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Ramona Falls Trail

Ramona Falls Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Ramona Falls Trail

Hiking

5.0

(4)

This Highlight goes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Mount Hood Wilderness

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Location: Clackamas County, Oregon, United States

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Tips

Caro "Bandit"

November 29, 2021

Hiking

The Ramona Falls Trail really comes into its own in the fall, when the foliage slowly turns from rich green to bright yellows and oranges. With the little creek by your side, you'll walk through a real fairytale forest. The trail is also a popular alternate for Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) hikers and was once the original route of the PCT.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Ramona Falls Trail

4.8

(20)

219

hikers

#1.

Ramona Falls Loop Trail

11.6km

03:22

310m

The Ramona Falls Loop Trail offers a diverse and scenic hiking experience through the Mount Hood National Forest, leading to a truly captivating 120-foot waterfall. You'll traverse dense forests of Douglas fir and western hemlock, winding through the rugged Sandy River Canyon, an area of geological interest formed by volcanic mudflows. The trail, a moderate 7.2-mile (11.6 km) loop with 1020 feet (311 metres) of elevation gain, takes about 3 hours and 21 minutes to complete, and includes a segment of the iconic Pacific Crest Trail.

Be prepared for the unbridged Sandy River Crossing, which is the primary challenge and reason for the trail's moderate difficulty rating. This crossing can be dangerous during high water, particularly in spring and early summer due to snowmelt, so it's best to plan your visit for mid-summer to early fall. A self-issued wilderness permit is required for all groups, and the river crossing can be difficult for dogs and young children.

The Sandy River Canyon itself is a fascinating feature, constantly reshaped by the powerful flows of the designated Wild and Scenic Sandy River. Along the route, you might spot various wildflowers like bear grass and rhododendron, and remnants of a 2020 windstorm are visible in parts of the forest. The trail's namesake, Ramona Falls, cascades over distinctive stepped basalt columns, creating a unique "white lace" appearance that makes the journey well worth the effort.

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Moderate

hikers

#2.