Overview

• Location: Hood River County, Mount Hood National Forest (Hood River Meadows area, near Government Camp)

• Waterfall Type: Horsetail

• Height: ~59 feet (18 m)

• Trail Distance: ~1.5 miles round-trip from the East Fork Trail parking area

• Difficulty: Easy

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring through fall; road typically open June through October

History & Background

Umbrella Falls is a beautiful 59-foot horsetail on the East Fork Hood River in the Mount Hood National Forest, one of the most rewarding short hikes on the east side of Mount Hood. The falls spread in a classic umbrella shape as water fans outward over the volcanic cliff before collecting into a pool below — an exceptionally photogenic form that makes this one of the most photographed lesser-known waterfalls on Mount Hood. The trail begins near the Hood River Meadows ski area and passes through the high alpine meadows and forests of the east side of the mountain, a landscape dramatically different from the more heavily visited south and west sides. A nearby second falls — Sahalie Falls on the East Fork, about 1 mile upstream — can be visited on the same trail for a rewarding double waterfall hike.

Geology

Umbrella Falls spreads 59 feet as a broad horsetail over a High Cascades volcanic cliff at approximately 3,700 feet elevation on the East Fork Hood River. The East Fork carries glacial meltwater from Mount Hood’s eastern glaciers, maintaining cold, clear flows through the snowmelt season. The umbrella shape results from a slightly convex cliff geometry that causes the water to spread outward as it falls, contrasting with the more concentrated plunges typical of steeper cliff faces. The surrounding subalpine meadows and mountain hemlock forest reflect the high-elevation east side of Mount Hood.

Directions & Access

• Nearest City: Government Camp, OR (~10 miles west); Parkdale, OR (~8 miles north)

• Trail Information:

  • From the East Fork Trailhead on Highway 35 south of Parkdale (also accessible from Hood River Meadows), hike south approximately 0.75 miles on the East Fork Trail to Umbrella Falls; the trail continues to Sahalie Falls (~0.5 miles further) for a combined hike

  • Umbrella Falls and Sahalie Falls (on the East Fork, different from the Sahalie Falls on the McKenzie River) make an excellent 2.5-mile round-trip combination hike; Northwest Forest Pass required

• Parking:

  • East Fork Trailhead parking area on Highway 35; Northwest Forest Pass required

• Accessibility:

  • Not wheelchair accessible; the 0.75-mile trail involves some rocky and rooted terrain

Best Time to Visit

• Spring: Best flows from snowmelt; the east side meadows are spectacular in June

• Summer: Lower flows but still beautiful; the shaded subalpine forest is cool; popular east side destination

• Fall: Excellent conditions; Hood River Valley orchards in harvest season nearby

• Winter: Snow closes the trail; not accessible from late October through June typically

Nearby Attractions

• Sahalie Falls on East Fork Hood River (~0.5 miles past Umbrella Falls)

• Tamanawas Falls (~2 miles north via Highway 35)

• Mount Hood Meadows Ski Area

• Hood River (~18 miles north)

• Cooper Spur

References

• Links:

  • Mt. Hood National Forest – USFS

  • Travel Oregon – Mount Hood East Side

• Books:

  • Oregon Waterfalls by Greg Plumb

  • Waterfall Lover's Guide: Pacific Northwest