As I compiled my list of Oregon’s waterfalls, many stuck out as adventures to look forward to – beautiful waterfalls destined to be memorable. Only a handful, however, stuck out as truly unique. Tamanawas Falls is one of those.
Why?
Because it’s a hike through the snow!
We took advantage of a sunny Saturday in early March of 2023 and drove up to Mt. Hood prepared with snowshoes, poles, and ice grips. It turns out that this trail is so popular that snowshoes weren’t necessary, and the ice grips on our shoes were perfect to keep us steady on the packed snow.
It had snowed earlier that week, and the sunshine gleaming on the fresh powder was absolutely stunning.
The path crosses the East Fork Hood River close to the trailhead, and the icy steps on that bridge were the most treacherous part of the hike. (Well, until we reached the icicles, but risking the icicles is optional. The bridge that crosses a rushing, snowy river – not so optional.)
Later, the trail crosses Cold Spring Creek and then follows the creek for much of the way to the waterfall. The snow-covered logs and boulders in the creek were enchanting.
And of course, at the end of this marvelous trail we found a spectacular waterfall.
I was amazed – and a bit perturbed – by how far we were when we first felt the spray from the cascade. I was not keen on getting soaked while on a snowy mountain! It was fascinating, however, to find that the volume of spray varied greatly along the remainder of the trail. One person had made a “chair” out of the snow and was just sitting, watching the waterfall, which I found strange until we passed and realized that particular spot had no wind or spray at all!
It is possible to walk behind Tamanawas Falls, which is always a positive feature for a waterfall! However, the cavern ceiling was covered with some of the largest icicles I’d ever seen! A fellow hiker was examining the cavern from the end of the trail, and when I asked if he was continuing on, he pointed to an icicle directly over the path and said that it made him nervous. As he was speaking, an adjacent icicle plunged to the ground, and we all decided that he was wise to not walk under any frozen spikes of doom.
If you’ve read many of my posts, then you know that my husband is a daredevil and doesn’t give up easily. So he found a safer path. (Still not as safe as I would have liked!) We made our way over some icy rocks to the right of the path and then crouched down at the edge of the cavern to make our way behind the waterfall, avoiding all risk of getting speared from above.
The view from behind the waterfall was magnificent. We sat there and ate our lunches, taking in the beauty and resting in the glorious moment. Before too long, however, we started getting cold from the lack of motion and decided it was time to walk back.
If hiking through the snow does not appeal to you, visit during the summer or fall. You’ll be able to walk behind the cascade without risking death by ice and still enjoy a marvelous adventure, I’m sure.
SUMMARY:
My rating: Highly Recommended (3 stars) (Waterfall – 3 stars, Trail – 3 stars, Experience – 4 stars)
Distance from Beaverton: 1.75 hours east
Nearest town: Parkdale
Nearest city: Portland
County: Hood River County
Length of round-trip hike: The links below range from 3.4 to 5 miles! I tracked our hike at 4.4, but that included a few extra steps at the waterfall and again at the trailhead. (Kudos to anyone who remembers to stop tracking your hike exactly at the end of the trail!) I’m going to say 4 miles.
Best season to visit: I recommend late winter, but the trail is open year-round. Check conditions before visiting in case wintry weather has temporarily closed the trail or any roads.
Things to know:
- A day pass is required and is not sold onsite.
- The trail, at least in the winter, is narrow much of the way. We had to step off the path multiple times to let others pass, and our feet (and our calves and our knees) almost always sank into the snow.
- Because of the narrow path and the popularity of the trail, I do not recommend taking dogs on this hike in the snow, unless your dog is both a lover of snow and a lover of people.
Consider combining this trip with: Dead Point Creek and Punchbowl Falls or Wah Gwin Gwin Falls
Toilet / Amenities: Toilet, picnic tables at trailhead
How to get there:
- From I-84, take exit 64 and turn south on Hwy 35.
- The parking area will be on your right in 24 miles.
Helpful links:
oregonwaterfalls 