Overview
Ramona Falls is one of Oregon's most photographed waterfalls, and the 7.1-mile loop to reach it is one of the best moderate day hikes on Mount Hood. The falls drop 120 feet over a broad cliff of columnar basalt, and instead of a single powerful plume, the water fans out across the mossy rock face in hundreds of thin, braided cascades. It's a consistent pick for Portland-area day hikers because the trailhead is just 80 minutes from the city and the waterfall is genuinely impressive. The effect is mesmerizing, particularly in late afternoon light.
The trail passes through old-growth Douglas fir and Western red cedar forest, crosses the Sandy River (on a seasonal footbridge from roughly June through October), and follows both the Sandy River Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail for portions of the loop. With 1,000 feet of elevation gain spread over 7.1 miles, the grade is moderate and manageable for most hikers, including fit kids over 8 or so.
Ramona Falls is popular. On summer weekends the parking lot fills early, and you'll share the trail (and the falls viewing area) with plenty of other people. But the waterfall is big enough and dramatic enough that it doesn't feel diminished by the company. Go on a weekday if you can, but don't skip it just because it's Saturday.
The Route
Trailhead to Sandy River Crossing (1.5 miles)
The trail begins at the Ramona Falls Trailhead on Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 1825), at about 2,600 feet elevation. From the parking area, follow the trail north through second-growth forest for about 1.5 miles to the Sandy River crossing.
The Sandy River here is a wide, braided glacial stream that changes course regularly. A seasonal footbridge is typically installed by the forest service in late June and removed in October. When the bridge is in, the crossing is simple. When it's not, you'll need to ford the river. Early in the season (June) and on hot afternoons, the water can be thigh-deep with a strong current. Check with the Zigzag Ranger Station (503-622-3191) for current bridge status before your trip.
The riverbed itself is a stark landscape of gray volcanic sand and glacial outwash, with the bulk of Mount Hood visible upstream. It's an interesting contrast to the dense forest on either side.
The Loop: Clockwise via Sandy River Trail (2 miles to falls)
After crossing the river, the trail forks. You can go either direction to reach the falls, but clockwise (taking the left fork, Sandy River Trail #770) is the more popular choice and arguably the better experience, since you approach the falls through increasingly beautiful forest.
The Sandy River Trail follows the river upstream through old-growth forest. The trees here are impressive: Douglas firs over 200 years old, their trunks wrapped in thick bark and their canopy creating a cathedral-like atmosphere. Western red cedars with buttressed bases line the creek drainages. The understory is lush with sword fern, Oregon grape, and vanilla leaf.
The trail gains elevation gradually over 2 miles, crossing several small side streams on footbridges. The forest floor is carpeted with moss, and in June and early July, wildflowers (trillium, bunchberry, false Solomon's seal) dot the understory.
Ramona Falls
You'll hear the falls before you see them. The trail rounds a bend, crosses Ramona Creek on a footbridge, and there it is: 120 feet of water cascading over a wall of columnar basalt coated in thick, emerald-green moss. The falls are about 50 feet wide, and the water doesn't drop in a single sheet but separates into dozens of individual streams that weave and merge across the rock face.
A viewing area with log benches sits at the base of the falls. The mist zone extends about 30 feet from the base, so if you want a dry seat, stay back. Photographers will want a tripod and a slow shutter speed (1/4 to 1/2 second) to capture the silky water effect. Late afternoon light produces the best photos, when the sun drops low enough to illuminate the falls from the side.
Camping is allowed near the falls in designated sites. If you're backpacking the Timberline Trail, this is a common first-night stop. For overnight camping logistics, the national forest camping permit guide covers self-issue wilderness permits like the one required here. Day hikers should stay on the established viewing area and avoid climbing on the rocks at the base of the falls (they're slippery, and erosion is a real concern at this popular spot).
The Loop: Return via PCT (3.1 miles)
From the falls, continue the loop by heading east on Trail #797, which connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. This section climbs about 400 feet through forest to a junction with the PCT at about 3,600 feet. Turn south (right) on the PCT.
The PCT section offers a different character than the Sandy River Trail. The forest is slightly drier and more open, with views through the trees toward the mountain. You'll pass through patches of beargrass and rhododendron that bloom in June and July. The trail descends gradually back to the Sandy River crossing, completing the loop.
After recrossing the river, follow the trail 1.5 miles back to the parking lot.
What to Expect
Trail surface: Well-maintained packed dirt with some roots and rocks. The Sandy River Trail section can be muddy after rain or in early season. The PCT section is generally drier and firmer.
Elevation profile: Gentle and gradual. The 1,000 feet of gain is spread over the full 7.1 miles, so you're rarely climbing steeply. The steepest section is the 400-foot climb from the falls to the PCT junction.
Water: Abundant. Ramona Creek, the Sandy River, and several side streams provide water throughout the hike. The Sandy River carries glacial sediment (filter carefully or use chemical treatment). The smaller side streams and Ramona Creek run clear.
Restrooms: A vault toilet is at the trailhead parking area. There are no facilities at the falls.
Crowds: High on summer weekends. The parking lot has roughly 40 spots and fills by 9 AM on Saturdays from July through September. The trail itself absorbs the crowds reasonably well since it's a loop, but the falls viewing area can get congested between 11 AM and 3 PM. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to have the falls to yourself (or close to it).
Seasonal Notes
Summer (late June through September): The prime window. The seasonal bridge is in place, the trail is dry, and the falls run well. Water volume decreases as summer progresses, so the falls are most impressive in late June and July when snowmelt feeds Ramona Creek.
Fall (October): Beautiful but with caveats. The seasonal bridge comes out in early to mid-October, making the Sandy River crossing a ford. The vine maple along the Sandy River Trail turns yellow and orange. The falls still flow, though at reduced volume.
Winter and Spring: The access road (Forest Road 1825) is typically gated and closed from November through May or June, depending on snow conditions. The trail is buried in snow. This is not a practical winter hike for most people.
The Sandy River Crossing
This crossing deserves extra attention because it's the primary logistical concern for this hike.
When the seasonal bridge is in place (typically late June through early October), the crossing is a non-issue. You walk across a sturdy footbridge and continue on your way.
When the bridge is out, you face a ford of the Sandy River. The river here is braided across a wide gravel bed, and conditions vary enormously by season and time of day. In early summer, the water can be knee- to thigh-deep in the main channels with a moderate current. On hot August afternoons, glacial melt pushes the water higher. By late September, flows drop and the crossing becomes easier.
If you need to ford: wear water shoes or sandals with straps, use trekking poles for balance, unbuckle your hip belt, and cross facing upstream at a slight angle. The water is cold (40s to 50s). Scout for the widest, shallowest section, as braided channels are usually shallower than a single deep channel.
Call the Zigzag Ranger Station (503-622-3191) before your trip to confirm bridge status.
Tips
Bring a Northwest Forest Pass. The trailhead requires one. Day passes cost $5 and are available at the Zigzag Ranger Station or online. The Interagency Annual Pass ($80) and the Northwest Forest Pass annual ($30) both work.
Fill out a wilderness permit. A free self-issue permit is required. You'll find the registration box at the trailhead kiosk. Fill out the form, tear off the stub, and attach it to your pack.
Arrive early on weekends. Before 8 AM is ideal. If the lot is full, don't park on the road shoulders, as you'll get ticketed. Consider a weekday visit instead.
Go clockwise. The Sandy River Trail approach gives you the best buildup to the falls. The PCT return is slightly less scenic, so it works well as the "getting back to the car" leg.
Bring a camera and a tripod. The falls photograph beautifully with a slow shutter speed. Even a compact travel tripod will dramatically improve your shots. A polarizing filter helps cut glare from the wet rock.
Dogs are allowed but keep them leashed. The trail is heavily used, and leash rules are enforced. Be especially careful with dogs at the Sandy River crossing (the current can be strong enough to sweep a small dog).
Pack out everything. This is a wilderness area. No trash cans. Pack out all waste, including fruit peels and nut shells.
Combine with other hikes. If you're spending a full day in the area, the nearby McNeil Point Trail (strenuous, 9 miles round trip) offers above-treeline views of Mount Hood's north face and is one of the best high-elevation hikes on the mountain. The trailhead is on the same road. On the east side of Hood, Elk Meadows and Tamanawas Falls provide access to the mountain from a completely different direction for a two-day Hood itinerary. Mirror Lake near Government Camp offers Hood's most famous reflection shot and is about 20 minutes east on US-26 from the Ramona Falls turnoff.
Getting There
From Portland, take US-26 East to Zigzag. Turn left (north) onto Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18) at the east end of the village. Follow Lolo Pass Road for about 4 miles, then turn right onto Forest Road 1825 (signed for Ramona Falls). Follow FR 1825 for approximately 1.5 miles to the trailhead parking lot at the road's end.
The drive from Portland takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The last few miles on Forest Road 1825 are paved but narrow. Drive slowly and watch for oncoming traffic.
From Hood River, take OR-35 South to US-26 West, then follow the directions above. This route takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The nearest gas station is in Zigzag, about 6 miles from the trailhead. The nearest full services (restaurants, grocery, restrooms) are in Sandy, about 20 miles west on US-26. Government Camp, about 10 miles east on US-26, has a general store and a few restaurants.