Portland and Mount HoodLittle Zigzag FallsPhoto coming soon

Portland and Mount Hood · Near Government Camp

Little Zigzag Falls

Little Zigzag Falls is a short walk waterfall outing near Government Camp in Portland and Mount Hood. This guide rates the visit easy and collects the practical information available for planning responsibly.

Get directionsCheck current conditions
  • DifficultyEasy
  • AccessShort walk
  • Round trip0.7 mi
  • Nearest townGovernment Camp

The place

Why Little Zigzag Falls is worth the stop

Little Zigzag Falls is a public waterfall destination near Government Camp, set in Mount Hood’s deep west-side forest. The visit is best understood as a 0.7-mile round-trip short walk rather than a stop measured only by waterfall height.

What the experience feels like

Expect 0.7-mile round-trip short walk with a easy difficulty rating. Conditions can change quickly, so check the official source before the drive.

Visit details

Plan your trip

Waterfall status
Natural waterfall
Public access
Public destination; verify current alerts before travel
Region
Portland and Mount Hood
County
Clackamas
Nearest town
Government Camp
Access type
Short walk
Round-trip distance
0.7 mi
Difficulty
Easy
Parking
Use the signed public trailhead or day-use area

Trailhead and parking

Start at the documented public access point

Coordinates: 45.305900, -121.868700

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The coordinates identify the documented public parking area or trailhead—not an off-trail waterfall location. Download directions before leaving cell service.

No star ratings

Why this is rated easy

The easy rating reflects the documented short walk access and approximately 0.7 mi round trip. Surfaces, weather, crowds, and seasonal closures can still create challenges.

EasyMinimal distance or straightforward developed access.
ModerateMore mileage, uneven terrain, or conditions requiring preparation.
HardLong, remote, exposed, or otherwise consequential travel.

Difficulty is a planning aid, not a guarantee. Snow, ice, heat, high water, trail damage, and individual ability can change the experience substantially.

Protect the place

Leave No Trace at Little Zigzag Falls

Waterfall corridors are easily damaged by shortcuts, litter, contaminated water, and crowding. Keep your visit on the durable, legal route and leave the site ready for the next person.

  • Stay on the signed trail, use established viewpoints, and respect every closure.
  • Pack out food scraps, dog waste, toilet paper, and everything else you bring.
  • Leave rocks, plants, wood, and historic features where they are.
  • Keep soap, food, and sunscreen out of streams, and give wildlife and other visitors room.
Read our complete guide to the seven Leave No Trace principles

Independent local picks

Eat and stay near Mount Hood

Mountain roads and business hours are seasonal, so confirm both before leaving. These are editorial suggestions, not paid placements.

Recommendations were editorially reviewed in August 2026. Businesses, quality, hours, prices, and availability can change; confirm current details before relying on a stop.

Keep exploring

Other waterfalls nearby

Selected first from the same practical road, park, or trail corridor—not from straight-line distance alone.

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