destination Engagement Photos?
I highly recommend taking destination engagement photos at Latourell Falls, or anywhere! Taking destination engagement photos can elevate your memories and create a truly unique experience for you and your partner. Overall, by choosing a destination away from your everyday surroundings, you have the opportunity to capture your love in a new and exciting setting. Whether it’s a waterfall, a desert canyon, or a snowy mountain landscape, the backdrop of a stunning destination adds adventure and romance to your photos. Plus, a destination shoot allows you to explore and embrace nature, making your photos even more vibrant and authentic! These photos will not only serve as a beautiful reminder of your engagement but also as a way to share your love story with family, friends, and future generations. Here is a a blog I have written about my Top 10 Best Spots For Destination Engagement Photos, check it out!
How Do You Get To Latourell Falls?
Transportation
Getting to Latourell Falls can be very simple if you have a plan ahead of time. If you are needing to travel by air, I would recommend flying into the Portland airport and then getting a rental car. If you drive straight from the Portland airport you will have only a 30 minute drive to the Latourell Falls Trailhead. Additionally, you will not need a special vehicle just to get to the falls as you will be on paved roads the entire drive from Portland.
The Hike
The hike to Latourell Falls for your engagement photos can be a rewarding and adventurous experience. You will park right at the Latourell Falls Trailhead and start your hike from there! There are restrooms available at the parking lot, so that gives you one less thing to worry about. You begin the hike by following a paved viewpoint trail that leads up to the Latourell Falls Viewpoint, which has stunning views of the waterfall. From there, a wide dirt path takes you on a 2-mile round trip loop through Guy W. Talbot State Park. The trail is family-friendly and moderately difficult, with a moderate incline. It’s a great option for hikers of various skill levels. It is rocky in some spots and can be slippery whenever there is a lot of moisture around. If you wish, you could stop along the hike and find more spots to take some pictures.
Take your time to explore and appreciate the nature of the hike on the way to your waterfall engagement photos!
What Should You Know Before Taking Engagement Photos At Latourell Falls?
Weather & Climate
Latourell Falls is located in Northern Oregon. Oregon is very commonly known for its rainy weather. Additionally, it can be a little chilly in the forest or during the cooler months. To make the best experience out of your engagement photos at Latourell Falls, I would recommend taking photos on a weekday in the summer! There can be crowds at Latourell Falls, so choose a day that is less popular. I would also suggest taking photos when the sun is at its highest, usually around noon. It can be very dark in the forest. If you are wanting warm engagement photos with some light, plan for this ahead of time. Also, don’t forget to watch the weather!
Clothing & Appearance
Latourell Falls is a naturally formed waterfall! Therefore, taking engagement photos here will require you to be out in nature. You will need to prepare for the potential weather and be ready to withstand the natural elements. To reach Latourell Falls, you will have a hike that is just over a mile long. After the hike, you will cross a bridge and be able to stand right next to the waterfall! I would recommend wearing hiking shoes on the hike. You can then take the shoes off when you get to the falls, or change into your preferred engagement photo shoes.
For clothing, you could also bring a change of clothes to slip on when you get to the waterfall if you don’t want to risk them getting a little muddy! Remember, you will be next to a huge waterfall. There will be mist coming off of Latourell Falls, so you may get a little wet. Since there will be mist, consider prepping your hair and makeup to potentially get slightly wet as well! I would suggest that minimal makeup is the best and choose a hairstyle that can be easily fixed or not easily ruined.
Where Should I Stay To Take Engagement Photos At Latourell Falls?
When staying near Latourell Falls, there are a few wonderful options to consider. Here are some places I recommend:
- Portland: Consider staying in Portland, Oregon, which is about a 30-minute drive from Latourell Falls. Portland offers a wide range of hotels, Airbnb rentals, and bed and breakfasts. Portland is a great choice to suit your various budgets and preferences.
- Columbia River Gorge: The Columbia River Gorge area provides numerous lodging options, including hotels, lodges, cabins, and vacation rentals.
- Troutdale: Troutdale is a small town conveniently located near Latourell Falls. It offers several hotels and accommodations, making it a convenient option for those who want to be close to the waterfall.
- Camping: If you prefer a more rustic experience, there are campgrounds available near Latourell Falls. A popular choice is the Ainsworth State Park Campground, which is just a short drive away and provides camping facilities in nature.
Wherever you choose to stay, remember to book your accommodation well in advance to secure your preferred dates. This will ensure a comfortable and stress free stay for your engagement photos.
What Else Should You Do In The Latourell Falls Area?
In addition to visiting Latourell Falls itself, there are several other activities and attractions to explore in the Latourell Falls area. I would highly recommend making a trip out of your engagement photos if you are traveling from far away. Here are some more things to do near Latourell Falls:
- Guy Talbot State Park: Latourell Falls is located in this state park. I highly recommend exploring more of the park! Guy Talbot State Park offers beautiful hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the surrounding greenery.
- Explore Other Waterfalls: Just a short distance away from Latourell Falls, you will find Bridal Veil Falls, Shepperd’s Dell Falls, and Coopey Falls. All of these are located on the Columbia River and you can visit one right after another. Take a hike to witness the beauty of these waterfalls and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
- Vista House: Situated on Crown Point along the Historic Columbia River Highway, Vista House offers panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge. It’s an architectural gem and a perfect spot to admire the breathtaking scenery.
- Fishing: There are so many different rivers and lakes you can fish at in the Latourell Falls area. Nearby you could try the Columbia River Gorge, The Sandy River, or even Guy Talbot State Park has opportunities for fishing.
- Kayaking: Bring or rent a kayak to see the Columbia River Gorge up close. You could also check out nearby lakes for kayaking availability. Additionally, close to Portland there is the Scappoose Bay Paddle Trail, which is a very popular kayak trail for kayaking and canoeing!
Are You Ready To Take Waterfall Engagement Photos?
Latourell Falls serves as the perfect backdrop for your waterfall engagement photos. The stunning waterfall, greenery, and forest surroundings make it a popular choice if you are looking to capture your love in a picturesque setting. Also, Latourell Falls is the perfect location for the adventurers, or those couples just wanting something unique and completely memorable for their engagement photos! If you are interested in getting married at a waterfall check out this blog on the best Waterfall Wedding Venues in Oregon.
If you are ready to book your waterfall engagement photos, contact me today for your free consult call. Let’s dream up your most perfect day.
