Zigzag Falls
Spread the loveOne of my favorite places to visit in the Pacific Northwest is Mount Hood. It sits just south of the southern Washington boarder about an hour east of Portland Oregon. The entire Mount Hood Wilderness Area is beautiful and screams PNW! Plus, this area of Oregon is famously known for its mass amount of waterfalls. Every time i’m in Oregon I try to visit a new waterfall, and recently on one of these trips I went to see Zigzag Falls. I was initially intrigued by the photos of the falls, and when I found out how easy the trail was I knew I had to stop by! This post will share a guide to visiting Zigzag falls and other activities, food, and lodging in the area. Overview of Zigzag Falls The Trail to Zigzag Falls The hike to this Oregon waterfall is one of the easiest trails you can find in the area. There’s only 0.6 miles of trail to navigate and 101 ft of elevation gain, which really just means that this trail is short and flat. It’s suitable for people of all ages and ability level. The hiking trail to Zigzag falls follows along the Little Zigzag river until you reach the waterfall. This river is incredibly clear and beautiful to sit along and soak in the views. You’re surrounded by tall trees, mossy rocks, and lush greenery along your entire walk to the falls. When I did this hike in mid July the entire trail was lined with fresh huckleberries ready to be eaten! It was fun getting to break every few steps and eat these tasty berries. Once you get to the waterfall, there’s a nice viewing area for you to take in the water flowing down this steep rock face. There’s also a bench that you can snag if someone else hasn’t gotten to it first! This is where the previously mentioned 0.6 mile trail ends, but if you’re feeling adventurous you can continue up above the falls. My group of hikers only went to the top of the falls, but it looked like the trail continued up the river for a ways. Make sure you are a confident hiker before climbing up over this area, I would consider the water above the waterfall as a no-fall zone. Magic in the Air: The Negative Ions I learned about Zigzag falls by talking to locals in the town of Welches. Multiple people recommended the hike to this waterfall due to the negative ions in the air here. Negative ions are molecules that have gained an extra electron, giving them a negative charge. They are abundant in natural environments, particularly around moving water, such as waterfalls, oceans, and rivers. These ions are believed to have a range of positive effects on human health and well-being. The continuous movement of water over the rocks at Zigzag Falls creates a natural process called ionization. When water molecules collide, they split and release negative ions into the air. The result is an environment rich in these beneficial ions, especially around the base of the falls where the mist is thickest. Believed Benefits of Negative Ions Food Nearby When I visited Zigzag falls I was staying in an Airbnb in the nearby town Rhododendron. There was a surprising amount of food in this area, and a couple of places I highly recommend you check out. 1. Chicali Cantina The food at Chicali Cantina was amazing! This is a local Mexican restaurant with a ton of options for tacos, burritos, salsas, and more. 2. Mt.Hood Baking Company Mt Hood Baking Company has an amazing 5 star score on Google! They’re one of the only bakeries in this area unless you travel into the nearby town of Sandy. They serve coffee and a variety of baked goods for you to enjoy. 3. Zigzag Mountain Cafe If you’re looking for a meal a little closer to Zigzag falls, the Zigzag Mountain Cafe is an affordable and delicious option. They’re known for their home cooked breakfast and pizzas! Other Trails Near Zigzag Falls Zigzag falls is just one of many hikes near Mount Hood. This area of Oregon is packed full of iconic trails worth seeing. Below are a few of my favorites. Conclusion If you’re searching for an easy and rewarding hike near Mount Hood, Zigzag falls is an amazing option. Spend some time soaking in the negative ions and enjoying the views at this amazing waterfall. If you liked this post, you might also like..