Journalist By Nature: Ramona Falls: Aqueous Lace

Glamourous Ramona Falls

As pioneers made their way west, obstacles constantly challenged their progress toward the fabled Willamette Valley. In 1845 Sam Barlow was determined to find a shortcut around Mt. Hood for wagon trains. The Columbia River rafting option from The Dalles to Portland and subsequently Oregon City was expensive and fraught with danger. Sam believed he could find a safer overland route that would speed up the western flow of new settlers. In partnership with another businessman, Barlow searched for a way through the forest. He stumbled upon Ramona Falls in that process.

Today recreational hikers drive up Lolo Pass Road to the trailhead of Ramona Falls and climb 1100 feet over 3.6 miles to see this spectacular display of water falling over a wide staircase of basalt rocks. The hike is fairly easy as it follows part of the Sandy River, crosses it and meanders, roller coaster fashion, towards Ramona Falls. Squirrels scold us as we make our way into their quiet territory on a crispy dry trail under sapphire blue skies. The ruggedly scoured canyon holding the dashing river manifests layers of sand, rocks, boulders and downed trees along its banks which seem to grow deeper with each passing year of spring runoff. We hear the river before we see it, the gushing sound of water roiling over rocks drifts through the trees to our ears.

Rhododendron

Wild rhododendrons are just now blooming here, their fuschia pink blossoms randomly dotting the greens of the understory with bits of color. Darker purple Penstemmon bloom furiously in sandy patches along the river bank, defiantly holding their own despite feet of crushing winter snow and sandy desert-like conditions in the summer. Bunchberry, looking like tiny trilliums, poke fresh white faces towards us as we make our way along the trail. Ocean spray with its puffy white clusters of tiny blooms is just beginning to make a show. Vine maple familiar in its fiery red-leaved fall display is today a bright new green. These airy shrubs line the creek that parallels the upper trail, framing tiny waterfalls and eddies in the water.

The trail alternates between tree root-rutted sand and hemlock and fir needled softness. A strewing of small rocks gives the impression of a dry stream bed at times. A hearty breeze flows along the river canyon and occasionally touches hikers in the forest, especially when the trail squeezes between the creek and a mossy downhill slope. The sounds of water provide music in the forest, each little waterfall adding its unique tone to the aquatic symphony. Layers of greens carpet the forest floor in a tossed salad manner as mosses, then low shrubbery cover the sandy soil, fallen logs and scattered boulders. Newly toppled trees are slowly overtaken by moss as if a blanket was being pulled over them, tucking them in for the long, glacial pace of decomposition.

Andesite walls of rock

About a mile from the falls andesite walls of rock tower above the forest floor, water seeping and dripping down its brownish face, creating small bog areas and filling small channels that feed the creek and later the Sandy River. This type of rock is similar to basalt, a prevalent form of lava flow in the area. Arriving at Ramona Falls, the stunning display of cascading water over shelves of splayed basalt draws thousands of visitors and photographers every year. It has the appearance of billowing organza embroidered with rocks. The dashing water becomes a misty spray that issues into the air around the cove. The changing light of the passing hours on the water has a hypnotic affect on viewers. It's like a slow moving but extended dance that keeps changing and you don't want to miss a single minute of it.

Lunching on a log, we meet other hikers who make this trek regularly and never tire of the sweet, moist air and striking waterfall. Returning the way we came, we complete our 7.2 mile hike under the silent watchfulness of majestic Mt. Hood, peering through the trees like a guardian watching its children at play. Forest Service bridges enable us to retain dry feet and quickly cross the waterways at various points. As the day grows warmer a crush of hikers and wanderers fill the trail while we head for our car and depart from one of this National Forest's most beautiful and accessible spots. Pack water, a snack and your camera for a memorable trip soon!