23. Tamanawas Falls

2024 Status

Based on recent aerial photography, the old forest along this hike appears to be in good shape. I plan to field-check and update the hike description, photos and map later in 2024.

Summary

Length                                1 ½ miles one way or 4 ¾ mile loop

Difficulty                             Easy

Season                               Late spring to autumn

Elevation range                2,920 – 3,560 feet

Human imprint                  Moderate (hikers, Highway 35 nearby)

Information                       Mount Hood National Forest (Hood River Ranger District)

Primary old growth features

Easily accessible, dry mixed-conifer old growth.

Description

Thundering Tamanawas Falls punctuates this easy hike through eastside, mixed-conifer old growth. Large Douglas-fir, grand fir, Engelmann spruce and pines mix with other coniferous cousins. Hikers can link two trails for a 3-mile out-and-back hike, or link four trails for a 4 ¾ mile loop.

From the Tamanawas Falls trailhead, cross the bridge over the East Fork Hood River, and turn right on the East Fork Trail (650). In about a half-mile, turn left on the Tamanawas Falls Trail (650A) heading toward the falls. The next mile parallels a charming, cascading creek while climbing through patchy, diverse forest. Continue past the Tamanawas Tie Trail (650B) towards the canyon throat where Tamanawas Falls emanates. The 100’ tall falls is impressive in any season, and well worth a picnic break.

Return the way you came, taking a left at the Tamanawas Tie Trail junction if you’re interested in the loop. To complete the loop, head northeast up the slope through scattered, old Douglas-fir and orange-barked ponderosa pine until topping out at the junction with the Elk Meadows Trail (645). Take a right and continue northeast across the flat and then downslope for a mile and a quarter to a trail junction near the highway Take a right and head south on the East Fork Trail for a mile and a half back to the trailhead.

30 Years of Change

No significant change. I plan to field check in 2024.

How to get there

Turn west into the Tamanawas Falls Trailhead off of Highway 35, approximately 23 ½ miles south of Hood River, just north of Sherwood CG. The trailhead is also 14-3/4 miles north of the Highway 26/Highway 35 junction.

Map note

The map below was created in 1993 and accurate at that time. I plan to field check and update the map in 2024.