This passed weekend we had the wonderful opportunity to hike the girls up Ramona Falls with friends Keith and Erin on Saturday, then head over to the other side of Mt. Hood to hike Tamanawaus Falls where we set camp. Sunday morning we struck camp and headed north to the Columbia River Gorge to share the Triple falls loop with the kids. This loop includes Horsetail, Ponytail, Oneonta, and Triple Falls.
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| Mt Hood from Sandy Crossing |
Depending on how you hike the loop, this hike is about eight miles. The first part is the dusty volcanic ash/sand, but get into the forest and the trail greens up a bit amongst some beautiful creeks and exposed rock faces.
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| Exposed Face about 3 miles in on trail #797 |
I rolled my ankle on this trip while talking to Keith instead of watching where I was placing my feet. So much for all that barefoot training I have been blogging about! Turns out you can still roll an ankle despite all this new barefoot religion!! Fortunately I was able to pop a motrin, don an ankle brace, and walk it off.
Ramona Falls is a very pretty waterfall that scatters down a rock face creating a babbling wall of white over a black rock backdrop. At the bottom of the waterfall is the usual hiker's wood bridge. Eye and ear shot away is plenty of area for several families and groups to have picnics in the cool gully of Ramona Falls. As you enter this area, you will want to put on an extra layer of clothing. As you leave, you will want to take it right back off.
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| Ramona Falls Picnic |
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| Our Family @ Ramona Falls |
Hiking out lends more beautiful views of the mountain and the past flow basins of lahars from previous volcanic activity.
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| Mt. Hood Hiker Chicks |
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| Watch for Horses on the Trail |
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| Gena and Erin |
We parted ways with Keith and Erin so they could enjoy the rest of their Anniversary without my inquisitive children and smelly dog.
Gena, the girls, Jane, and I headed East to Tamanawaus Falls. Parking just north of Sherwood campground, the hike is about two miles in and well shaded for most of it. The entire walk is beautiful, keeping even the children entertained.
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| Girls at Cold Springs Creek |
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| Columbines in Bloom |
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| Tamanawaus Falls |
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If you are really hot, you can get closer to the falls and cool off easily; the entire area is cooled and misty. If you are already fighting cold, you may want to keep your distance.
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| Tamanawaus Falls |
We headed out from the falls the same way we came in and found a perfect little spot to set camp right on the creek.
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| Camp Kitchen |
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| I even got some yoga in while waiting for Gena |
We weren't sure if we would be able to find a campsite so we didn't carry our gear in. Once we found it, we didn't want to lose it so the girls and I waited while Gena went to get her pack, then, when she got back, I went and got my pack. This ate some time!
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| Hephalumps Love Camp Coco |
In the morning Jane was ready to go see more falls so we packed out and headed north to Horsetail Falls and the related loop.
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| Eager Jane |
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| Name that flower... |
If you like watching water fall, there are few trails with more bang for your buck than the loop from Horsetail to Triple Falls and back out Oneonta Gorge. In about five miles you get four worthwhile waterfalls.
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| Wood Tunnel at Oneonta Gorge |
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| My Girls at Horsetail Falls |
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| Holding up the rocks behind Ponytail Falls |
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| Tree Huggers |
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| "Oh, Man... We are so lost." |
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| Triple Falls |
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| Wild Flowers |
And this time of year, everything is blooming!
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| More Columbine |
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| Something Purple |
We returned to the coast smelly and tired. Next adventure, Timberline Trail!!
Great pictures!! Anytime you can get the whole family involved, it's just that much more special! Looks like you had a great trip and a good time.
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