Ramona Falls

 Thirteen hikers gathered early to make the hike to picturesque Ramona Falls, a seven and a half mile in-and-out trek along the Sandy River near Zig Zag. The drive to the trailhead is thirty minutes east of Sandy, Oregon.

The sun-dappled trail curves in and out of a pine, hemlock and Douglas fir forest, following the river of milky water that roars and tumbles from the icy white glaciers of Mt. Hood. The mountain stands like a silent sentinel watching hikers who enter to explore the adventures of the area. As the cool air warms during the morning, it carries the scent of pine.

Sandy River

Mt. Hood

Knickknick, a bushy native ground cover, and mosses carpet the sandy soil of this area. The trail is soft under foot, heavily sandy in spots, reminiscent of a beach, rocky in other areas and always gently climbing to achieve a 1000 foot elevation gain at the falls.

Basalt wall

Half way to our destination a towering basalt wall joins the forest tree trunks, blending visually in the vertical space above our heads. As the sunlight plays on the angular surfaces of the rock, it begins to stand apart from the trees and we see a small water trail trickle down the face of it. An artist in our group stops to snap a few reference shots for a later painting she may do. Others capture shots of the wonderful babbling brook lacing through the tree roots, over rocks and around fallen logs on its way to the big river. The sounds of falling water echo through the trees as we near Ramona Falls.

The visual impact of water splashing stair step fashion down a wall of basalt is a show stopper. Photographers lug tripods and fancy camera equipment to this spot to watch the water play over the rock structure and capture the ever-changing light as the day develops. Full shots, close-ups, angles all provide excellent pictures to share with those who have not yet make the trek to the falls.

Ramona Falls

The cool, swirling mist that forms from the pounding waterfall provides a pleasant atmosphere for a refreshing lunch stop and a chance to rehydrate while resting and taking in the views. Small tufts of grasses and other flora cling tenaciously to spots on the basalt where the water merely sprinkles instead of crashes. There are camping spots above on the  hill and alternate trails leading out of this area. Be sure to have well-marked maps before venturing away from the main trail.

Tenuous grasses cling to the rocks

Our return trip is speedier as the hikers want to beat the heat of rising temps and the afternoon hiking set that is populating the trail.  The views going back down provide a look at the soil layers seen when high winter waters of the Sandy River carve deep into the banks. Boulders, stones and sand mix to create what appears to be an unsteady shoreline. The trail meanders further away from the edge as hikers realize the potential dangers of a crumbling edge.

Gradation of soil along the bank

Giant split rock or dinosaur egg?

Questions are always in mind as we wonder at the volume of water cascading down this part of the mountain; how did the largest of the boulders end up so far from the river; how did this huge boulder crack like an egg? Answers elude us but the marvel of nature remains.


Consider taking this wonderful hike before the snow closes the trail this winter. And don't forget your camera!

Milky Sandy River