Tamanawas Falls in Mt Hood, Oregon, is one of the best waterfall trails in Oregon. It takes visitors to an incredible basalt cliff featuring the gorgeous 110-ft tall Tamanawas Falls.
The trail starts around .25 miles from the Sherwood Campground, a scenic overnight spot for visitors to this area of the Pacific Northwest.
Did you know? You can even go snowshoeing at Tamanawas Falls in the winter!
Tamanawas Falls Trailhead
The Tamanawas Falls East Fork trailhead is located at 45.431991459271444, -121.57523477758993. Please copy and paste them into the GPS app of your choice to find the Tamanawas Falls trailhead in Mt Hood, Oregon.
You can also follow the map below:
Directions to Tamanawas Falls Trailhead
Did you know? Tamanawas Falls is pronounced: Ta-MAH-naas Falls
Tamanawas Falls Trail Photo Gallery
Tamanawas Falls East Fork Trail
The Tamanawas Falls East Fork Trail is the perfect out-and-back hike for anyone hoping to enjoy this beautiful waterfall in an idyllic setting in both winter and summer.
Elevation Gain | Miles | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
580 ft | 3.4 | 1.5 hours | 3/10 |
The hike takes visitors 1.7 miles out from the parking lot and 1.7 miles back. You'll cross a well-maintained bridge, hopefully see beautiful wildflowers, and navigate a few sections where snow and wet rocks are possible. This is far more likely in the winter when the trail is popular for snowshoeing.
There are only a few spots along this trail where you might need to watch your balance or keep an extra eye on young hikers. But, all in all, this is the perfect family day trip. The turnaround at the waterfall is an ideal spot to take a break, have a snack, and enjoy the view!
What to Expect at Tamanawas Falls
Permit for Tamamawas Falls: Northwest Forest Pass or $5-day pass is required
Bathrooms: One at the East Fork trailhead
Trail Conditions: Well-maintained with a few muddy spots. Elevation gain is suitable for all hikers. There may be some snow in the winter.
Parking: Directly off the highway, usually enough spots for all cars
Trail Type: Out-and-back
Tamanawas Falls Snowshoe: In the winter, be prepared for ice on the trail, especially on rocks near the falls, falling ice near Tamanawas Falls, and freezing cold water temperatures.
Tamanawas Falls Trailhead Weather
You can visit Tamanwas Falls in the winter, spring, summer, and fall!
Summer Temperatures: Highs can reach the 80s and lows in the 50s.
Winter Temperatures: Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s.
The hike is accessible with snowshoes or a great deal of determination in the winter (hikers should be aware that the hike is more dangerous with snow on the ground. Ice is always possible).
We recommend saving this beautiful 3.4-mile hike for spring, fall or summer when the snow is gone, and you can focus on the waterfall and the classic Pacific Northwest trail.
Tamanawas Falls Snowshoeing
While most people choose to visit Tamanawas Falls in the summer or fall, it's also very popular in the winter for snowshoeing.
The Tamanawas Falls snowshoe trail starts at the same trailhead and follows the same path. The trail is still around 3.5 miles long and gains about 500 feet in elevation.
Be careful as you near the falls though, as the low temps make Tamanawas Falls extremely cold.
If you're looking for something different, we highly recommend you check out the 9 Best Beaches to Visit in Bellingham, Washington.
FAQs
How far is Dalles, Oregon, from the Tamanawas Falls trailhead?
Dalles, Oregon, is 1 hr and 10 mins from the Tamanawas Falls trailhead.
How far is Hood River from the Tamanawas Falls trailhead?
Hood River is 51 mins from the Tamanawas Falls trailhead.
How far is Bend, Oregon, from the Tamanawas Falls trailhead?
Bend, Oregon, is 2 hrs and 24 mins from the Tamanawas Falls trailhead.
Is the Tamanawas Falls trail easy?
The Tamanawas Falls Trail is considered an easy-to-moderate hike. It gains around 550 ft of elevation in 1.7 miles. For some hikers, this may prove difficult, but for others, it will not be an obstacle.
How long of a hike is Tamanawas Falls?
Tamanawas Falls is a 3.4-mile hike. Hikers travel out 1.7 miles and then turn around, returning the same 1.7 miles.
Do you need a pass for Tamanawas Falls?
Yes, you need a Northwest Forest Pass to park at the Tamanawas Falls trailhead. Or, you can buy a $ 5-day pass. The yearly passes cost $30 and can be found online or in many in-person retailers.
Other Waterfall Hikes in Oregon
Multnomah Falls - is famous as the tallest waterfall in Oregon and the crown jewel of the Columbia River Gorge. This hike takes visitors up and behind the falls to enjoy the beautiful PNW rainforest. Check out the best camping near Multnomah Falls if you want to explore the area for a few days.
Latourell Falls Loop Trail - located along the Columbia River Gorge in the Guy W. Talbot State Park. It is a popular waterfall trail 40 minutes from downtown Portland.
Silver Falls State Park - is a well-loved state park with over 24 miles of hiking trails and 17 different waterfalls. Explore the top sights in Silver Falls State Park.
Gorton Creek Falls - a smaller waterfall that requires some hiking to see.
Lemolo Falls - is one of the tallest waterfalls along the Columbia River Gorge.