What is it?
Located in the Mt. Hood wilderness, the hike to Ramona Falls is a scenic and well graded 7 mile, 1000 foot elevation gain loop. Providing hikers with a glimpse of Mt. Hood, the hike crosses the Sandy River while it is still a stream consisting primarily of glacial runoff. The path then leads visitors to the shaded beauty of Ramona Creek, before delivering them to one of the area's true jewels; the 120 foot Ramona Falls.
Why visit?
Ramona Falls is one of those natural wonders that must be seen in person. It is vast, and photos do it little justice. The cascade begins narrowly at the top of a large wall of lava rock. The water quickly spreads across the breadth of the wall before dropping delicately over moss covered, stair like columnar basalt. Sun and shadows create rainbows, glowing water, and other visual highlights that vary throughout the day.
In addition to the falls itself, hikers are treated to an up-close view of Mt. Hood from the Sandy River. One of the best attributes of the trek however, is the stroll along Ramona Creek. The area looks and feels more like a forested fantasy land than a hiking trail. Fall is a particularly good time for this part of the trail, as the opposing canyon wall is set aflame with autumn color.
Get there:
Take Highway 26 towards Mt. Hood for 42 miles. In the town of Zigzag, turn left onto East Lolo Pass Road and drive 4.2 miles. Turn right onto road 1825 and after 0.7 mile, turn right again to cross a bridge. After 1.8 miles, bear left onto Road 100 and travel the final half mile to the road's end and the trailhead.
From the trailhead, hike just over a mile to the crossing of the Sandy River. There is a seasonal bridge here that is usually in place from early spring, to sometime in October. The exact location can vary by season, but the trail is usually well worn and or flagged on both sides of the Sandy River.
Soon after crossing the Sandy you'll reach a trail junction. Turn left here to approach the falls from Ramona Creek. After 0.5 mile you'll reach another junction. Turn right here and pass through a horse-stopping gate. Hike 2 more miles along Ramona Creek to the base of the falls.
To complete the loop, continue past the falls and bear right. Turn right again to hike along a horse path that parallels the Sandy River. Follow this trail 1.5 miles down to the first junction you reached earlier. Continue straight and return to the parking area.
Additional Information:
For more of Adam's writing, reviews, and photography, visit AdamSawyer.com
Comments
This place looks so awesome! Great shots.
I always like your photos.
Amazing photos. That's an adventure I would love to partake in.
the rainbows sound fantastic! :) great site.
Portlanders are blessed to have your reporting; as I know this is another WINNER!
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