Tamanawas Falls: A 150-foot Waterfall

Looking for a quick, family-friendly waterfall hike? Head out to Tamanawas Falls in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

Grab a few snacks, make sure you have your Northwest Forest Pass,  and drive about 40 minutes to the Tamanawas Falls Trailhead.

This is an easy hike and I saw several families on the trail.

If you are wanting a longer hike, you can continue up to Elk Meadows from the junction near the waterfall.

There’s flowing water along most of the trail and a few great places to take photos as well. A quarter mile before you reach the falls, you will have to climb over some boulders left from a rock slide in 2017 but it wasn’t very difficult.

The 150-foot waterfall is even more magnificent in person than it is in photos. You can hang out at the bottom and walk around in the small pools of water or climb up the rocks on the side of the waterfall to walk behind it.

I chose to climb up the rocks. It was difficult in a few spots but totally worth it once I reached the top! 

Tamanawas Falls is a great place to visit in the summer if you want an easy waterfall hike. I am planning to go back during the winter months to see the water when it’s frozen over. If you have been to Tamanawas Falls, let us know in the comments below!

TRAIL DETAILS

Type of Trail: Out and backLength: 3.6 milesDifficulty:  EasyElevation Gain: 590 ft.

Extra Details: You will most likely lose cell service on the way to Tamanawas Falls.

​​If using Google Maps, make sure you type Tamanawas Falls Trailhead into your GPS and not Tamanawas Falls. You will get more accurate directions this way.

The trail is dog-friendly (leash recommended). Remember to bring bags for waste disposal.

You need a Forest Pass for this hike. Grab one from the Front Desk of Whispering Woods Resort or at one of many local locations, including the grocery store and Forest Service office. This page will help you if you don’t know where to look.