Little Zigzag Falls Oregon Hike Guide
Little Zigzag Falls is a short out and back hike that takes hikers to 40ft waterfall. This hike is located in between Government Camp and Mt Hood Village, Oregon. This hike is family friendly, dog friendly and also offers a nice spot to take a quick dip into the freezing cold mountain stream.
Little Zigzag Falls Quick Facts
Little Zigzag Falls Rating: ★★★★ (4/5 Stars)
Distance: .75 Miles RT
Elevation Start: 3,204ft
Summit: 3,314ft
Total Elevation Gain: 120ft
Estimated Time to Complete: 30 Minute to 1 Hour
Difficulty: Walk in the Park What does this mean?
Class: Class 1 – What does this mean?
Season: May – October (expect snow outside of this period)
Directions to Little Zigzag Falls
Trailhead: Little Zigzag Falls
Getting Here: From Mt Hood Village, Oregon take US26 for 7.7 miles until you reach Twin Bridges Road. Take a left here and continue for 2.2 miles to reach the well signed trailhead.The road to the TH is accessible by all cars.
Parking: There is a large parking area at the TH that will fill up on busy weekends but since the hike is so short, turnover is high. There is a portapotty at the TH which is large enough to change into a swimsuit as well.
Fees: $5 or a Recreation Pass
Summary
Dogs: This is a dog friendly hike.
Camping: Camping options along Twin Bridges road (before the TH) are really solid. There are loads of dispersed camping spots but they will fill up on busy weekends.
Hike Tip(s): Be sure to enter the right TH into your navigational device (use the link above). I made the mistake of entering the incorrect one and ended up at a closed road. When you reach Little Zigzag Falls, explore the area as there are lots of cool little photo spots at the base of the waterfall and above it as well.
Best Views: Although Little Zigzag Falls is a short hike it’s very beautiful. Hiking through the lush forest next to the crystal clear rushing water makes you feel so peaceful. That is if you are there without crowds. Once at the waterfall itself, I really liked exploring the various spots along the waterfall to snap some pictures.
Little Zigzag Falls Hike Route
My approach (before the Palmer lift) on both the way/up and way down was not direct as I was not sure where the trail was. You can follow my line up and just stay straight where I veered right.
Gear Needed
- Men’s Trail Runners
- Women’s Trail Runners
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Boots (Men’s)
- La Sportiva Trango Hiking Booths (Women’s)
- Backpack
- Food & Water
- Optional: Garmin inReach
- Optional: Hiking Poles
- Optional: Headlamp
- Optional: Garmin Fenix Watch
- Optional: Camera and Lens
- Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod
- *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
My Trip to Little Zigzag Falls: June 2021
This hike was short and sweet so it doesn’t require a full summary, but enjoy the pictures below and feel free to leave a comment if you have questions about this beautiful hike.
