Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

With a beautiful waterfall, mountain views, and a quiet, moss-covered forest, the hike to Ramona Falls on Mount Hood can be counted among Oregon's very best outdoor excursions.



The only problem – and it's a pretty big problem – is that it's not always safe to hike the trail.



To continue along the forested trails to Ramona Falls, hikers must cross the Sandy River, a glacier river known to rage in winter and spring. With a stunning view of Mount Hood to the east, the river crossing is a beautiful and potentially dangerous place.



In 2014, a flash flood destroyed the seasonal footbridge across the river, killing a hiker who was crossing it. Because of the river's volatile nature, the U.S. Forest Service opted not to replace the bridge, leaving hikers to find their own way across.



The safest way to do that is simply to hike in late summer or early fall when the river is at its lowest. Hikers typically cross fallen logs to get across the river, which can range from simple to tricky based on the water level and slickness of the logs.



But if you arrive when the river is high, just turn around and head back to the trailhead rather than risk a dangerous crossing.



Once across the river, it's an easy hike to Ramona Falls. The elevation gain is gradual, all trail junctions are well-marked and the scenery is beautiful. Another view of Mount Hood greets hikers on the other side of the Sandy, followed by a forest full of firs and rhododendrons.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The Sandy River crossing on the trail to Ramona Falls, pictured here in late September.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A quiet, mossy forest surrounds the trail to Ramona Falls on Mount Hood.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A hiker stops to take a photo of Ramona Falls on Mount Hood.

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After about 3.5 miles, hikers reach Ramona Falls, where Ramona Creek cascades about 120 feet down a stair-stepping wall of black basalt, fanning out the water into hundreds of smaller plunges. It may be less spectacular than some of the waterfalls in the nearby Columbia River Gorge, but it's still a beautiful spot in the middle of the Cascade Mountain wilderness.



The hike to Ramona Falls also provides access to several other trails in the area, including the famed Pacific Crest Trail and the Timberline Trail, which circumnavigates Mount Hood. Hikers can also access the Sandy River Trail, which branches off near the start of the hike.



And because it's in the thick of a popular wilderness area, there are dozens of established backcountry campsites along the trail, meaning Ramona Falls could easily be done as an overnight backpacking trip.



Of course, all of this adds up to another big problem for the Ramona Falls Trail: crowds. On summer days and weekends, the trail can become packed with people, aided by a sizable trailhead parking lot.



To beat the crowds and cross the Sandy River when it's low, the best time to go is late summer and early fall, between Labor Day and the first snow or heavy rain on Mount Hood. That's when the quiet beauty of the Ramona Falls hike can actually be enjoyed quietly – and relatively safely.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Crossing a log across the Sandy River on the trail to Ramona Falls, pictured here in late September.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Clouds obscure the peak of Mount Hood framed by early fall foliage, seen from the trail to Ramona Falls.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Ramona Falls is illuminated on a sunny afternoon in late September on Mount Hood.

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RAMONA FALLS HIKE

Distance: 7.5 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,035 feet

Amenities: Parking lot, portable toilets at trailhead



To reach the trailhead from the Portland area, take U.S. 26 east through Sandy to East Lolo Pass Road, just across the highway from the Zigzag Ranger Station. Turn left on the road and follow it for about four miles, then turn right onto Muddy Fork Road. Follow signs for the Ramona Falls Trailhead and be careful driving the last stretch of road, which is severely potholed.



Once on the trail, stay straight and follow signs to Ramona Falls – all junctions are well marked. Before long you'll reach a check-in station where you'll need to fill out a free wilderness permit. Continue on through the forest, with the Sandy River on your left.



About a mile into the hike, the trail will wind down the riverbank to the Sandy River crossing. If the river is high or running fast DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CROSS. If you decide the water is low enough for you to safely proceed, look for a log that crosses the water, walking up or downriver if necessary. If you have to forge it, do so carefully and follow tips that are printed onto signs on the trail.



Once across, follow signs and stay to the right to follow the path to Ramona Falls. The trail will wind through more quiet forest, with a glimpse of Mount Hood through the trees. Eventually it empties out at the waterfall, where you can walk to the base and get pictures, then sit in a clearing and rest.



When you're ready to go back, follow the sign pointing to the Ramona Falls Return Trail, crossing the wooden footbridge over Ramona Creek. This path completes a small loop through a particularly charming forest alongside the creek, with more backcountry campsites and a view of towering cliffs just across the creek.



The trail reaches a junction just after a wooden corral, and if you stay left you'll reach the trail you hiked in on. Go right on the trail to head back to the parking lot, crossing the Sandy River once more and retracing your footsteps.



As always, carry the essentials for a day hike, including enough water and food to sustain you for the day. Stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared to stay overnight should anything go wrong.



SEE MORE PHOTOS BELOW

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A sign at the Ramona Falls Trailhead shows the distance to the Mount Hood waterfall.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A quiet, mossy forest surrounds the trail to Ramona Falls on Mount Hood.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

The Sandy River flows off the slopes of Mount Hood, seen from the Ramona Falls Trail.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Pictured here in late September, a log is used to cross the Sandy River, though water rushes only inches below.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A quiet, mossy forest surrounds the trail to Ramona Falls on Mount Hood.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A pink coral mushroom grows alongside the trail to Ramona Falls on Mount Hood.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Raindrops linger on rhododendron leaves beside the trail to Ramona Falls on Mount Hood.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Ramona Falls is illuminated on a sunny afternoon in late September on Mount Hood.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Ramona Falls is illuminated on a sunny afternoon in late September on Mount Hood.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

A sign points hikers to a return trail at Ramona Falls, which makes a short loop back to the Sandy River crossing.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Cliffs tower above Ramona Creek, on the return trail from Ramona Falls on Mount Hood.

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Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

Mist hangs in the trees along the trail to Ramona Falls on Mount Hood, on a warm morning in late September.

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--Jamie Hale | jhale@oregonian.com | @HaleJamesB