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Sunrise 5:31 a.m. | Sunset 8:59 p.m.
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Enchanted by the elements

Hike of the Month: Ramona Falls
Ramona Falls, a 120-ft horstail falls, cascades in rivulets down a basalt column cliff.
From the wooden bridge, you can feel the mist on your face. | Photo by Ben McBee, PDXtoday
Over the river and through the woods, to Ramona Falls we go. The magic of Mt. Hood National Forest was on full display for this hike; we followed the footsteps of a fabled path to a mystical grove where croaking ravens eyed our lunch and a prince successfully wooed a princess (congrats to the happy couple on your engagement).

In all seriousness, this adventure is one for the storybooks.

Quick facts

  • Starting point: Ramona Falls Trailhead
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Distance: 7 miles
  • Route type: Lollipop loop
  • Elevation gain: 1,000 ft
  • Trail surface: Dirt
  • Wheelchair accessible: No
  • Open: Gate is closed Dec. 1-April 1
  • Dog friendly: Yes, on leash
Alternating images show scenes from the Ramona Falls hike, including people crossing a river on a log, pink rhododendrons, a raven, and other beautiful nature scenes.

Although the large log was stable, use extreme caution when crossing — the terrain can shift.

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Photos by Ben McBee, PDXtoday

Brief overview

Your blood gets pumping early in this adventure along the Sandy River, which tumbles from its glacial origins on the slopes of Mount Hood. As you gradually gain elevation, the depth and width of the canyon grow, eventually opening up for you to cross either by safely fording the rushing water or shimmying on a log. Your ultimate reward is Ramona Falls, a beautiful horsetail deluge that spreads out over a 120-ft drop, cascading in rivulets over the moss-laden columnar basalt cliff.

Why you should try it

Biomes change in the blink of an eye here. One minute you’ll be strolling through red alder sprouting from the flat riverbank, the next you’ll be in the shade of Douglas firs, where pops of pink rhododendrons greet your every turn. Our suggested loop direction is counterclockwise; you’ll climb with the canyon on your right (on the Pacific Crest Trail, no less) and descend the Ramona Creek ravine.

Two hikers march through a forest.

Be sure to fill out the free self-issue permit before entering the Mt. Hood and Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.

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Photo by Ben McBee, PDXtoday

Pro tips

Drive a vehicle with decent clearance — the forest road is short but rutted with pits and potholes. The parking lot is massive, but filled up by the time we finished, so an early start is ideal. You’ll also need a National Forest Day Pass ($5) or an America the Beautiful Pass displayed on your dash.
Asked

Where should we go hiking next month?

A. Champoeg State Heritage Area
B. Silver Star Scenic Area
C. Chehalem Ridge Nature Park
D. Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge
E. Somewhere else
Send us packing
Chamber Music Northwest
 
Events
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
  • Skål Night with Fullerton Wines | Wednesday, July 10 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Nordic Northwest, 8800 SW Oleson Rd., Portland | $5-$15 | Raise a glass to good health and hopefully more temperate weather at this weekly sip and social.
Thursday, July 11
  • Storytime with Keely at Topaz Farm | Thursday, July 11 | 10:30-11 a.m. | Topaz Farm, 17100 NW Sauvie Island Rd., Portland | Free | Head out to Sauvie Island for a reading from Scappoose School District librarian Keely Nudo, then meet the animals or pick berries in the field.
Friday, July 12
  • Blues Traveler | Friday, July 12 | 6 p.m. | McMenamins Grand Lodge, 3505 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove | $37.50-$104.50 | We’re not going to give you the “Run-Around,” this show will have you on the “Hook” for this American rock band.
Events calendar here
Click here to have your event featured.
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
 
News Notes
Weather
  • We’re not out of this heat wave yet, Portland. Today is supposed to reach triple digits with temperatures in the high 90s tomorrow, before a relative cool down on Thursday. It’s important to know the signs of heat stroke and ways to prevent it for yourself and others. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live + KGW)
Try This
  • Frocks, frivolity, and fine British fare will tickle your fancy at the “Bridgerton”-inspired summer high tea series, hosted by Bethany’s Table. Chef Janet O’Connor invites guests one and all to the European-style farm-to-table bistro on Wednesday, July 17 (and two dates in August) for an occasion of finger foods and conversation.
Edu
  • First-generation college students will get more support this fall, thanks to a pilot program from Portland Community College. The First-Year Experience will help students make the transition from high school by pairing them with a mentor, connecting them to community-building events via text message, and online trainings angled toward resources and clubs. (OPB)
Civic
  • Fans of the city’s second-oldest piece of public art, the Thompson Elk Fountain, will have to wait a little longer to see the statue restored to its plinth on Southwest Main Street. The Portland Water Bureau’s recent update said the process should be completed sometime between this fall and summer 2025. (KOIN)
Season
  • It’s Christmas in July... and August... and September... you get the idea. These Oregon stores choose not to put the wintertime holiday in a neatly wrapped box on the shelf, but instead celebrate year-round by selling everything from nutcrackers to ornaments. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Travel
  • You don’t need to book a plane ticket to England to visit Stonehenge — just take a drive in the Columbia River Gorge. Maryhill Museum of Art (about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Portland) has its own megalithic structure on site, thanks to millionaire Sam Hill. (Willamette Week)
Biz
  • You may have heard of Hampton Lumber — and its tree smiley face — but did you know the fourth-generation company is also in the wine business? This diversification fulfills the dreams of founder John Hampton, who fell in love with everything vino on a trip to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France. (Portland Business Journal)
Sports
  • If you ask Locked On Ducks, 5-star wide receiver commit Dakorien Moore will make an immediate impact on the field when he joins the team in 2025. Hear how coach Junior Adams managed to recruit the nation’s No. 3 prep player.
    Finance
    • Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? Yes, it sounds crazy. But it’s true. The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
    Wellness
    • Magnesium can help you fall asleep, manage stress, and wake up refreshed. Magnesium Breakthrough combines all seven essential forms of magnesium — get an extra 10% off now.*
     
    Drink

    🍸 Subterranean sips

    Take a sip of secrecy at these speakeasies and underground bars
    An orange drink with an orange peel in a vintage coupe glass sits on a black and gold napkin next to a small pot of succulent plants.
    Fresh flowers and refreshing drinks are always on offer at Bar Mame. | Photo via @mame.pdx
    When you’re looking to avoid the heat — in every sense of the word — you can quench your curiosity and your thirst at these upstanding but on-the-down-low speakeasies and underground bars.

    Bar Mame, 3279 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

    Venture to The Hazel Room’s side alley to find the steps leading down to a swank bar inspired by the 1958 film “Auntie Mame.” You’ll find old-timey photos and a scarf-toting buck on the walls, with Art Deco accents everywhere else, from the gold ceiling tiles to the tall green booths. Sit and stay awhile with a Spanish 75 in your hand.

    The Hardware Store, 602 Seventh St., Oregon City

    Ask for directions to the unassuming door at the back of The Hive Social. From there, look for a clue in the glass case on the stair’s landing. Once you have the correct code in mind, dial it under the vintage phone transmitter and enter through a painting of owner Ashley Hunt’s great-great-grandmother Olive Sauer. Et voila, you are free to enjoy the seasonal food menu and craft cocktails.
    The Buy
    Hello, The Buy team here. If you like browsing our daily featured item, we’ve got a whole site of recommendations to choose from — allow us to direct you to a few.

    🔪 This $260 knife set is on sale for $75 through Sunday, July 21.

    🌺 These 15 tropical Amazon finds will spruce up your wardrobe, home, and vibe for summer.

    🛍️ The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is coming — here are the best deals to bookmark.
    More worth The Buy
    Answered

    How would you build a Portland-style hot dog?

    We thoroughly enjoyed our readers’ culinary creations. Here are a couple of our favorites.

    The “Dillicious Portland Doggie” from Janet R. incorporated beer cheese and relish as a nod to the Portland Pickles. Robin W. brought the heat on the “Flaming Mountain Dog” with Mama Lil’s Peppers, huckleberry ketchup, and hot sauce.
    Make your own recipe
     
    The Wrap
     
    ben-mcbee-headshot-2024.png

    Today’s edition by:
    Ben
    From the editor
    Ramona Falls is now very high on my list of favorite hikes, but if the 7-mile journey is a little daunting, check out Little Zigzag Falls. It’s much shorter but offers similarly enchanting forest scenery (even in the rain).
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