Timothy Lake Journal – Tamanawas Falls

On one our recent day’s off, we planned a day trip to the small town of Hood River to get supplies. After enjoying a DELICIOUS breakfast at the Huckleberry Inn in Government Camp, our first stop was the trailhead for the Tamanawas Falls.

This was our second attempt to hike back to the Falls!! 😉 Last week, on our way back to camp after a trip to Hood River, we thought we had enough daylight to make it to the Falls and back. In the guidebook, it said the hike was a 2-mile out and back. WRONG! We decided to turn back when we realized the mileage was not accurate and that it would be pushing it to avoid walking back at dusk.

It turns out that the correct mileage is more like 4.5 miles round-trip – still an easy distance – but had we known that the first time we would not have tried to attempt it late in the day. Sometimes, trail descriptions are deceiving! Lesson learned: read more than one review!

The trail starts at a sizable parking lot along the southbound side of Route 35 about 32 miles from Timothy Lake area. We were told that this is a very popular hike and, in the summer, it can be difficult to get a parking space. This time of year, though, it was only about half full when we arrived. I wanted to hike this trail now before the water levels drop in summer so as to get the best effect of the falls with maximum water flow. Be aware that this is a fee-based area and you do need to either self-pay a 5.00 day fee at the pay station or display a federally accepted annual pass.

Just after leaving the parking lot, there is a wooden bridge that crosses the East Fork of the Hood River. I could tell by the construction that the bridge was sturdy but it had a decided lean to the left! The river was rushing underfoot and it felt a tad unsettling crossing the bridge!

I did take the time to stop in the middle of the bridge for a photo shot of the river downstream. But, I did not linger!!

Shortly after crossing the bridge, there is a trail junction where hikers will make a right to head towards the Falls. The first part of the trail is fairly well-packed and easy with a few minor ups and downs. Along this stretch, the trail ascends above Route 35 and the road is visible to the left at times. Eventually, you come to another trail junction and, this time, the Falls trail leads off to the left. Ultimately, you are following trail number 650A towards the Falls.

From here, the path descends to the Cold Spring Creek corridor. Once you reach the creek, another bridge crosses the creek and the trail follows the river for the rest of the hike up to the Falls.

There was a ton of water in the creek this time of year and along the way we saw many “mini” waterfalls as the creek descends towards the East Fork of the Hood River.

Much to my delight, I was able to capture a few wildflowers blooming along the trail and in the forest!

The above plant, Vanilla Leaf, gets its name from the scent of the leaves when they are crushed. It is thought that the leaves can be an effective insect repellent when dried.

About a 1/4 mile before the Falls, there is another trail junction. The route to the Falls veers off to the left and enters the most difficult part of the hike. There is a short but steep rock scramble just after this junction. It’s hard to pick out the actual path of the trail but there is a preferred route if you can find it!

It’s a short jog to the Falls once you negotiate the talus slope. Often, when I hear about an awesome waterfall that is a “must see”, I’m disappointed once I reach the destination – usually the wrong time of the year and there’s just a trickle of water in the falls! Well, let’s just say that this time I was super impressed and the waterfall far exceeded my expectations! I’m so glad we made the second attempt to view this amazing place!

The Tamanawas Falls flows over a 110′ cliff that is about 40 feet wide! Very cool!! There was a significant mist rising off the waterfall while we were there and it created a mystical experience.

It was a beautiful – mostly shaded – walk through the predominantly Douglas Fir forest. I give it a 5 “star” rating as a family friendly relatively moderate hike.