Little Zigzag Falls
Mt. Hood AreaBest May–Jul, Oct
A near-flat 0.8-mile stroll to a 41-foot two-drop waterfall, accessed from an old quarry used to build the 1923 Mount Hood Highway.
About This Trail
Little Zigzag Falls is a short, nearly level walk along a mossy creek to a photogenic waterfall that splashes down a rock face in two drops totaling 41 feet — a miniature version of Ramona Falls. The trailhead itself occupies an old quarry used to build the 1923 Mount Hood Highway; interpretive signs describe the highway's construction, and the original bridge over Little Zigzag Creek still stands near the parking area.
From the picnic table, the trail enters forest under a rock face and strolls alongside Little Zigzag Creek. Two footbridges cross a boggy area where devil's club and skunk cabbage grow thick; rhododendron and huckleberry form the understory under Douglas-fir and western hemlock. The rhododendrons bloom pink in July, making a week-long wildflower show. A user trail splits off to the top of the falls; the main path leads to the falls viewing area with a memorial bench to Helen and Jim Ogle.
A short loop option crosses the creek on a log above the falls, bushwhacks up to the ridge, and joins the Pioneer Bridle Trail back to the trailhead. In winter, the access road is plowed to the Kiwanis Camp a short distance from the trailhead, so this makes a reliable winter hike or snowshoe. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. Dogs on leash. This is among the best waterfall payoffs anywhere for under a mile of walking.
Seasonal Highlights
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
Scorecard
Summer weekends draw families; the shortness keeps people moving. Winter and weekdays feel almost empty.
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Loop variant requires a log crossing above the falls — optional, skip in wet conditions
- Boggy sections soft after heavy rain
Getting There
Little Zigzag Falls Trailhead lot at the old quarry. NW Forest Pass required. Small lot but rarely fills.
From US-26 near Government Camp, turn off onto Old Mount Hood Highway (NF-39) and follow signs to Kiwanis Camp. The trailhead is a short distance past Kiwanis Camp at the old quarry. NW Forest Pass required.
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