Go by trolley on waterfall tour

By Greg Johnson

Guy Webster and Geraldine Talbot once used the 125 acres surrounding majestic Latourell Falls in the Columbia River Gorge as their family summer estate. 

Guy Talbot, president of Pacific Power and Light Co. from 1873-1961, and his family donated the land to the state in 1929.

And now the falls can be viewed by trolley!

Latourell is one of seven falls along the Historic Columbia River Highway that visitors can tour via the Waterfall Trolley. In total, passengers can hop on and off at one of 10 stops for hiking or sightseeing. 

The trolley stops at Corbett, Crown Point, Latourell Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Angels Rest, Wahkeena Falls, Multnomah Falls, Triple Falls, Horsetail Falls and Ainsworth. One special advantage: While visitors who arrive at the famous 620-foot Multnomah Falls by private vehicle need a timed-use permit, Waterfall Trolley passengers can make the stop permit-free.

The first stop at Crown Point, known as the gateway to the Columbia River Gorge, features panoramic views of the river and tours of the Vista House, a national historic landmark.

Latourell Falls, which plunges 249 feet over columnar basalt to the Columbia River valley below, is next. Passengers can walk the trail to the base of the falls or hike the loop trail to view the upper falls.

Other trolley stops along the way include the viewing platform at Bridal Veil Falls, hiking at Wahkeena Falls and the fascinating geologic formations at Horsetail Falls.

Grayline of Portland operates the tours from May 24 to Sept. 1. Tour prices are $35 for adults 13 and up, $18 for youths ages 6-12 and free for children ages 5 and under.

Note: The Historic Columbia River Highway is closed between Corbett and Crown Point until September because of repairs resulting from an active landslide. For this reason, trolley guests start their tour in Corbett where they take a 20-minute motorcoach transfer to Vista House and Crown Point.

For more information, call 503-241-7373 or email sales@graylineofportland.com.

Greg Johnson is a travel writer for The Messenger.