Endless wall of cascading water. Vivid greenery and lush temperate rainforest. The Ramona Falls hike is a gem that is close to Portland and a summertime favorite day hike. Start your hike early to avoid crowds or hike on a rainy day in the shoulder season for more solitude.
Key Information
Location: Near Mount Hood, Oregon – 1.5 hour drive southeast of Portland, Oregon
Trip Date: October 2016
Season: Late spring to late fall
Difficulty: Moderate with 1,035 ft elevation gain
Trip Report
Below is a picture of the Sandy River crossing.
There is no bridge and you have to carefully cross the log that moves every season. The river crossing should be done with caution and not in heavy rain or during stormy conditions!
After the river crossing, most of the hike is in dense temperate rainforest, typical of the PNW. The switchbacks are steady but moderate, this is a well-graded and traveled trail.
This remains one of my favorite waterfalls because of the many side cascades tumbling down the hillside and ease of composition. The lush greenery and many fallen trees are beautiful as well!
Once you get to Ramona Falls, there is a beautiful rustic wooden footbridge at the base of the waterfall. The bridge is a great photographic subject by itself and makes for a beautiful photo spot at the end of this forested hike.
I tried to count the number of cascades in the waterfall, and definitely lost track. It was also so peaceful to listen to the power of nature.
There are many fallen trees near the base of the falls and in the river basin that are well over 75 feet tall and provide home for new plant life.
Photography Tips
Next time you’re photographing waterfalls, try simplifying an often busy composition with abstract (close-up) shots. I zoom in with a 70-200mm lens and focus on the intricate rocks and countless small cascades. Your subject may be more compelling and different than the typical wide angle shot, which includes the entire waterfall from near its base.
I recommend bringing a microfiber cloth to clean any mist that gets on your camera lens.
This is especially useful for sunny “bluebird” days of the PNW summer. Shadows and light don’t mix well with waterfalls, in my opinion. Abstract shots allow you to focus on parts of the waterfall in the shadows and avoid overblown highlights.
Try to provide the viewer with a sense of scale for the massive force and size of the waterfall.
If you’re with a hiking buddy, have them carefully stand in front, at least 30 or 40 feet if you have the space.
If you are by yourself, then use a tripod with a remote timer on you to allow for more than a 10 second camera delay. This will give you enough time to safely work over to a safe spot and pose in front of the camera. The person in the image provides a human element and sense of scale.
This is one of those hikes that I never wanted to leave, so magical and beautiful!
I am definitely looking forward to adventuring again in Oregon, especially amongst the magical rainforests of Mount Hood.
