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Elevation Gain
500.00 ft (152.40 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
3.80 mi (6.12 km)
Warming hut
No
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.
See the wintry side of this magnificent waterfall on Mount Hood's eastern side with a relatively easy snowshoe hike through old-growth forests. While popular and oftentimes crowded during the summer, this falls sees only moderate activity during the middle of winter, partly because of the limited roadside parking. With only a gradual incline throughout, you’ll enjoy a short stroll through Douglas fir, mountain hemlock and cedar. You’ll also follow and cross (by bridge) Cold Spring Creek, which presents breathtaking winter scenery.
If you plan on getting near the falls, make sure to bring water resistant clothing, as the 150-foot-tall by 40-foot-wide Tamanawas emits mist throughout most seasons (which can freeze on camera lenses during the winter). It’s also wise to be cognizant of potential falling ice nearer the falls. Many of the icicles during winter can be several meters long. If you’re looking to avoid the slow slog of traffic up to Mount Hood from Portland, a good alternative would be to access these falls via Highway 35 through Hood River.
Recommended Gear
Before you head out on your next Mount Hood adventure, make sure you have the right gear!
Here's a list of our go-to snowshoeing essentials to get you started:
Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe
Men's and Women's • $229.95 • Cushioned, Made in USA, Ultralight, 98.8 oz
Jacket/Shell: Arc'teryx Zeta AR Jacket
Men's and Women's • $475.00 • Waterproof, Adjustable Drawcord Hem, Pit Zips, GORE-TEX
Pack: Mammut Nirvana Pro Pack
$189.95 • 35L, Carry-On Size, Hip Belt, Ice Axe / Pole Loops, Hydration Compatible
Insulating Layer: Moosejaw Dequindre Down Jacket
Men's and Women's • $134.25 • Water-resistant, Insulated, Adjustable Drawcord Hem
Poles: Black Diamond Traverse Pole
$79.95 • Aluminum, Adjustable with Lever Lock System, 21 oz.
Gloves: The North Face GORE-TEX Gloves
Men's Powdercloud • $181.61 • Waterproof, Adjustable, Insulated, GORE-TEX
Boots: Vasque Snowblime UltraDry Boot
Men's and Women's • $149.95 • Waterproof, Cushioned, Insulated
Gaiters: Outdoor Research Verglas Gaiter
Men's and Women's • $64.95 • Waterproof, Breathable, Lightweight, Abrasion-resistant
If you are snowshoeing into avalanche terrain, you should be prepared, equipped and educated on how to use avalanche rescue and snow safety gear - including but not limited to an avalanche beacon/transceiver, probe, and shovel.
Nearby Adventures
Nearby Lodging + Camping
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Comments
I was there on 2/25/17 and saw several people take substantial falls in the steep area just prior to the falls. One fell and est 100' and almost ended up in the creek. Way too many people trying to hike this trail without the proper gear or experience. Tennis shoes or simply hiking boots will NOT allow you to reach the falls safely. At this point the season, you almost really need crampons and an ice axe to make it all the way in safely. That or at very least snowshows with VERY GOOD ice grips (No cheap Costco shoes).
Be smart and hike prepared.
The falls are really beautiful, tucked in the short dead-end canyon. And in the winter, the icy stalactites it creates around the sides of this small rock rim are amazing!
Note: A make-shift sign at the trailhead warns of a slide that blocks the trail. Ignore this. While indeed there's a rock slide covering the trail about 3/4 the way to the falls, it's easily passable with only very minor bouldering.
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