Highlights
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 550 feet
Season: Late spring through fall, access depending on snow
Notes: A parking pass or permit is required at this trailhead. The trailhead can be very busy on summer weekends.
About this Hike
While the 100-foot waterfall is a highlight of this well-loved trail, the diverse ancient forest, ideal steelhead habitat, and crystal clear water is all worth noting. Threatened by the Polallie Cooper logging project for years, Oregon Wild’s efforts to stop planned logging around the falls led to a recent victory, but this special area was left out of the 2009 Mount Hood Wilderness bill and could be threatened again. A tributary to the Wild & Scenic East Fork Hood River, Cold Spring Creek (which feeds the waterfall) is also proposed for additional protections under the River Democracy Act.
From the parking lot cross the East Fork of the Hood River at the bridge and turn right (north) on the East Fork Trail and a sign for Tamanawas Falls. The trail continues along the west bank of the river for half a mile to a junction. Stay left to follow the Tamanawas Falls Trail to a bridge across Cold Spring Creek. The trail goes left here and follows the crystal clear creek as it tumbles over boulders and logs, gradually gaining elevation and passing western redcedars, big Douglas-firs, and a few Ponderosa and western white pine trees.
At a junction with the Elk Meadows Trail that points uphill, stay left to keep following the Tamanawas Falls trail as it climbs through a talus slope (a naturally occurring slope made of a jumble of loose rocks from a rocky cliff/rockface). Parts of this section can be steep and slippery where fresh rock fall has damaged the trail, but persevere to reach the falls a quarter mile past the rocks. Lush willows and alders, moss and wildflowers thrive in the perpetual mist of the falls.
Getting There
From downtown Sandy, drive approximately 40 miles through Government Camp and exit right onto Highway 35 for Hood River. Continue for 15.4 miles, pass the Sherwood Campground, and then turn left into the parking area at the Tamanawas Falls Trailhead.
Or, from Hood River, travel south on Hwy. 35 for 30 miles to reach the trailhead on the right side of the highway.
Take Action
Oregon Wild has worked to defend the forests here from logging for years, and have sought protection as Wilderness (unsuccessfully so far). (Learn more about these efforts here.) The River Democracy Act proposal would protect the Cold Spring Creek as a Wild & Scenic River. Take action to support this bill here.
