Latourell Falls Engagement Session

Cassandra and Preston’s Latourell Falls engagement session was such a fun and memorable evening. These two were up for anything, and we had an absolute blast exploring the lush, misty trails around the waterfall. Latourell Falls is already an incredible spot for engagement photos thanks to its dramatic drop and surrounding greenery—but if you’re willing to climb down and get a little closer to the base, that’s where the magic really happens. Expect a little spray (okay, maybe a lot), a bit of wind from the powerful waterfall, and the most epic, moody portraits.

Preston brought his banjo, which made the session even more meaningful. It’s a special part of their story, and I always tell couples that if there’s something unique or sentimental to them—bring it along! Having him play a few songs as the water roared in the background gave the whole session this peaceful, romantic vibe that felt really true to who they are.

And as a fun twist, Cassandra and Preston are getting married in New Jersey—which made this whole session feel like a full-circle moment, since I actually used to live and work there. When they reached out and shared more of their story, it felt like such a small-world connection that we’d all end up out on the West Coast for their engagement session. I loved that.

Latourell Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge, located just about 40 minutes from Portland, Oregon. It’s part of Guy W. Talbot State Park and offers two trail options: a short, paved viewpoint loop and a longer 2.4-mile trail for those who want to explore deeper into the forest. The falls themselves drop a stunning 224 feet and are known for their unique, sheer basalt cliffside. Whether you’re staying dry up top or braving the misty base, it’s one of the best spots near Portland for couples who want an adventurous, nature-filled session without driving too far from the city.

For more photos from the Columbia gorge check out this proposal at Wahclella Falls.