This Waterfall is Worth the Climb with Kids

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The hike to Tamanawas Falls is almost as beautiful as the waterfall itself.

Tamanawas Falls, credit Meg Asby

Why I Love the Tamanawas Falls Trail

We were camping in Mount Hood National Forest to escape the Portland heat, but it was still hot enough that my enthusiasm for a 3.4-mile out-and-back hike was lukewarm at best. (I grew up in Texas and moved to Portland to escape the heat, not exercise in it.) To my surprise and relief, most of the hike was shaded along a beautiful creek with a cool breeze blowing over the ice cold water. If you love hiking along the streams in Forest Park, you’ll love this trail.

The waterfall itself is much more beautiful that the photos I saw beforehand. It has a similar vibe to Wahclella Falls, but if you’re brave enough you can actually hike behind this one (see photos below). There’s no shame in opting out, though; I didn’t want to risk a slip on the moss, and I still had a 10/10 waterfall experience.

The climb to the waterfall

Even if you don’t climb behind the waterfall, you’ll still have to scramble up some rocks. It’s not dangerous — no steep drops at this point — but it is tricky and some of the rocks are smooth and slippery. I love this part because it makes the hike feel unique and interesting, but definitely wear trail shoes. My daughter left hers at home and slipped a couple of times.

Is the hike to Tamanawas Falls kid-friendly?

A six-year-old I passed on the trail gave the hike two enthusiastic thumbs up, and we saw plenty of other children, including a two-and-a-half-year-old and his dad. The latter said the hike is easily doable with a toddler if you’re willing to carry them near the steep drops and up the rocks. That said, the two of them were moving very slowly. I would probably recommend this one for ages 6 and up if your child enjoys hiking, ages 8 and up if they’re new to it. Alltrails tells me the elevation gain is 580 feet, but when I recorded our hike on the app we climbed 1,082 feet. Whichever is right, the gain is pretty gradual except for the rocky slope, and most kids could handle it easily.

Tamanawas Falls Trail

What to bring on the Tamanawas Falls Trail

Don’t forget these items:

  • Snacks. I don’t ask for much. I just want to eat my Trader Joe’s Trail Mix Crackers at the foot of a waterfall.
  • Water. Do waterfalls make you thirsty, too? If not, the hike will.
  • Cell. Bring your phone, but just for pictures — there’s no cellular service on this hike.
  • Parking fee of $5 cash. We only had a twenty, so we made an unplanned $15 donation.
  • Trail shoes. Learn from my daughter.
  • Sunscreen. The trail is mostly shaded, but you’ll want to stay a while in the sunshine at the falls.

How to Get to Tamanawas Falls Trail

There’s a relatively large parking lot for a trailhead; it actually has two rows, which wasn’t immediately apparent to me. There are also bathrooms conveniently located at the beginning of the trail. It’s an easy day trip from Portland, but if you want to make a weekend of it, Sherwood Campground is only steps away, and Nottingham Campground is a very short drive.

I’m a waterfall enthusiast, and Tamanawas is a new favorite.

There are some waterfalls that are overrated (cough, Multnomah Falls, cough), but Tamanawas is truly worth your time.

Can’t get enough waterfalls? Here are eight more to visit.

Meg Asby
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