Hiking The Gorgeous Tamanawas Falls Trail

The Tamanawas Falls Trail is one of the most popular trails in the Mount Hood Wilderness and it’s quite obvious as to why. The hike is easy enough for most, and the pay off is well worth it!

If you want to check out this marvelous waterfall, here’s everything you need to know.

Table of Contents

Tamanawas Falls Trail
What’s Near Tamanawas Falls?
More Oregon Waterfalls

Tamanawas Falls Trail

Distance: 3.8 miles
Type of Trail: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate

Tamanawas Falls Trailhead

From Portland, it will take around an hour and a half to reach the trailhead. It’s on the eastern side of Mount Hood and well worth the drive over.

Tamanawas Falls is a breathtaking Oregon waterfall. — Tamanawas Falls

Tamanawas Falls Oregon hiking trail — Tamanawas Falls

The Tamanawas Falls trailhead is located off of OR-35, click here. There is plenty of parking.

Hiking To Tamanawas Falls

Your hike starts off crossing over the East Fork of the Hood River via a log bridge.

You’ll follow the East Fork Trail #650 as it gradually climbs up through the thick woods and a rambling creek. You’ll follow the creek all the way until you reach the falls.

River in forest with bridge crossing over it on Tamanawas Falls trail — River on the Tamanawas Falls trail

The Tamanawas Falls hike is rated as a moderate hike but overall is quite straightforward. You’ll wander through the red-cedar and spruce-filled forest for over a mile until the scenery switches up a bit.

This is the only area where a bit more steady footing is required as the path is interrupted by a boulder field.

Look up and you’ll see spectacular volcanic rock cliff faces and boulders all around you. You’ll have to hobble over the rocks for a few minutes until the stable trail reemerges and with that, also the sounds of the falls in the distance.

Hiker looking up at Tamanawas Falls in Oregon — Hiking Tamanawas Falls

You’re almost there as you emerge from behind a big boulder and you get your first glimpse of Tamanawas Falls in the distance.

As you approach the falls, you can admire them from right there at the base of the creek as Tamanawas Fall dumps over the side of a 110-foot lava cliff, or you can wander closer.

You can get closer by following the rugged and slippery trail to the right of the falls. Eventually, you’ll make it behind Tamanawas Falls as it thunders over the cliff! It’s quite spectacular but do watch your footing as it’s a steep slide down and the path behind the falls isn’t that wide.

Snowshoeing the Tamanawas Falls Trail

Visiting in winter? You can still do this hike!

There is limited roadside parking in the winter so parking is less available, but this spot is also less visited in winter. The trail is essentially the same exact trail but with a sparkling winter vibe.

Do take care when you reach the falls and note that falling ice near the falls poses a hazard.

READ MORE: What to do at Mount Hood in Winter

Camping Near Tamanawas Falls

Sherwood Campground is a mere two minutes away from Tamanawas Falls and five minutes away is Nottingham Campground. Both are excellent choices for camping in the Mount Hood area.

Camping at Nottingham — Camp out at Mount Hood at Nottingham

These campgrounds are both simple and don’t provide water or electric hookups. They can accommodate RVs that don’t need hookups and those with tents. They are also both set along the river and have some nicely located camping spots that offer a quiet and rather private camping experience.

All sites have a fire pit and a picnic table as well. Make sure to come early to claim your spot as in the busy months all the campsites around Mount Hood get busy.

With that said, the southeastern campsites, like Trillium Lake, around Mount Hood will fill up first and these usually follow shortly after.

Tamanawas Falls with river in foreground — Tamanawas Falls

Tips for Visiting Tamanawas Falls

Bring a rain jacket, particularly if you’re walking behind the falls, as it’s very misty (or be prepared to get a bit wet!)
Photographers, bring lens cloths!
Make sure to bring your Northwest Pass or pay the $5 for parking.
There are restrooms (in summer) and picnic tables at the trailhead.
In summer this is a very popular trail.