Terrific Trailheads: A Few of Our Favorite Hikes
In the summer of 2021, we posted weekly “Trailhead Tuesday” hiking trail reviews on our social media. From waterfalls to mountain views to state forest lands, we explored Pacific Northwest hiking trails and shared the beauty with our followers. In case you missed those posts, below is an adaptation of those same hike reviews, just in time for you to get out and explore them for yourself!
Ramona Falls on Mount Hood
Located along both the Pacific Crest Trail and the Timberline Trail on the west side of Mount Hood, Ramona Falls is truly a sight to behold–photos simply don’t do it justice. The trail, which is accessible to both hikers and equestrians, is quite easy for the first couple of miles before hikers must cross the Sandy River without a bridge. Logs are often situated here for the heavy foot traffic, but the perilousness of the crossing depends entirely on the water level. To be safe, wear waterproof footwear and visit during summer months when water is low (the road to the trailhead is closed during winter). After the water crossing, the trail ascends more steeply for a couple more miles before leading to the stunning waterfall 3.5 miles in from the trailhead, for a 7-mile roundtrip hike out and back (there’s also an optional loop to make a slightly longer trek). Port-a-potties are available at the trailhead, and a Northwest Forest Pass is required to park. Be sure to drive a sturdy vehicle with heavy duty tires–the final road to the trailhead, and the trailhead parking area are both steeped in potholes and large rocks. Want to hike a little closer to home? Go here to check out family-friendly hikes right in Clark County.
Beacon Rock on the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge
Located just 45 minutes east of Vancouver along Highway 14, Beacon Rock stands out conspicuously along the Gorge shoreline. The volcanic rock peak is fun and easy to hike with kids, as long as they’re not severely afraid of heights. Walking the steep switchbacks will certainly make you work up a sweat, but firm handrails and a well-maintained, partially paved trail ensure safety, and the summit is just .89 miles from the trailhead–a 1.78-mile roundtrip with spectacular views of the Gorge almost the entire way up. In fact, some of the best views are found midway along the trail–not necessarily at the summit. The peak is part of the larger Beacon Rock State Park, which includes a campground (across the highway) and Hamilton Mountain, another popular (and longer) hike just next door that provides even more stunning views. Flush toilets and a covered picnic pavilion are available at the trailhead, and a Discover Pass is required to park (cash only if paying at the trailhead).
Umbrella Falls Trail, Mount Hood
Majestic Umbrella Falls is easily accessible and just a short jaunt from the main Mount Hood Meadows parking lot, at the southeast base of Mount Hood. But we highly recommend parking just a couple of miles away at the Elk Meadows and Sahalie Falls Trailhead and making it a true hike to see both Umbrella Falls and Sahalie Falls. The trail winds upward through beautiful open meadows, forested areas and stream systems of the mountain, with a few ski lifts cutting through the landscape. During the summer, wildflowers are abundant, and Mount Hood’s peak dramatically comes into view about 1.5 miles in. Bring a map of the Umbrella Falls Trail, as you’ll need to make turns on the Elk Meadows Trail, Umbrella Falls Trail and Sahalie Falls Trail respectively to make a nice 4.4-mile roundtrip loop to see both falls. Umbrella Falls is easily accessible (and a stellar sight!), and the whole trail is great for kids, except for the spur to Sahalie Falls, which requires a treacherous but short downward climb to view (not recommended for kiddos). Vault toilets and a picnic table are available at the Elk Meadows Trailhead parking area, and a Northwest Forest Pass is required to park. Want to hike a little closer to home? Go here to check out family-friendly hikes right in Clark County.
Tarbell Trail in Clark County’s Yacolt Burn State Forest and Silver Star Scenic Area
Located about 30 minutes east of Battle Ground, and set on a hill, the Tarbell Trailhead and Picnic Area starts right off with lovely views of the surrounding wooded countryside, with nary a sign of civilization in sight. The full trail is lengthy, meandering south through Rock Creek Campground and all the way to Larch Mountain before looping back up to the start. But since the scenic views are immediate, and the trail is easy and safe, it’s well worth taking your family for any length of hike that suits you. If your family is up for a 10+-mile round trip, consider taking the loop trail clockwise to beautiful and aptly named Hidden Falls, set just over 5 miles from the trailhead. Vault toilets and picnic tables are available at the trailhead parking area, and a Discover Pass is required to park.
Falls Creek Falls, in rural Skamania County, north of Stevenson
A breathtaking multi-tiered waterfall makes every step of this 3.4-mile roundtrip hike (and the 1.5-hour drive to get to the trailhead from Vancouver) more than worth it. Be sure to drive a sturdy vehicle, as the final road to the trailhead is bumpy and undeveloped. The hike itself parallels Falls Creek, crossing a suspension bridge and offering lovely views of the surrounding forest land. Up for a longer hike? Complete the full 6.3-mile (moderate difficulty) loop to get a whole different view of the waterfall’s upper tier. Note: Directions to the trailhead are available in Google Maps (not in Apple Maps as of this writing) but pull them up before you leave the city, as cell service diminishes as you exit the freeway. Vault toilets are available at the trailhead parking area. Want to hike a little closer to home? Go here to check out family-friendly hikes right in Clark County.
Lava Canyon, at the base of Mount St. Helens
It’s a bit of a drive (2 hours from Vancouver), and certainly remote (no cell service at the trailhead) but hiking Lava Canyon is well worth it! You’ll get an immediate payoff with a mighty waterfall and bridge just ½ mile in on a paved trail. If you have little ones, this may be as far as you want to go, as after this point the trail gets difficult and dangerous but definitely doable for bigger kids and teens with sure footing and proper footwear—ideally waterproof, as the trail crosses shallow streams several times. If you do decide to continue on, you’ll see a suspension bridge (closed as of this writing but still a fun sight), multiple waterfalls and craggy cliffs—and you’ll even climb a ladder—as you pass through a gorge cut by lava hundreds of years ago but only just revealed in its current state after the volcano erupted in 1980. The trail terminates at a final bridge about 1.75 miles in from the trailhead, making for a 3.5-mile roundtrip that is mostly uphill on the way back. A Northwest Forest pass is required to park at Lava Canyon Trailhead, and restrooms are on site at the trailhead. Make it a day trip with a tour through nearby Ape Cave. Want to hike a little closer to home? Go here to check out family-friendly hikes right in Clark County.
Tamanawas Falls, near the eastern base of Mount Hood
Tamanawas Falls is a great family hike to a stellar waterfall. Cross over a log bridge, and follow Cold Spring Creek through forested areas and alongside massive stone cliffs. A boulder field requires a bit of maneuvering but is generally safe for kiddos and makes for a fun natural obstacle course shortly before the falls come into view about 1.75 miles into the hike (3.4 miles roundtrip). Enjoy the waterfall from the main trail or venture closer if you’re prepared to get sprayed! Drive home via Hood River to the north or Government Camp to the southwest—the scenery is fantastic either way. A Northwest Forest pass is required to park at Tamanawas Falls, and restrooms and picnic tables are on site at the trailhead. Want to hike a little closer to home? Go here to check out family-friendly hikes right in Clark County.
Moulton Falls Regional Park, right here in beautiful north Clark County
Just 30 minutes from Vancouver (and much closer for north county folks), Moulton Falls is a favorite for swimming on hot days. It’s also perfect for family hiking, with a very easy, flat trail that parallels the East Fork Lewis River and connects Moulton Falls Park to Lucia Falls Regional Park 2.5 miles away. The main trail is wide enough for a large group to walk together, and is even great for mountain biking. The trail features a bridge and dramatic rock formations along the water’s edge. If your family is especially adventurous, try turning left at the well-marked Bells Mountain Trail intersection that leads to various other parts of the vast trail system, including Silver Star Mountain Lookout (a much longer 11 miles from the Moulton Falls parking area). Parking is free–and if the lot at the main park is full, an overflow is located just 1/3 mile up the road. Flushing toilets are located a short walk from both parking areas. Cell and internet service are both accessible at Moulton Falls Regional Park. Want to know more of our favorite splash spots to cool off in the water this summer? Go here.
Latourell Falls, in the Columbia River Gorge
Not one, but two waterfalls welcome visitors to this trail that is easily adapted to your family’s hiking abilities. The lower falls is a quick walk from the parking area (vault toilets available here), and the upper falls is at the top of a 2.5-mile roundtrip loop that is fairly easy but will definitely take some effort during the uphill portions of the 625 foot elevation gain. On your way home, treat the fam to a panoramic view at the Vista House, just 2.5 miles west on the Historic Columbia River Highway from the Latourell Falls trailhead. Note: Starting in 2022, the US Forest Service is requiring timed use permits to access areas within the Waterfall Corridor between Bridal Veil (Exit 28) and Ainsworth (Exit 35), including Multnomah Falls. As of this writing, this does not apply to Latourell Falls but go here to check for current policies and to reserve a time slot to visit other places within the Gorge Waterfall Corridor. Want to hike a little closer to home? Go here to check out family-friendly hikes right in Clark County.
