Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
1,000.00 ft (304.80 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
6.90 mi (11.10 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The 120-foot Ramona Falls is tucked away on the western flanks of Mount Hood, and while the cascade is a remarkable destination by itself, the trail leading to the falls is equally delightful.  You'll begin hiking along the open and sandy bed that flanks the Sandy River.  The granular nature of the soil means that the river bed is home to a distinct blend of flora not typically found in the Mount Hood area, such as the many lodgepole pines, Oregon beaked moss, juniper haircap moss and broom moss.  Once you've reached Ramona Falls, loop back on the trail’s northern section, where you'll gain a great appreciation for Ramona Creek.  The trail follows the creek and adjacent cliffs downstream as it weaves through a forest of western hemlock, noble fir and western red cedar.

If you are in the mood for something a little more challenging or you are looking for some good backpacking, continue on the Ramona Falls trail to Bald Mountain/McNeil Point, the scenic and secluded Yocum Ridge, or to the incredible wildflower haven of Paradise Park.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Rhododendrons in early summer. Beautiful cascade and creeks. Backpacking extension hikes.

Cons

None.

Trailhead Elevation

2,460.00 ft (749.81 m)

Features

Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Big vistas

Typically multi-day

No

Suitable for

Horseback

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area, Oregon
Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area, Oregon
Oregon, Mt. Hood + Clackamas River Area

Comments

07/28/2019
A little secret...go late! I know, I know, the river crossing. But right now, the water level is not high, and the log crossing is super easy. And if you got a bit later in the day, you'll have Ramona Falls to yourself as the final golden beams of light filter through the trees and hit it at just the right angle for almost a full rainbow at the base of the falls.

The hike itself is gorgeous, especially the northern part of the loop, where much of the way you're walking along the stream, which is why I'd recommend doing the loop counter-clockwise so you can get the less scenic, but still incredible, southern part of the loop out of the way first. There are a couple spots that have a steep drop-off, so if you go later in the day, avoiding this part as it begins to get dark is probably the move right there.

There's a slight bit of elevation gain, but it never gets to the point where you're begging for mercy or digging too deep for 'one more step.' For the most part, it's an incredibly pleasant quick-moving 7 mile hike. I started at about 4:15pm, got to the falls about 5:45pm (I did stop for several images), spent about 45 minutes at the falls (yup, camera fun time), and then started making my way back to the lot just as the sunset light was hitting Hood, got back to my car about 8:15pm (again, stopped for more pics), just as the final moments of twilight were beginning to disappear.

This is one of my favorite spots in the Mount Hood Wildnerness, and once you do it, it'll be one of yours too.
04/22/2018
Great hike. Snow on the trail, so a little slick on the way back down, but we stayed plenty warm the whole time. The falls are gorgeous, and it’s a great spot to rest and refuel before heading back down.
Hands down one of my favorite hikes in the Mt Hood area. Be prepared to walk across a log, but also be prepared for amazing views. Definitely do the hike as the loop- you won't want to miss the variety!
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