Deep within the old-growth forests of Oregon’s Mount Hood National Forest you’ll find Ramona Falls, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most enchanting natural treasures. Hidden away on the lower western slopes of Mount Hood, Ramona Falls are delicately beautiful, like a magical tapestry made of glittering threads of dancing light. The waters of the fall spill down over 120 feet of hexagonal basalt columns, fanning out into dozens of wispy streams that resemble the white veil of a bride.
Understandably, Ramona Falls is one of the most visited waterfalls in all of Oregon! And while Mount Hood is best known as one of America’s top skiing destinations, the forests on its lower slopes are also a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Located in an ancient landscape that was once home to the Wasco and Multnomah Native American tribes, the area wasn’t explored by the settlers until the 1800s when pioneers navigated the historic Barlow Road – the final overland section of the infamous Oregon Trail.
Today, visitors to Mount Hood National Forest and Ramona Falls still hike along the same trails that the pioneers once did, and the Native tribes before them. Steeped in history, you can easily forget what century you’re in as you lose yourself in the timeless calm of the ancient forests; filled with bird song, black-tailed deer, elk, Pacific martens, grey wolves and even the occasional cougar.
The half-day hike to Ramona Falls takes you on a scenic loop through the forests, passing beneath the towering Douglas firs and western Red Cedars. The route follows the glacially fed Sandy River through the trees, crossing smaller moss-covered streams and tributaries as you wind your way up to the waterfall. Along the way you’ll get tantalizing glimpses of the giant snow-capped peaks of Mount Hood through gaps in the trees, making the hike as rewarding as the destination itself.
How To Get To Ramona Falls, Oregon, USA
For international visitors to Ramona Falls, it’s easiest to fly directly into Portland International Airport (PDX), the main international transport hub for Oregon. The airport services numerous flights from all over the world and provides a convenient gateway right into the heart of Portland city.
Flight times to Portland International Airport are about 10 hours from London, 19 to 22 hours from Dubai, around 20 hours from Singapore, and 17 to 20 hours from Sydney. Once you arrive in Portland International Airport, it’s only a short 10 mile drive into the city center – which should take about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Portland has an excellent range of accommodation, restaurants, boutique stores and art galleries, and makes an ideal base for your explorations of the Mount Hood National Forest and the surrounding attractions. You may want to rent a car for your time in Oregon because public transport outside the city is extremely limited, particularly in national parks and forested areas such as the Mount Hood National Forest.
From Portland, the drive to the Ramona Falls Trailhead should take about 1 hour and 20 minutes, although times may vary depending on traffic. It’s a good idea to set out early to avoid the morning rush hour traffic; and what’s more, you’ll also be on the mountain nice and early before most of the other hikers arrive!
The hike to Ramona Falls from the trailhead is about 7 miles, including around 1,000 feet of elevation, so you should definitely bring lots of water, a packed lunch, and high energy snacks to keep you hydrated and well fueled for the hike.
What’s the Best Time to Visit Ramona Falls, Oregon, USA?
Ramona Falls and the Mount Hood National Forest has a much cooler climate than the city of Portland, which is much warmer and Mediterranean in climate. This is mainly because of the elevation and local weather conditions, so temperatures are significantly cooler in the hills.
As a result, temperatures around Ramona Falls range between 18 to 27 Degrees Celsius in the summer, and fall to as low as -2 to 8 Degrees Celsius in the winter. Snowfalls are very common in the winter – in fact Mount Hood is one America’s top skiing destinations – which makes it unsuitable for hiking to Ramona Falls at this time of year.
Generally speaking, the best time to visit Ramona Falls is between June and October. The trail will be free from snow and ice and the conditions are the safest for hiking. Furthermore, the forests will be warm and full of life, adding to the joys of the hiking experience. You’ll also be able to stop for a picnic without worrying about the cold weather, and you won’t have to wrap up in winter clothes.
The busiest times on the trail are in July and August when the weather is most reliable, especially on the weekends. So if you’re visiting in these months you should aim to hike the trail on a weekday, when it’s much less busy with local hikers who tend to be at work. As a general rule, it’s best to get out on the trail in the early morning, when it’s at its quietest and the morning light filtering through the forests makes for some fantastic photo opportunities.
Things To Do at Ramona Falls and Portland, Oregon
Stay at the Jupiter NEXT Hotel in Central Eastside Portland, Oregon
The Jupiter NEXT is a stylish boutique hotel in Portland’s Central Eastside district that perfectly captures the city’s creative spirit. Located just across from the Burnside Bridge, next to the trendy Downtown area, the hotel is just a stone’s throw from a wide selection of independent cafes, live music and performance venues, art galleries, boutique stores and craft breweries, making it a good base for your visit.
The hotel’s contemporary architecture is welcoming and calm, with unique local artworks throughout. The hotel has excellent amenities including free WiFi throughout, on-site parking, bike rentals, and a bespoke restaurant and cocktail bar that is best known for its tropical-style cuisine and the tasty weekend brunch menu.
The hotel’s contemporary theme extends to the guest rooms, where you’ll also enjoy floor-to-ceiling windows with fantastic views across the city, premium or queen size beds with plush linens, air conditioning, a Smart flatscreen TV, mini fridge, and a large en suite bathroom with walk-in rainfall showers and complementary designer toiletries.
With a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a great choice for couples, solo travelers, and families with children. And while the hotel is close enough to the city’s most lively cultural neighbourhoods, you can also opt for a quiet, relaxing stay without feeling intruded on by the bustling city outside. There’s also helpful reception staff, who are always happy to help you arrange a day trip, plan your hiking adventure to Ramona Falls, or book any tickets you might need during your time in Portland.
You can find out more about the Jupiter NEXT hotel in Portland, and reserve your rooms at the hotel website, here.
Self-Guided Ramona Falls Loop Hike Day Trip from Portland
Beneath the mighty slopes of Mount Hood, the Ramona Falls Loop Hike is one of Portland’s favourite outdoor trails. This beautiful 7.1 mile circular trail leads you through the spectacular old-growth forests of cedars and Douglas firs, alongside fast flowing rivers, bursts of wildflowers in bloom and surprising view points where the mountain peaks are suddenly visible through the treeline. The highlight of the hike is the Ramona Falls, a 120 feet cascade of elegant lace-like streams that create a dancing mosaic of water and light in motion.
The entire hike generally takes about 4 hours, although there’s no need to rush! Many people opt to take a picnic with them so they can stop at a beauty spot and enjoy a shared lunch in the fresh alpine air. Some parts of the trail are pretty rough, so you’ll definitely need to wear a sturdy pair of boots, and you may want to bring a trekking pole with you for extra balance.
There’s no bridge at the Sandy River, so you’ll need to cross on the logs and stones – when having a trekking pole comes in very handy to maintain your balance. Even so, it’s worth being a little cautious at this point because there have been some injuries here when people lose their balance.
Overall this is a very manageable half-day hike and is suitable for all ages, including children. There’s an abundance of birds and wildlife to spot along the way, and the scenery itself, as well as Ramona Falls themselves, are absolutely unforgettable.
Before you set off for your self-guided hike to Ramona Falls, you can check out some more detailed instructions, map and illustrations of the route, here. All in all, the Ramona Falls Loop Hike is a wonderful way to spend a day; and if you need any additional advice feel free to ask at the front desk of your hotel where the staff will definitely be able to give you any information you may need.
Full-Day Guided Tour to the Oregon Coast with Lunch
Departing from Portland, this full-day guided tour lets you discover the amazing sites of Oregon’s Pacific Coast. Travelling in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle you’ll visit some of the Pacific Northwest’s most picturesque spots. As you travel around the coast, your knowledgeable local guide will point out
the interesting landmarks and offer unique insights that you won’t find in the tourist guide books.
One of the main highlights of the tour is Ecola State Park, where you’ll visit spectacular viewpoints that look out over the rugged cliffs and forested coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Next you’ll stop at the lovely seaside town of Cannon Beach, where you’ll have time to explore the independent local shops and enjoy a delicious lunch in the charming coastal atmosphere.
You’ll also visit the nearby Haystack Rock where you might see nesting seabirds during the breeding seasons, as well as stopping by Hug Point State Park or Oswald West State Park, depending on the weather and tides. The final stop of the tour is Neahkahnie Mountain with its panoramic views of the sweeping coastal vistas below.
After a leisurely day exploring the Oregon coastline, you’ll be driven back to Portland with plenty of time to freshen up before dinner in the evening. The tour includes a hotel pick up and drop off.
You can find out more about the Full-Day Guided Tour to the Oregon Coast, and book your places on the tour, here.
Half-Day Columbia River Gorge Waterfalls Tour
Setting out from Portland, this half-day guided tour takes you through the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge. Travelling with a small group, your guide will lead you to some of Oregon’s most iconic beauty spots and viewpoints while sharing stories and insights about the sites you visit.
The tour follows the historic Columbia River Highway, starting off at Crown Point where you’ll see the perfectly preserved Vista House and enjoy panoramic views across the thundering Columbia River. Next, you’ll continue on to visit the spectacular Latourell Falls where the water plunges more than 200 feet into an amphitheatre of basalt rock. After stretching your legs and admiring the scenery, you’ll head on to the Horsetail Falls, a 170 feet plume of water that looks, as its name suggests, just like a horse’s tail!
To end the tour, you’ll visit the monumental Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfalls in Oregon where the water cascades more than 600 feet down two tiers into the pools below. You’ll also stop by the Multnomah Falls Lodge, a 100 year old stone built US Forest Service Visitor Center and gift shop.
And after visiting some of Oregon’s most famous and beloved waterfalls, you’ll be driven back to Portland. The tour meets up and returns to Director Park, at the corner of SW 9th Avenue and SW Taylor Street.
You can find out more about this whirlwind tour of Oregon’s greatest waterfalls, and book your place on the tour, here.
All Aboard for Luxury Dinner Cruise on Willamette River, Portland
This 2.5 hour dinner cruise down the Willamette River in Portland is a magical way to enjoy delicious food while watching the waterfront scenery of the city drift past. Romantic, stylish, and relaxed, you’ll pass many of the city’s top landmarks, including the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Oaks Amusement Park, Elk Rock Island and the famous Portland Oregon Sign.
The tour begins just as the sun is setting so you’ll see the transition of the skyline from the evening into night, while seated at your table as waiters serve drinks and a 3 course meal as live piano is played in the background. And there’s some classic Pacific Northwest inspired seasonal food on the menu, including fresh bread and salads, a choice of entrees and a tasty house desert. Between the courses you’ll also be able to head up onto the open-air decks of the ship to take photos, get some fresh air, or simply unwind and take in the amazing city skyline.
A wonderful evening cruise for couples looking for a romantic experience, families with children, solo travelers, and small groups of friends, you can also enjoy an onboard commentary – which is also available direct to your mobile phone – so you’ll know what you’re seeing as you pass by.
You can find out more about the Dinner Cruise on Willamette River, and book your table for the exclusive experience, here.
