Is swimming allowed at Tamanawas Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Tamanawas Falls.

Live Conditions · 14 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Tamanawas Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Tamanawas Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Tamanawas Falls.

Oregon • 100 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Al Case CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Jordan Hackworth CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Al Case CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

cramsay23 CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

3.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

580 ft

About Tamanawas Falls

Tamanawas Falls is a scenic 100-foot cascade on the eastern slopes of Mount Hood, tumbling over a lava-formed cliff into a narrow amphitheater of old-growth forest. Nestled within Mount Hood National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service, the falls are a favorite day-hike destination for families and photographers—its dramatic drop and mossy boulders make for an iconic Pacific Northwest scene. The hike to the falls is a moderate out-and-back of about 3.4 miles with roughly 580 feet of elevation gain, making it accessible to most active hikers. The trailhead is close to Sherwood Campground (about 1.63 km away), so overnight camping and extended exploration of the surrounding national forest are convenient options for visitors.

The Setting

Tamanawas Falls sits at 3,455 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Bull Run River, in the mountains of Oregon. At 100 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in Oregon.

Height: 100 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Sahale Falls (140 ft) lies 6.2 miles to the southwest. Also nearby: Wallalute Falls (124 ft, 3.3 mi) and Ramona Falls (120 ft, 9.2 mi).

Sahale Falls Wallalute Falls Ramona Falls

Trail & Hike Details

3.4 mi distance 580 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Tamanawas Tie (#650B), a 3.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 580 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is moderately developed (Class 2).

USFS Trail

TAMANAWAS TIE #650B

Trail Class

Moderately Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.38 mi

Trail Description

The route follows Cold Spring Creek through a forested corridor of Douglas-fir and cedar, with rocky tread and a few small stream crossings before the final viewpoint. The trail is well-marked and offers a steady, scenic climb to the falls. Officially the USFS identifies a connector segment as TAMANAWAS TIE (Trail #650B). That segment is recorded as Class 2 on native material surface, with a typical grade of 12–20% and GIS length of 0.38 miles. Overall the outing is a 3.4-mile out-and-back with about 580 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate—expect short, moderately steep sections on native tread and some uneven rock and roots near stream crossings and the falls viewpoint.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 100 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Tamanawas Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Tamanawas Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is late spring through early fall when the trail is clear of snow and the waterfall flow is strong. Winter visits are possible but may require additional preparation for snow and ice.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Mt. Hood National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.

The trail can be slippery near the falls due to mist and wet rocks. Exercise caution and stay on marked paths. In winter, icy conditions may make the trail hazardous.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

14 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

13 16 18 21

Based on 33 years of record

0.82 ft

Water depth at gauge

44°F

Very cold

Expect numbness within minutes

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes. Mineral content is typical.

Water Quality

31 µS/cm

Conductance

Dissolved minerals in the water

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

BULL RUN RIVER AT LOWER FLUME NR BRIGHTWOOD, OR

USGS 14138720

14.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 5 sq mi

Altitude: 2,840 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge BULL RUN RIVER AT LOWER FLUME NR BRIGHTWOOD, OR (23 km away).

Moderate confidence

Barely Flowing right now

14 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

3/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

14 cfs

5/10

Sun

Barely Flowing

14 cfs

5/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

14 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

15 cfs

3/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

14 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

14 cfs

5/10

Best window: Tomorrow — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late April to mid June, peaking in April.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Parkdale hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The laser survey finds one clean step here: roughly 317 feet of drop concentrated at the brink. Only part of that is the waterfall, which is listed at 100 feet; the rest is the canyon carrying on downstream. Elevation at the pin is about 3,436 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 210 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 220 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Tamanawas Falls near Parkdale, Oregon, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Tamanawas Falls near Parkdale, Oregon, showing about 317 feet of drop, a single sheer drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 3,436 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 317 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Tamanawas Falls is located off Highway 35, about 25 miles south of Hood River, Oregon. The trailhead is well-marked and accessible via a short drive from the highway.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a designated parking area at the Tamanawas Falls Trailhead. Parking can fill up quickly during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.

Elevation

3,455 feet above sea level

Coordinates

45.401381° N, -121.589060° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be rocky and uneven in places. Bring plenty of water and snacks, especially during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking and avoid crowds. In winter, check trail conditions and consider bringing traction devices for icy sections.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 3.4 miles and 580 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

SHERWOOD CAMPGROUND

1 miles away · 16 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Sherwood campground is an easily accessible location for simple camping, with beautiful landscapes and the Hood River rushing next to it. Close to hiking and recreational locations, Sherwood campground is a prime location for those looking for a centrally located base camp near Mt. Hood, or for those looking for a surprisingly quiet, camping getaway.Recreation The location of Sherwood Campground makes for a great place to set up camp and explore the upper Hood River Valley. Hiking trails

Book on Recreation.gov