Tamanawas Creek in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains has a beautiful Native American name that befits the scenery it offers on a springtime hike.
I recently took the first hike since I broke my ribs. It was only about 4 miles, along a glorious stream east of Mount Hood called Cold Spring Creek (I like calling it Tamanawas Creek though). The hike heads a short way down the East fork of Hood River and turns up the rollicking creek to Tamanawas Falls. This is an American Indian name, but I’ve had trouble tracking down its meaning. It’s a beautiful hike and a beautiful waterfall.
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The beautiful stream course of East Fork Hood River during spring melt-off.
To get there drive from Portland to Hood River on I-84. At this town, get off the freeway and head up the Hood River Valley on Highway 35. You’ll pass beautiful apple and pear orchards (which bloom around Easter), and in nice weather you’ll have grand views of Mount Hood. Soon the road begins to be crowded by the valley walls as it heads into forest toward the mountain. Before you begin climbing you will see a sign for Sherwood Campground. Look for the trailhead on the right. There will likely be other cars there.
The East Fork Hood River is fed by numerous springs along its upper reaches.
From the trailhead walk into the woods and cross the East Fork Hood River on a log bridge. Come immediately to a T-junction and take a right. In a half mile or so you’ll curve into the canyon, then soon come to another wooden bridge. Cross this and turn left at another junction, heading up Cold Spring Creek. Follow this all the way to the falls. Return the way you came.
Ripples form patterns in a rare quiet eddy along the energetic East Fork Hood River in Oregon.
The snow had just recently melted off the trail when I was there a few days ago, so this was the first time I photographed the curtain-like cascade with leftover snow. It added an extra challenge to the photography, since the white of the snow wanted to blow-out (over-expose) whenever I properly exposed for the darker moss. The even darker basalt that the falls flows over is nearly impossible to expose perfectly, but I think it’s fine to allow those areas to go nearly black. Let me know what you think!
Tamanawas Falls comes into view framed by large fir trees.
The trail offers many opportunities for communing with the rapids and small waterfalls along the way. I used a circular polarizer for these shots. Combined with a fairly small aperture and the fact that the sun was by that time too low to shine into the canyon, this gave me the long exposures that result in the smooth silky water. Most of the photos had exposures on the order of 2-5 seconds, a few much longer (15-20 seconds).
Tamanawas Falls is a pretty waterfall near Mount Hood, Oregon. In April the falls hastens the snow’s retreat.
Beautiful pools and small waterfalls occur along the trail to Tamanawas Falls near Mount Hood, Oregon.
A friend told me temanawas means ‘spirit’; I haven’t been able to verify this but I like the sound of it. Beautiful spot.
Thanks you all!
I agree with Jennie, esp. the second one.
You do have a way with water. Fantastic images.
Lovely images as always – particularly like the second to last one:)
Fantastic shots, yet again.
Thanks John!