Over the river and through the woods, to Ramona Falls we go. The magic of Mt. Hood National Forest was on full display for this hike; we followed the footsteps of a fabled path to a mystical grove where croaking ravens eyed our lunch and a prince successfully wooed a princess (congrats to the happy couple on your engagement).LOVING this intro for obvious reasons!

In all seriousness, this adventure is one for the storybooks.

Quick facts

Starting point: Ramona Falls Trailhead
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 7 miles
Route type: Lollipop loop
Elevation gain: 1,000 ft
Trail surface: Dirt
Wheelchair accessible: No
Open: Gate is closed Dec. 1-April 1
Dog friendly: Yes, on leash

Although the large log was stable, use extreme caution when crossing — the terrain can shift. | Photos by Ben McBee, PDXtoday

Brief overview

Your blood gets pumping early in this adventure along the Sandy River, which tumbles from its glacial origins on the slopes of Mount Hood. As you gradually gain elevation, the depth and width of the canyon grow, eventually opening up for you to cross either by safely fording the rushing water or shimmying on a log. Your ultimate reward is Ramona Falls, a beautiful horsetail deluge that spreads out over a 120-ft drop, cascading in rivulets over the moss-laden columnar basalt cliff.this description is so good!

Why you should try it

Biomes change in the blink of an eye here. One minute you'll be strolling through red alder sprouting from the flat riverbank, the next you'll be in the shade of Douglas firs, where pops of pink rhododendrons greet your every turn. Our suggested loop direction is counterclockwise; you'll climb with the canyon on your right (on the Pacific Crest Trail, no less) and descend the Ramona Creek ravine.

Be sure to fill out the free self-issue permit before entering the Mt. Hood and Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. | Photo by Ben McBee, PDXtoday

Pro tips

Drive a vehicle with decent clearance — the forest road is short but rutted with pits and potholes. The parking lot is massive, but filled up by the time we finished, so an early start is ideal. You'll also need a National Forest Day Pass ($5) or an America the Beautiful Pass displayed on your dash.

Let us know

Did you try this hike? Do you know of one we should check out? Send us your thoughts and recommendations — or check out our other monthly hiking guides.