Ramona Falls Trailhead — Attraction in Sandy

Oh my Ramona!

I can see why this is one of the most popular goals in the Mount Hood area. It’s an incredibly beautiful hike.

Description: Hike starts out with a pleasant walk through the forest along the Sandy River. After 1.2 miles, you cross the river using whatever logs are available or do like I did and bring a pair of water shoes to wade across. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS DURING HIGH FLOWS! Prior to 2014, the Forest Service installed a bridge every summer but, a hiker got washed away when using it and it was decided to not have a bridge installed anymore. After crossing the river, a loop begins. I recommend going straight above the floodplain following it for about 2 miles to where you reach Ramona Falls’s amphitheater with plenty of space for people to spread out and enjoy the beautiful 100 foot falls. The second half of the loop is absolutely gorgeous and delightful. You follow Ramona Creek as it happily flows through a moss carpeted forest. After 1.5 miles from the falls, turn left onto the PCT and go half a mile back to the beginning of the loop. Then, return on the same trail as you started!

Total hike is 7.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,000 feet.

Other info: Large dogs and older kids would be able to cross the river. Hike not recommended for small dogs and younger kids. Last half mile to the trailhead has large potholes in the pavement....

Good exhausting hike with mild elevation gain. If you're relatively active and like hiking this is a good one for the weekend if you want to be home for dinner and have plans in the evening. About 8 miles.

The road there has severe potholes in the last mile or two. I avoided them with my compact sedan. The loop is nice. But the best advice is to start the loop to the left and double back the same way. It is more scenic and pretty. Going to the right is not bad. But has a lot more sun and narrow pathways with no real view. Took a group of seven and two short legged dogs about 4.5hours with ample breaks.

Bring snacks and water. Needed a $5 national forest recreational day pass. Can buy online or at Hoodland Thriftway supermarket on the way...

Ramona Falls was amazing. The hike starts very easy. Then you go to the Sandy River and you have to cross a log to the other side but take your time it’s not hard. I wouldn’t recommend taking animals across it. When you come up from the river, it gets a little confusing. Follow the connector trail marked by rocks. And that takes you to the PCT trail. People have put rocks and logs to block off trails that might take you the wrong way. Getting to the falls from there is fairly easy. You just need to walk about 2 1/2 miles up. It’s gradual so it’s not too hard. The falls is beautiful. It’s worth it. One more thing, it’s about 15 minutes off Highway 26 in Zigzag. The road gets a little rough with potholes. Take a vehicle with plenty of...