Overview

• Location: Clackamas County, Mount Hood National Forest (near Rhododendron)

• Waterfall Type: Cascade

• Height: ~41 feet (12 m)

• Trail Distance: ~0.6 miles round-trip via Little Zigzag Falls Trail #795C (100 ft elevation gain)

• Difficulty: Easy

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall; accessible May through October

History & Background

Little Zigzag Falls is a delightful 41-foot cascade on Little Zigzag Creek in the Mount Hood National Forest near Rhododendron, a hidden gem for Portland-area hikers who often overlook it in favor of more famous destinations. The trail (#795C) is one of the shortest and most rewarding waterfall hikes in the entire Mount Hood area — a gentle 0.3-mile stroll through a mossy forest of Douglas fir and western hemlock, with the Little Zigzag River audible and visible for much of the route. The name ‘Little Zigzag’ distinguishes this creek from the larger Zigzag River in the adjacent canyon — the Zigzag name itself derives from the zigzag switchbacks added to the historic Barlow Road on nearby Laurel Hill when the original block-and-tackle descent became untenable for wagons. A memorial bench near the falls honors Helen and Jim Ogle.

Geology

Little Zigzag Falls cascades 41 feet down a broad, moss-covered volcanic basalt face at approximately 3,216 feet elevation on the western slope of Mount Hood. The falls resemble a miniature version of nearby Ramona Falls — a wide, spreading cascade fanning over a boulder-studded cliff. Little Zigzag Creek originates from snowfields and springs on the western slopes of Mount Hood and maintains reliable flows through the snowmelt season. The surrounding forest of Douglas fir, western hemlock, and rhododendron — which erupts in pink blooms in July — reflects the moist, mid-elevation Mount Hood environment.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Rhododendron, OR (~6 miles west); Government Camp, OR (~6 miles east)

• Trail Information:

  • From Rhododendron, follow Highway 26 east 5 miles (or from Sandy, ~23 miles), then turn left on Forest Road 2639 (Kiwanis Camp Road); drive 2.2 miles to the end of the road and the large parking area; Trail #795C begins next to a picnic table and an old bridge

  • The 0.3-mile trail follows Little Zigzag Creek through a boggy, mossy forest crossing two footbridges before opening to the falls viewpoint; a user trail leads to the top of the falls; an optional loop via the Pioneer Bridle Trail is possible for those wanting more mileage

• Parking:

  • Large trailhead parking area at the end of Kiwanis Camp Road; Northwest Forest Pass or $5 day-use fee required (May 15–Oct 1); seasonal portable restroom at trailhead

• Accessibility:

  • Mostly flat, short trail suitable for most visitors including families with young children; not formally wheelchair accessible due to footbridge and natural surfaces

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Best flows from Mount Hood snowmelt; the mossy forest is vivid green; rhododendrons begin blooming in late June

• Summer: Moderate flows; rhododendrons in full bloom in July; one of the most pleasant short hikes near Highway 26; popular with families

• Fall: Reduced flow; fall foliage from vine maple and huckleberry; quieter than summer; trail accessible until snow arrives

• Winter: Road and trail typically close due to snow from November through spring; a Sno-Park permit is required for winter access to the general area

Nearby Attractions

• Ramona Falls (~7 miles east)

• Yocum Falls (~2 miles east)

• Timberline Lodge (~15 miles east)

• Mirror Lake Trail

• Sandy River recreation

References

• Links:

  • Mt. Hood National Forest – Little Zigzag Falls Trail #795C

  • Oregon Hikers – Little Zigzag Falls Hike

  • AllTrails – Little Zigzag Falls Trail

• Books:

  • Oregon Waterfalls by Greg Plumb

  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest