Ramona Falls Oregon is a stunning waterfall at the western base of Mt. Hood.
This is one of the top waterfalls in Oregon and definitely worth a visit.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Ramona Falls, including what to expect and how to make the most of your visit.
Without delay, let’s cascade into one of the best waterfalls in Oregon: Ramona Falls.
Ramona Falls Oregon Overview
Ramona Falls is a 120 foot (37 meter) tall waterfall fed by rain and snowmelt on the west side of Mt. Hood in Oregon, within the Mount Hood Wilderness.
The hike to Ramona Falls is just over 7 miles round-trip (3.5 miles each way) and can be done as a partial loop (see the trail map below).
The best time to explore Ramona Falls from May through October (road closures can affect access to the trailhead in the winter months).
The falls themselves are refreshing and breathtaking and the hike is equally beautiful! Keep in mind, you do have to cross the Sandy River which does not have a bride (more on that below).
A recreation pass is required from May 1 through October 31st.
Our Thoughts on Ramona Falls
Overall, Ramona Falls is a worthwhile waterfall-hike near Mt. Hood, about 1.5 hours from Portland.
The hike is moderately challenging and has beautiful scenery that leads up to the rewarding falls themselves.
We like going early in the morning or at sunset to avoid the crowds. Also, we definitely recommend doing the loop to see the most variety of terrain when you visit.
While most people visit via the Ramona Falls Trailhead, we also recommend you consider doing the incredible Timberline Loop Trail, a 40 mile overnight backpacking trip that passes Ramona Falls.
Ramona Falls Map
Use the interactive map below to get your bearings. You can also expand it to view a new window.
Ramona Falls Hike
Most people start the hike to Ramona Falls from the Ramona Falls Trailhead (which is what we recommend for day hikers.
From the trailhead, the hike is just over 7 miles round-trip, with about 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
The incline is fairly gradual the entire way, which is nice on the knees. Also, the trail follows the Sandy River most of the way.
We recommend doing the partial loop (called a lollipop loop) to get the full experience. The north part of the loop is quite pretty and goes through a unique canyon.
Sandy River Crossing
There is a crossing over the Sandy River (once each way). This crossing used to have a bridge, but as a result of continuous washouts, the USFS has decided to stop reinstalling it.
Therefore, there is no bridge, which can be challenging and dangerous.
Usually, there are some rocks to hop across or a log spanning the river. However, you may need to get your feet wet. Sometimes, the flow is too high to cross altogether.
We recommend checking the recent trip reports from other people on the All Trails page. This is a popular hike and usually has some helpful information.
You can learn more about how to safely cross rivers in the USFS River Crossing Guide.
How to Plan Your Visit
We recommend visiting Ramona Falls between May and October, otherwise you risk poor weather conditions including snow.
Road Closures
Between the end of November and April, the forest road leading to the trailhead is likely to be closed, which can increase the length of your hike.
Check the USFS Roads Table for up to date information on road closures.
Scroll down to the Zig-Zag Ranger District table and look for the “1825 Muddy Fork Rd”.
The closure dates depend on the snow pack for any given year. In 2023-2024 it was closed from 12/1 to 4/1.
The road closure adds an extra 4 miles (2 miles to and from the trailhead) onto the actual 7 mile hike, totalling about 11 to 12 miles.
Always keep in mind winter road conditions. You can check Trip Check for updates.
Crowds
Ramona Falls is a popular hike. Summer weekends bring lots of people eager to see the falls.
While we can’t blame them, it is nice to have a more secluded experience.
The trailhead has a large parking lot that can hold about 50 cars. That said, this does fill up on crowded weekends.
We recommend arriving early in the morning or opting for a sunset hike to avoid the bulk of the crowds. Of course, weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
Permits
A valid recreation pass is required from May 1 through October 31st. This is either a $5 day use fee or an Annual Northwest Forest pass.
You can purchase passes online or at the ZigZag Ranger Station, which is also a great place to get any questions you have answered or learn more about the area.
Hiking to Ramona Falls in the Winter
While most people visit in the summer, Ramona Falls in the winter can be a beautiful and adventurous experience.
At the same time, it is much more challenging and can be dangerous if you are not careful.
We’ve hiked to Ramona Falls in the winter and it was stunningly pretty, but also a lot of hard work.
There is typically lots of snow, which usually warrants snow shoes, unless the trail is already packed down enough.
You should expect to hike about 11-12 miles total (more than in the summer due to road closures; see the section above) which when combined with snow can be brutal.
A GPS device is highly recommended. In addition, you should certainly hike with a buddy and bring a headlamp in case you are out after dark.
Ramona Falls FAQ
How long is the hike to Ramona Falls?
The hike to Ramona Falls is approximately 7.1 miles in total. The trail typically takes around 3-4 hours to complete. There is an option for a partial loop so you’ll experience different scenery along the way.
Do you need a parking pass for Ramona Falls?
Yes. A valid recreation pass is required from May 1 through October 31st. This is either a $5 day use fee or an Annual Northwest Forest pass.
How to see Ramona Falls?
1. Drive to the Ramona Falls trailhead.
2. Follow the Sandy River to the river crossing (note that the river crossing can be challenging).
3. Arrive at the loop junction. Choose either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction (we like going counterclockwise).
4. Enjoy the lush forest, river views, and glimpses of Mount Hood.
5. Finally, arrive at the falls, where you can view them from a small bridge.
What is the elevation of Ramona Falls?
Ramona Falls is at an elevation of approximately 3,560 feet (1,090 meters).
How much elevation gain is Ramona Falls hike?
The hike to Ramona Falls involves an elevation gain of about 1,000 feet, but the incline is fairly gradual.
Is Ramona Falls a hard hike?
Ramona Falls is considered a moderate hike. It’s suitable for most hikers, but be prepared for some rocky sections and the river crossing. Proper footwear and caution are essential, especially during wet seasons.
Things to do Near Ramona Falls
There are lots of fun things to do near Ramona Falls, including other hikes, camping, restaurants, lodging, and even rock climbing at French’s Dome.
Other Hikes Nearby
There are tons of hikes around Mt. Hood, including the epic McNeil Point Trail and Paradise Park Trail.
However, the crown jewel of hiking in Mt. Hood area is the 40 mile Timberline Loop Trail, which we highly recommend if you’re looking for a backpacking trail.
Nearby Campgrounds
Ramona Falls is near several campgrounds, including Lost Creek Campground and McNeil Campground. There are also some free dispersed camping in this area.
Restaurants and Lodging
There are lots of restaurants in Zig Zag, Rhododendron, and Government Camp. Some of our favorites are the Rendezvous Grill, Chicali Cantina, and All Forno Ferruzza Pizza.
Conclusion
Overall, Ramona Falls is a jewel of an Oregon waterfall and perhaps the best waterfall in the Mt. Hood area.
We definitely recommend you visit. The hike itself is super pretty as well, which can’t always be said about other waterfalls.
If you’re interested in learning more things to do nearby, check out our other articles about Mt. Hood and the Columbia River Gorge. Happy adventuring!
