Little Zigzag Falls — Attraction in Sandy

Great little trail, maybe 1/2 mile to the end and then you turn right back the way you came. Is that lame? I don't think so. To begin with, this seems to be a secret location. We had the place to ourselves! Even with the lousy weather that has dried and browned our world over the summer, this was lush, cool and the scent and refreshing mist. Now, the walk is easy and short enough, but the rocks, the roots of the trees would make this a treacherous walk; be careful of your Wee Ones, and yourself. Otherwise, someone may very well have to fish someone out of all of the delightful, freezing, water. So, all of this comes at the price of keeping one's wits about them--is it safe enough and is everyone comfortable with the terrain.

If all is well, pack a lunch and enjoy Mother Nature's handiwork. One nasty looking porta-potty, trash cans by the parking--back out your...

The first time we visited, we went the wrong way. Instead of driving to the trailhead parking lot, we drove down the road to the East of the trailhead parking lot. It was a decomissioned forest road that becomes barricaded about a half mile down so we got out and walked about 2 miles before it dead ended on a cliff overlooking the 26 that we just came from. Although a waste of time, the section of abandoned road was an adventure itself to see nature take it back. People even set up a make-shift skate park back there. Sections of it had been blasted back to gravel and you must bushwack some sections. The second time we visited, we went to the correct parking area that is well marked and completed the trail which is short and pretty. The falls are beautiful. Also drive to Sahale Falls and look at them...

We visited the falls in mid-July on a weekday, and it was a stunning and therapeutic experience. The water flows in a zigzag pattern to the right, and the sounds of the water combined with the forest create a peaceful and blissful atmosphere. The round trip is only half a mile with no elevation gain. The water comes from the snowmelt of Mount Hood and is incredibly cold, even on a scorching 102°F day in mid-July. We could only dip our feet for a few seconds, so be cautious if you decide to take a dip. The walk is easy and enjoyable for kids aged 7 and 10. They loved the hike, the falls, and the logs in the water that they could play on, which kept them engaged...