Nicki and Jake traveled all the way from Monterey, CA to go on this hike with me. Monterey and Big Sur are some of my favorite places in the world, and I’ve actually had the pleasure of working with these two in Big Sur as well. It was so much fun to show them around my home state a little bit.

I have been dreaming of hiking to and photographing this waterfall for years. It was challenging to find people I could convince to join me, since this is a 7 mile hike round trip, which isn’t crazy, but it’s not nothing… especially when there’s photos involved… sweat, dirt, etc. are a consideration for sure.

If I’m honest, the hike to Ramona Falls is not the most spectacular hike in the Mount Hood National forest, UNLESS you hit it at the right time. Nicki, Jake and I hit it at the right time.

What makes it the right time? The Rhododendrons.

The forest at the start of this hike is made up of lodgepole pins and shrubby manzanitas (sidenote– manzanitas are one of my favorite plants, with their smooth, rich dark red wood that twists into extremely pleasing shapes). As you get deeper into the woods, and you start to be surrounded by taller mountain hemlocks and douglas firs, the understory transforms into a tangle of Rhododendron and Azalea bushes.

In early June those rhododendrons and azaleas are in their full, peak bloom. These plants have extremely showy and gregarious blossoms that create spheres of various shades of pink. It is so fun. It’s like hiking through a forest of lollipops.

This hike also winds along the beginning of the Sandy River. There is one spot where you’ll need to cross the river, and finding the trail on the other side of the river can be a tricky task, but with sharp eyes and paying close attention, you’ll find it.

Getting to the falls is truly magical. You can hear the rushing water from a distance, but the cascade is obscured by trees from a ways away. More and more of it appears as you approach, until you’re standing at the base of the 120 foot veil-like waterfall.

I remember the first time I saw Ramona Falls so clearly. I took a detour on my PCT hike in 2016 to see it, and I’d been itching to get back ever since. It’s so much bigger and more beautiful than it looks in most pictures you see of it.

Ramona Falls is an overlooked spot for waterfall elopements in Oregon. Likely because of the 7 miles of hiking, and the fact that it is nestled along the west slopes of Mount Hood, where people are usually looking for sweeping views of that towering volcano. Similarly, other waterfalls in Oregon get more attention and notice in the adventure elopement world… but the fact that other spots are more popular is an advantage here– less people to overhear your vows!

Whether I ever get to shoot another elopement at Ramona Falls or not, I was so grateful to spend this day with Nicki & Jake. They are some of my favorite adventure buddies and muses, and I wish desperately that they lived closer to me… I guess I’ll just have to find more reasons to visit them in Big Sur!

Oregon Adventure Elopement Photographer

Whether you’re looking for waterfall elopement spots or big mountain views for your vows, Oregon is a great choice for your adventure elopement. It has so much to explore.

In fact, it has so much to explore that it can be a little bit daunting. It helps to have an elopement photographer who is familiar with the landscapes of Oregon and can help you choose the exact right place for your adventure elopement.

When it comes time for you to start planning your Oregon elopement (or an elopement in the greater PNW), I’d be honored to be considered as your photographer.

Please feel free to reach out– if you’re ready to get started planning, or if you have a tornado of questions spinning around your brain, I’m so happy to help!