Tamanawas Falls

Big views of Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams, two rustling mountain creeks, and a staggering curtain basin waterfall.

You can tell you’re getting close to Tamanawas Falls when Mt. Hood suddenly appears MASSIVE and clear beyond the trees lining the highway. Continue down winding roads into the Mt. Hood National Forest until you reach the trailhead right off the highway.

Cross a wooden footbridge over Cold Spring Creek and begin a largely easy uphill hike along the creek. There are plenty of spots to veer off and sit by the rushing water, dip your toes in the absolutely freezing water, and admire the forest.

Scramble over a large rockslide and you’re almost there!

This section was originally closed down after the slide, but hikers just forged ahead and created their own path through the boulders, which the forest department eventually just accepted as the new path.

The waterfall cascades into a gigantic sheet basin filled with moss-covered rocks that have fallen from the amphitheater above. You’ll have to tackle these rocks for a close up view, but can climb as close to the water as you want!

After our hike, we headed home and were greeted by looming Mt. Adams – larger and closer than we’ve ever seen it! The drive back was gorgeous, with countless orchards and vineyards lining the highway toward the town of Hood River.

We caught sight of one, The Gorge White House, and immediately hung a right to check it out. They had INCREDIBLE ciders and their farm is cradled in the flat land before the hills and mountains beyond. Guests are free to wander their lines of raspberries, pears, blackberries, and flowers, and if you come earlier than we did you can indulge in their you-pick-em deals.

We felt like we were in rural Italy or actual Heaven. Totally in love.

Can’t wait to go back.