How to Get a Ramona Falls Permit
A seven-mile loop to a waterfall that fans down a wall of columnar basalt — with an unbridged glacial river in the middle of it that the Forest Service says will never be bridged.
Check Ramona Falls permit availability$5 per vehicle per day at Ramona Falls Trailhead, or a valid Recreation Pass. The wilderness permit itself is free and self-issued
Permit Cost
1 day
Duration
7 miles
Distance
1,000'
Elevation Gain
moderate
Difficulty
About Ramona Falls
Ramona Falls is a 7-mile round trip into the Mount Hood Wilderness on the Mt. Hood National Forest, gaining about 1,000 feet over the 3.5 miles to the falls. The Forest Service classifies it as challenging and does not recommend it for children or pets. Two things are required. Free, self-issued wilderness permits are required from May 15 to October 15 where they are provided at a portal — the box is on the way in, and you fill one out and keep half. A valid Recreation Pass is required at Ramona Falls Trailhead from May 1 to October 31, or you pay $5 per vehicle per day. The gate to the trailhead opens April 1 but may open later depending on snow, and the road in is very rough enough that the Forest Service strongly recommends a high-clearance vehicle. Check the forest's current conditions page rather than assuming; this is a road and a river crossing whose state changes.
Mt. Hood National Forest describes the Sandy River, a designated Wild and Scenic River, as a dramatic example of what a glacial-fed river can do to a landscape, with physical signs of a volcanic debris flow from over 200 years ago visible where the trail runs near it. The crossing is not an inconvenience on the way to the falls; it is the point of the place.
The Experience
Open, sunbaked stretches with no tree cover, then the Sandy River braided across gravel, then a cool green side canyon and Ramona Falls spreading over the basalt at the end of it.
From the Ramona Falls Trailhead you take the Sandy River Trail one mile eastward to where it crosses the Sandy River. The Forest Service is unambiguous: there is no bridge, nor will one be installed. The Pacific Crest Trail #2000 overlaps with Ramona Falls for a couple of miles in this area.
Hikers can choose either direction around the loop — the Forest Service says it is about the same distance either way — while equestrians going to Ramona Falls stay on the southern side of the loop above the Sandy River. Overall the route is a gentle climb gaining 1,000 feet over the 3.5 miles to the falls, for a 7-mile round trip.
The two things that catch people are the crossing and the sun. Mt. Hood National Forest warns that there are large sections with no tree cover and to come prepared with sun protection and plenty of water, and separately that the trail is considered challenging and is not recommended for children and pets.
What to Expect
A free self-issued wilderness permit from a portal box, May 15 to October 15
A $5 per vehicle per day fee, or a valid Recreation Pass, May 1 to October 31
An unbridged crossing of a glacial river with strong currents, one mile in
Large sections with no tree cover — the Forest Service says to bring sun protection and plenty of water
A rough access road where high-clearance vehicles are strongly recommended
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Permit Requirements
Free, self-issued wilderness permits are required from May 15 to October 15 when provided at a portal
A valid Recreation Pass is required at Ramona Falls Trailhead from May 1 to October 31
Wilderness restrictions apply throughout the Mount Hood Wilderness
Equestrians heading to Ramona Falls stay on the southern side of the loop above the Sandy River
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •Sun protection and more water than the distance suggests — the Forest Service singles out the exposed sections
- •Footwear you can cross a cold, fast, glacial river in
- •Trekking poles for the crossing, which is where they earn their keep
Recommended Gear
- •A change of socks for after the river
- •A high-clearance vehicle, or a willingness to walk the last of a rough road
- •Water treatment if you plan to refill
Hazards & Safety
The Sandy River crossing. It is unbridged by design, glacial, and the Forest Service warns of strong currents and tells hikers to know when to turn around
Flow that rises through the day as glacial melt increases — the crossing you did in the morning is not the crossing you get in the afternoon
Sun exposure on long stretches with no tree cover
A very rough access road
Best Time to Visit
The trailhead gate opens April 1, though snow can delay it, and the Recreation Pass requirement runs through October 31. Early season means high, cold water at the crossing; late summer and early autumn generally mean the lowest, most manageable flow. Cross in the morning either way.
Pro Tips
Cross in the morning. Glacial melt pushes the Sandy River up through the afternoon, so the crossing you liked on the way in can be worse on the way out
The gate opens April 1 but snow can delay it — check the forest's current conditions before driving out
High-clearance vehicle strongly recommended for the trailhead road
Fill out the free self-issued wilderness permit at the portal box between May 15 and October 15
There is no bridge and there never will be one; the Forest Service states that outright
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Ramona Falls?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit Ramona Falls?
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The trailhead gate opens April 1, though snow can delay it, and the Recreation Pass requirement runs through October 31. Early season means high, cold water at the crossing; late summer and early autumn generally mean the lowest, most manageable flow. Cross in the morning either way.
How difficult is Ramona Falls?
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Day hikers comfortable fording a cold, fast river without a bridge.
What gear do I need for Ramona Falls?
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Essential gear includes: Sun protection and more water than the distance suggests — the Forest Service singles out the exposed sections, Footwear you can cross a cold, fast, glacial river in, Trekking poles for the crossing, which is where they earn their keep.
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