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Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A

This trail is found on the east slope of Mt. Hood and follows the Cold Spring Creek. It's an ideal destination to cool off on a hot summer afternoon. The falls are approximately 100 feet high and 40 feet wide. The trail follows Cold Spring Creek and is shaded by large Douglas fir, cedar and a variety of trees and shrubs.

From parking lot at the Tamanawas Falls Trailhead, cross the East Fork of the Hood River at the bridge and turn right (north) on the East Fork Trail #650. The trail continues along the west bank of the river for half a mile to a junction with the Tamanawas Falls Trail #650A. Continue straight ahead on this trail (#650A). Cross Cold Spring Creek at the bridge and turn left. Another quarter mile brings you to a junction with the Tamanawas Tie Trail #650B. Turn left and cross the stream on a log bridge. The trail then follows the south bank a short distance. After descending a series of log steps, it crosses back to the north bank. From here, the trail climbs through a talus slope (a naturally occurring slope made of a jumble of loose rocks from a rocky cliff/rockface) and in a quarter mile reaches the falls. 
After visiting the falls, hikers may choose a different return route by taking the Tamanawas Tie Trail #650B. This trail climbs gently out of the canyon approximately 0.2 mile from the falls and after 0.5 mile reaches a junction with the Elk Meadows Trail #645. Turn right and follow this trail downhill for 1.25 miles to a junction with the East Fork Trail #650 just above the Polallie Trailhead parking area. If you haven't arranged to be picked up here, turn right and follow the East Fork Trail back to the Tamanawas Falls parking area to complete the 5-mile loop.

Link to Trail Description and Map (PDF File)

Current Conditions
CLOSED due to multiple washouts in the mid-Dec. storm. The waterfall can be accessed from Polallie Trailhead.

Specific Trail Information

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

A valid Recreation Pass is required at Tamanawas Falls Trailhead year-round.

Hood River Ranger District

Address: 6780 Highway 35 Parkdale, OR 97041
Phone: (541) 352-6002
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed 12 to 1 for lunch. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

From Hood River, OR - Travel south 25 miles on Hwy 35 to the Polallie Trailhead (north access).

Continue on Hwy 35 for about 5 more miles to reach the Tamanawas Falls Trailhead and parking area on the west side of the highway. This trailhead is 1/4 mile north of Sherwood Campground. The parking lot comes up quickly, so turn carefully!

Nearby Recreation Sites

Recreation Opportunities

Last updated February 26, 2026