Zigzag Falls

One 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

• Mileage: 0.6 miles
• Elevation gain: 101ft
• Difficulty: Easy, suitable for small children
• Dog Friendly: Yes, but they must be kept on leash

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

• Improved Mood and Mental Clarity: Negative ions are known to increase the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. Exposure to these ions can help alleviate symptoms of depression, reduce stress, and enhance overall feelings of well-being. Many visitors to Zigzag Falls report feeling a sense of calm and mental clarity after spending time near the falls.
• Enhanced Immune Function: Negative ions can boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections and diseases. Breathing in air rich in negative ions can help strengthen your body’s natural defenses, making you less susceptible to illness.
• Better Sleep Quality: The calming effects of negative ions extend to improved sleep quality. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, these ions can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep. A visit to Zigzag Falls can leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.
• Increased Energy Levels: Negative ions have been shown to increase oxygen flow to the brain, resulting in higher alertness and energy levels. Spending time at Zigzag Falls can help combat fatigue and boost your overall vitality, making it an ideal spot for a refreshing day trip.
• Allergy and Asthma Relief: Negative ions can help reduce airborne allergens such as pollen, dust, and pet dander by causing them to fall to the ground, thus improving air quality. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with allergies or asthma, providing relief from respiratory discomfort.
• Enhanced Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that exposure to negative ions can improve cognitive performance, including concentration and memory. The serene environment of Zigzag Falls, combined with the benefits of negative ions, can make it an excellent location for mental rejuvenation.

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.

1. The Timberline Trail. If you have the time to complete a challenging backpacking route I recommend the Timberline Trail. This is my all time favorite backpacking trip that i’ve completed in the Pacific Northwest. This trial isn’t for the faint of heart. It spans 39 miles and is packed with constant elevation gain, river crossings, and exposed trail.
2. Little Crater Lake Trail. This is another very easy trail near Mount Hood. I actually completed this trail right after hiking to Zigzag falls! It’s less than a mile, perfect for kids, and one of the coolest lakes i’ve seen in the Pacific Northwest.
3. Tunnel Falls Trail. The Tunnel Falls trail is one of those hikes that I tell everyone they need to see. It’s about 12 miles total, and you are constantly seeing new waterfalls. The trail peaks at the end when you get to hike behind a beautiful waterfall at Tunnel falls!

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.