Moquistang; one little mustang who does it all.

Ramona Falls lies within the Mount Hood National Forest and may be reached from Riley Horse Camp. If you live within driving distance of Mount Hood, this one should be at the top of your day-ride bucket list. Ramona Falls features one of the most stunning displays of water in a fairy tale setting. This trail is popular with hikers and follows a section of the famed Pacific Crest Trail.

The trick to this ride is timing. Crossing the Sandy River can be dangerous in early season so check trail conditions before you go. It’s recommended to wait until at least Late August depending on snow pack and water levels.

Trail Stats:

• 10.5 miles out and back.
• Elevation Gain: 1,680 feet
• Elevation Loss: 1,687 feet
• Max Elevation: 6,800 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate with challenging river crossing.
  ↗ What does this mean?
• Footing: Mostly sand/dirt single track. Sandy River has large unstable river rock on banks and in river.
• Hoof Protection: Shoes/boots recommended for river crossing. Otherwise barefoot OK.

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Facilities: Camp Catalog: Riley Horse Camp

Water Sources: Hand pumps in horse camp. Otherwise Lost Creek flows through camp.

Trail Info: From camp, cross the bridge over Lost Creek and turn right onto Sandy River Trail #770, follow this trail for 3.2 miles. You will pass through the Ramona Falls Trailhead – its easy to lose the trail here, but from the parking lot you can pick it up again. At the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail #2000, continue left at the fork (will appear straight) for 1.5 miles. Turn left on Timberline Trail #600 and descend down to the Sandy River. Follow this for 0.4 miles until you can see the falls. Please note – horses are not allowed at the falls. At the time of this ride, both the sign and hitching post were gone and we mistakenly rode too far. Forest Service was notified of missing hitching post and signage. Have a buddy hold your horse while you view the falls.

Trail Challenges: Challenging river crossing. Odd creek crossing on a downhill. One section with steep drop off. Possible bees in late summer. North side of Sandy River has a short steep loose up bank.

Permits: Self-issued wilderness permit. Day use parking: $10 or NW Forest Pass.

Backcountry Sites: Pacific Crest Trail access. Otherwise unknown, if you have backcountry campsite info please email adventure.equines@gmail.com

Cell Service: No coverage.

Fuel: 76 in Welches, OR

GPX File: OHT: Ramona Falls

Map:

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