Ramona Falls

Do the beautiful 7 mile Ramona Falls Trail Loop. The sights and vistas start from the getgo. The 1000 ft ascent is very gradual and you wont break a sweat. There are no switchbacks. .just winding trails with lush green forest. Part of the Trail is also Pacific Crest Trail, so this is well traveled. Also, you are at the underbelly of the Glacial peaked Mount Hood. Sandy River that you cross is rough and dangerous. They have not replaced the bridge this year, so proceed the log crossing and fast waters with caution. $ 5 Day Passat needs to be purchased elsewhere.
Wow, oh Wow! ! The Ramona Falls were much bigger than I expected. I was mesmerized. The grounds near the falls have moss covered trees with roots exposed and kind of fairytale land feeling. The bridge in front of the falls is offical halfway pointa of the loop. Don’t go back in the same direction you came. Cross the bridge and you are rewarded to painted clffs and meanering creeks on one side, and deep forest, fast water, and snow capped vistas to the other. This is my favorite falls hike and fall.

At 8.44 miles and just shy of a 1200 foot elevation gain, Ramona Falls is a great hike for almost any fitness level. And the number of cars parked at the trailhead makes that clear. Don’t be deterred! The trail is a loop so hiking it without feeling like part of a herd is easily accomplished.
The falls are the only spot you’ll likely see your fellow hikers as peeps tend to congregate and eat lunch there. Enjoy the beauty of them (the falls, not your fellow hikers, though if you want to admire both I imagine it’s acceptable) for a minute or two, snap a few photos, and then continue on the trail. After about a quarter mile you’ll have your own mini Ramona Falls all to yourself and a great selection of moss-​covered logs to sit on and eat your lunch.
Some Notes:
1. Pack your Northwest Forest Pass as it’s required at the trailhead.
2. There are portable toilets at the trailhead but not TP.
3. There is no bridge to get you across the Sandy River; you’ll need to cross on a log or get wet.
4. Immediately after crossing the river it’s easy to lose the trail; stop and look for small cairns and follow them back to the trail.
5. If you’re driving from Portland, you’re going to pass Joe’s Donuts in Sandy… just sayin’.

Great hike. It’s about 3.5 miles each way, 7 miles round trip. This hike is pretty much flat, which makes it easy for hikers of all ages, regardless of experience level.

Easiest 7.1 mile hike you’ll ever do unless the bridge was gone, as it was today. Then crossing the Sandy is a little of a challenge, but nothing that you can’t overcome. Unlike some of the other posters here, I prefer doing the loop counter-​clockwise — that is, take the path to the right to go up, as it is tedious and the steady climb makes looking at the scenery not as enjoyable, anyway. I don’t know about you, but going uphill I stare at my feet a bit more. Your reward? One of the most beautiful gems of a waterfall you’ll ever see, in a cool and misty spot, followed by a return trip in a forest that almost seems like a fairy tale forest. Words and pictures do this return trip no justice. It is gorgeous, quiet, shady, cool, with a mild downhill all the way back. This is the kind of seven-​miler that leaves you refreshed and whistling a happy tune when you get back to your car, not worn out and beat up. Only reason for star deduction was the bridge being out… we almost brought our Golden Retriever, but she has a sore foot from a hike last week, and she would not have made it across the river even with a healthy paw. Signs are posted telling you the bridge is out, and you can also call the Zig Zag Ranger Station in advance if you are planning to bring a dog.

WARNING
On August 12, a temporary bridge collapsed and one hiker was swept away. The falls are closed until the bridge is repaired. Take notice… The bridges here are called ‘temporary’ for a reason.
Be careful and do buy a park pass or use your Senior Pass if you are over 62. Then enjoy the beautiful sights.

My favorite hike I’ve done! Really enjoyed this one. I recommend taking the path to the left over the one to the right (alternative). Lots to see this way and you can loop around to come back on the other path which is a lot less scenic but a straighter shot back to the parking lot. Just a little over 7 miles round trip. The hike really had everything– very diverse scenery. Caves would have really topped it off but I can’t get too greedy. Recommend this hike to anyone that lives in or visits Oregon!
Note: The site we used to find the falls said that you can purchase a parking pass at the trailhead. This site was obviously incorrect or outdated. We had to turn around and head back into town to buy pass which was a bummer and took about a half an hour to do so. Google it to find a location that sells these before heading up.

I enjoyed this hike a lot. It took 4 miles to get to the good stuff, but it was worth it. The river was awesome, and so was Ramona Falls. The way back seemed much cooler after that fall as well. I had a great time here and will return! I stopped at the Ranger Station right across from the turn off for they have one page maps of the hike, which saved me from carrying a book. Highly recommend the hike though.

** I added a few new photos. So now you can see what it looks like on sunny, clear days as well as wet and overcast. Wonderful either way. **
Oh hell yes!
A roughly 7 mile hike that can be done as either a out-​and back or as a loop. The loop is much, much prettier and you get two different experiences. Heading up you walk along the Sandy River which, surprise, surprise, is sometimes kind of brownish because of all the volcanic ash in it’s flow. Great views of the river course and all the sediments going back who knows how long ago.
Eventually you have to cross over the river. Most of the time from June — Sept (?), there is a bridge going over. It gets removed later so it doesn’t get washed away during the winter. Unless it is raining, most of the time the bridge cover the entire river. But not always, last hike I did we still had to cross some water that was going around one side of the bridge. If you hike this in May you will have to wade the river on your own, and most of the time it is not a big deal.
The waterfall is breathtaking and photos really do a poor job of conveying it’s beauty. Awesome! And even on the hottest days, it is always cool there as the canopy creates it’s own mini-​environment.
If you follow the loop you walk into a different world. Ramona Falls is actually fed by a different water source than the Sandy River. I think it is called «Muddy Fork,» but it actually runs quite clear. Whereas the Sandy River is brownish, this creek is crystal clear and gently flows through lush trees and a moss covered wonderland. About a mile down you start walking along the base of very high cliffs that in many places have various hues. The creek is small enough that you can jump the banks and explore a bit if you wish.
Eventually you will hit the Pacific Coast Trail and turn left to head back to the trail heading back to the Sandy River and the parking lot.
It does get very crowded on summer weekends.
** About my comments regarding the bridge… It was washed out earlier this year in a flash flood in which a person died and others were stranded on the far bank. As with ANY forest trail, use some common sense. The river is actually quite easily to ford when not in flood stage, but dont be silly and push your limits or ignore basic safety practices. You dont want to be the one earning a Darwin Award… **

I’ve been to Ramona Falls 5 times in the past 8 years. It’s my favorite waterfall hike in Oregon. Plan 4 ½ to 5 hours to do the loop comfortably which includes sitting down for a 15 min. lunch at the falls. Most trail books rate this hike as fairly easy to moderate. My husband and I just went this past Saturday (6÷7÷14) and did the loop in 4 ½ hours. I’ve done it both ways (loop and just hiking along the creek the entire way). Creekside is the BEST just as the others have recommended. I decided to go in June this time – not as hot and no bugs. We took our 2 yo. Golden Retriever, Reese’s. It’s a very dog friendly trail with multiple places for them to drink along the creek up and back from the falls. Saturdays are the busiest. If you have the option, I’d recommend going in the middle of the week.
You must get a NW Pass for this trailhead. There are none to purchase at the trailhead. You have to get one beforehand. You can pick up one a Fred Meyers, REI, the ranger station, and multiple other local businesses.
You will not be disappointed with this hike! It is worth the trip! Be sure to bring your camera. There will be opportunities to take pictures of the Sandy River, Mt. Hood, foot bridges, and of course Ramona Falls.

This 7 miles loop trail is good for an exercise and offers a very rewarding, beautiful falls as a trail goal. The first 1 – 1.5 mile of a trail was somewhat of a meh… it was quite boring walking through sand-​like trail and without much to see around the place. When you get to a split, definitely choose to go on a trail that arrive at a trail from a left rather than the right side though. The right side of a trail approaching the falls was just not very scenic and can be really hot, especially if you are taking a hike mid day. The left side of a trail approaching Ramona falls, on the other hand, is more lush and more scenic. It’s much more fun hiking through that path than the other one (although you can just do a full circle loop so you get to see every thing in the loop anyways).
Ramona falls was especially pretty. It’s prettier than Multnomah falls in my opinions (especially with so many small strands of water making this fall very pretty!).
Be aware that the trail will probably take you 2.5−4 hours depending on how fit you are. but it’s definitely a good trail to for a hike, especially in the morning when not so many people are there yet. No need to bring hiking pole if you are somewhat fit and have no problem walking long distance. It’s not a steep trail but is one that requires more endurance (from heat/​distance).
Bring the Pacific Northwest Pass, too… you’ll need it to park/​hike there!

In the summer months, it gets hot on this trail. If you like horse shit, biting black flies, and rude hikers, then you should be ok. The parking lot was crammed with 20+ cars. Like so many destinations in the Mt. Hood area, the trails are heavily used. I don’t understand why equestrians insist upon shitting on nature? When my family and I reached the hidden spectacle, the coup de grace, there was a big pile of horse shit not 10 feet from the pristine falls. WTF!!! Maybe I should open a food cart called…“Mr Eds”

It was awesome hike. minus the fact that we were swarmed by flies. Seriously, take a repellent and wear long sleeves. Overall this was a grrrrrrrrrrrrreat hike. Easy and short 7 miles long. The waterfall was basically a Computer Screen Saver. Amazing view. Oh and always take enough water and some snacks such as carrots, nuts etc.

This was my first hike in the Mt. Hood Wilderness, and I have to say it was almost a perfect hike.
It’s an easy 7 mile loop with limited elevation gain and trails the follow along beautiful forest streams.
The jewel at the end of the path is the Ramona Falls, a majestic waterfall that looks like champagne being poured down a tower of glasses.
The trail has two parts. One is an arid and hot trail the follows along the a glacial stream and the other follows along a cool and shaded creek that leads up to the falls.
This is a great way to practice for some of the more difficult hikes in the area.

We went to Ramona Falls on Sat 7÷6÷13, it’s in the Mt Hood National Forest and you really need to follow the directions on the website or ask the ranger because it’s in the middle of nowhere & you might not find it otherwise.
You need to get a Pass that’s like $ 5 check the website, my friend’s Senior Pass for the NP worked for us.
It’s a long 7-​mile loop. Sign in for the FREE Wilderness Permit — someone told us it’s just for statistical purposes & they don’t go looking for you.
Continue up the trail, then do it Clockwise at the Ramona Falls Trailhead (turn Left where they sign says PCT/​Ramona Falls). Lots of moderate uphill climbing, not too hard. Had to cross a Footbridge over Sandy River, then about 6 more bridges.
Ramona Falls is beautiful! You have to see it for yourself. Lots of Rhododendrons along the trail too when we went 7÷6÷13.
Took the other way back to finish the loop.
Two pit toilets in the parking lot.

Love the hike — the falls are half way on a 7 mile loop. I recommend only hiking the left half — along the river and under the trees. The other half is very arid and not much to see. Especially on a HOT day! Enjoy the photos!

This is a gorgeous, gorgeous hike in alpine country. It is well-​traveled by others, but on a weekday in the summer didn’t feel crowded at all. We passed other people just a few times on the trail, and at the falls there were perhaps 12 – 15 others. The noise of the falls is such that we couldn’t really hear them there, either. ;) I took my dog, who is not good with other dogs, and we only passed one other dog on the trail and saw one at the falls, which is AWESOME compared to other Oregon hikes on which dogs practically outnumber people! You get a great view of Mt. Hood, cross the Sandy River, see mossy alpine ground and many alpine streams, and a great waterfall to boot. It’s a 7-​ish mile trail, looped or out and back, with very gentle rise. As my book says, right about the time you start to think, «Hm, this is getting a little old», you turn a corner and there are the falls. Which are spectacular.
PLEASE come prepared for an alpine environment! That means proper gear including footwear for you and poop bags for your canine pal, and proper clothing including layers, even if you *think* it’s going to be hot – you never know. There is really no excuse for showing up to snow and being unprepared, and if you do and you are, please turn right around and don’t even start hiking. Bring food and water for you (and your pup) that will allow an overnight stay, and have extra gear in your car. You have to sign your party (including bags and dogs) in at an unstaffed ranger box a short way down the trail, which should give you an idea that this is a more remote and extreme environment, and you should only go up if you are prepared.
I didn’t find this place at all hard to find – as noted in «60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Portland». You do kind of wind around a campground for awhile, though no one was camping the day I went – not even sure it’s open.

See snow in May and the most unique waterfalls!
Want to experience Twilight, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter in real life for about 2 hours? Go here!!! And go with friends, it does get slightly creepy, in a cool and beautiful way.
Do your research on hiking websites in OR because you will get lost! Bring a detailed description of the trail so you can decide if you want to do the loop or wander a different path like we did on your own. We stopped at least 3x trying to figure out which route to go because the trail is not extremely intuitive. Even the drive to head of the trail itself wasn’t intuitive. My friends and I were freaking out that we mother nature called our names by the time we got to the large parking lot (if you get my drift).
The entire trip was worth it. Good elevation with flat grounds. Easy trail for all ages. Rivers, a small bridge, mossy patches covered in snow, dirt ground with loose rocks that don’t hurt your feet, fresh sense of cleaned new growth with a slight dampness of a Northwest forest. The height allows you to overlook the mountains and see the other side covered in frosty snow. The final stretch, you’ll walk through a wooden «fence» to come to an open space with tall evergreen trees, slightly darker than the trail, and the brightest thing you’ll see is the waterfall. Mesmerizing!
Amazing hike. Unique. Go with friends so you can get lost together. ^_​^
Ps. Thanks L.C. for printing out the detailed directions, or else we would’ve never made it.

This hike made me feel like I was in a Twilight movie, or better yet a Chronicles of Narnia movie. It was something else. If you don’t feel like hiking, watch both movies, and skip to the parts where the characters are in the wilderness and/​or snow. Yea, that’s exactly you’d feel on this hike, minus the vampires and wizards.
I didn’t manage to do the loop Cam T. mentioned, but I did get to Ramona Falls &do an out&back. This is for several reasons.
1) The trails split at various areas, and even coming back the way we came from, my buddies and I almost got lost a few times.
2) It was snowing! There were 2 inches of snow, and it covered up a lot of the trail. This happened at the end of May too. Oh silly Oregon weather!
3) There were places that the trail abruptly ended, and we had to wander about looking for the next part of the trail. It happened once when we crossed the sandy river bridge (yes the bridge is back and intact!). Luckily one of my buddies discovered a bunch of man-​made stacked rocks across the sandy bridge. The rocks clever marked where the ramona falls trail continued.
4) We were FREEZING– we weren’t dressed for snow– so getting lost on the way back is not an option.
5) We were craving korean hot pot, and that took over all our reason &senses.
Once we figured out where we were going, the hike was amazing. The part I hiked was pretty flat. And the entire hike only took us 3 hrs (we did about 6 miles). Ramona Falls itself is breath-​taking and gorgeous! We froze our fingers off by taking a bazillion pictures of the waterfall. There were also a few viewpoints along the way that gave a good view of the sandy river. I heard that if you continued a few miles past Ramona Falls, you get a good view of Mt. Hood. There is also a large campsite near the trail head for the campers out there.
They also don’t have a drop box for money for a temporary wilderness pass like some other trails. So in this case you need the wilderness pass ahead of time. You can pick one up at REI before you head out! go go gooooooo!

This little day hike has a little bit of everything for everyone: lush mossy forest stretches that recall your time in the Olympic rainforest, dry arid silty legs reminiscent of the Sierras & grand misty waterfalls straight out of a Chinese watercolor. The seasonal bridge is still out for the count – according to the forestry service it may take them a while to put the bridge back in place due to budget cuts. Not to fear, those without acrophobia can cross the Sandy River on sturdy yet bouncy logs. If you bring your Tevas with you [read: your pooch is too chicken to go across a log] there are shallow areas where you can cross on foot/​paw. Be prepared to share cuz this is a «must do» hike according to most resources [Translation: sometimes it feels like a highway on the trail as all this wilderness beauty appeals Tom, Dick, Harry, Suzy & Fido as well.].
For the most part, the trail is welled signed once you make it across the river. At the fork for the Ramona Falls loop, take the scenic left route which has lush greenery & parallels bubbling Ramona creek at times giving you tantalizing glimpses of the creek with misty rapids. The trail ascends steadily with an elevation gain 1000ft to the falls but it’s gently spread out over several miles so you can leave the oxygen tanks & sherpas at basecamp. The total loop is 7.1 miles. The loop trail intersects with the Pacific Crest Scenic trail, Bald Mountain trail, & the Yocum Ridge trail so setting up camp would allow you to do multiple day hikes (FYI: no camping allowed within 500ft of the falls).
Directions:
From PDX go east on Highway 26 toward Mt. Hood for 42 miles. At Zigzag, turn left onto East Lolo Pass Road (don’t blink cuz you’ll miss it). After 4.2 miles turn right onto paved Road 1825 (you’ll pass a large camp parking area on the right just before the turnoff), then in 0.7 miles turn right across the Sandy River bridge. Go 1.8 miles along Road 1825, and then left onto Road 100 for 0.5 miles to a large parking area at road’s end – signage for the different hikes & campgrounds are at forks. Don’t forget your northwest forest pass cuz it will prevent you from getting a ticket & also helps the forest service maintain trails, roads, bridges, campgrounds… for you, Tom, Dick, Harry, Suzy, & Fido.
Star legend:
1: Gorgeous scenic trail with lush forest, picturesque river & creek, & zen falls.
2: Easy access from PDX.
3: Ample parking for your commune with nature so no need to mow down that purple Mini angling for a spot [hinthint.].
4: Lots of great spots to nosh & canoodle al fresco.
5: Good for higher primates & pooches of varied athletic ability.