Early Spring Waterfall Adventures at Mt Hood
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals 

Mt Hood Waterfall Hikes (or Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski Treks) for Early Spring

When you visit Mt Hood in March and April, there is more to do than downhill skiing and tubing. Consider a waterfall hike. Depending upon the snow levels, you may need snowshoes or cross country skis; no one wants to post hole up to their knees. If trekking through snow is more than you want to do, wait a few weeks to visit these beautiful waterfalls; they are worth visiting during the summer and fall, too. However, the beauty of these waterfalls is magnified when surrounded by snow and ice.

Have you ever wondered why waterfalls are so popular? Besides their beauty, there is something scientific and magical about waterfalls that attract people. It is something that you cannot see, touch or taste, but you can feel it: negative ions. Negative ions are actually a really positive thing. Negative ions are created when the surface tension of water is broken, such as when water is falling over a cliff or dam or rock wall. Inhaling the negative ions increases the oxygen in your brain and increases serotonin levels which leads to an elevated mood, increased mental awareness, and stress relief. The amount of negative ions in moving water like waterfalls in the forest is magnified thousands of times compared to the still air in your home. So, are you ready to plan your next waterfall hike?

Tamanawas Falls

The trailhead to Tamanawas Falls is on the east slope of Mount Hood and follows the Cold Spring Creek surrounded by large Douglas fir, cedar and larch trees. The falls are 100 feet high and 40 feet wide. The trail is a short, out-and-back 1 mile in each direction, making it accessible to hikers of most ages and abilities. While this is very popular during the summer months (you will be rewarded with a cooling mist coming off the waterfalls), the beauty of the frozen falls surrounded by snow cannot be beaten during the spring months. Of course, you will want to be prepared for snowy conditions and wear your winter boots, coats, hats and gloves. You can find more information about Tamanawas Falls at the Mt Hood National Forest website.

Little Zigzag Falls

Little Zigzag Falls is the reward at the end of a slightly uphill, meandering trail that follows Little Zigzag Creek. You will access this trailhead at the end of the Kiwanis Camp Road about halfway between Rhododendron and Government Camp. This easy trail is very popular during the summer months for families with small children, however, not everyone thinks to visit Little Zigzag Falls during the spring when there is still snow surrounding the falls. You can find more information about Little Zigzag Falls at the Mt Hood National Forest website.

White River Falls

White River Falls is a scenic destination if you are thinking of taking a drive to see the sights while visiting Mt Hood. The White River Falls are about a one-hour drive each way from the Villages of Mt Hood. You will pass through the scenic forest into the high desert area with expansive views and juniper trees. White River Falls is in White River State Park in Wasco County. During the summer months, this is a favorite picnic spot, but you will find the park fairly deserted during the spring. You can find more information about White River Falls at the Oregon State Park website.

Tips for Hiking to Waterfalls in the Snow

Here are a couple of things to remember when you are making early spring treks to waterfalls:

1. If you are planning a hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski trek to a waterfall in the early spring, there is a good chance that the roads leading to the trailhead may have some snow or ice on them. Be prepared with a four-wheel-drive vehicle with chains or snow tires.
2. There may also be snow or ice on the trail so dress accordingly. Wear winter snow boots if the snow is not too deep or if it is packed down; no sneakers or light shoes. If the snow is deep use snowshoes or cross-country skis.
3. Wear your winter snow play clothes. This means warm sweaters and water-proof coats, gloves, and hats.
4. Bring your phone or a camera to take some really cool photos.

Find Your Mt. Hood Vacation Rental!

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals are located in the Villages of Brightwood, Marmot, Welches, Zigzag, Rhododendron and Government Camp, so stay for a couple of days and enjoy the waterfalls. For reservations, enter your travel dates here to find the perfect vacation rental or call a Vacation Planner at 888-424-9168.

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Outdoor Activities

Discover Polliwogs at Frog Lake
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Monday, May 17, 2021

There are thousands of polliwogs swimming around at Frog Lake in the Mt Hood National Forest right now. The first stage of life for a frog is as a tadpole or the more fun-to-say name, polliwog. The snow around the lake melted recently and the frogs got busy starting new families. It is fun for kids and adults alike to go check out the polliwogs swimming near the shore. See how many you can count!

Tadpole Adventures for Everyone in the Family at Frog Lake

The lifecycle of a frog starts when the eggs are first laid and fertilized, then the embryo divides and becomes a tadpole slowing growing legs and finally becoming a frog about 12 weeks later. In early June, the tadpoles look like they just have tails and they are swimming around frantically in the shallow and calm waters at the shores of Frog Lake. So, depending upon when you head up to Frog Lake this summer, you might see many different stages of development. For more information about the lifecycle of a frog, here is an easy-to-read article from allaboutfrogs.com.

Hikes to Frog Lake

While visiting Frog Lake during your Mt Hood Vacation, you can hike along the Lower Twin Lake Trail or the Frog Lake Buttes Trail. Or take a paddle board or canoe and paddle around Frog Lake or Twin Lake. Frog Lake might be a little chilly for swimming, but Lower Twin Lake is smaller and shallower, so more suitable for a cool-down dip on a hot summer day.

The Lower Twin Lake Loop is a 4-mile round-trip hike that takes you through old-growth forest to Lower Twin Lake. Hike all they way around the lake to add 1 mile to your hike. For more advanced hikers, hike the Twin Lakes Trails by adding the Upper Twin Lake loop for a 7-8 mile hike with more hills. The Frog Lake Buttes Trail is 7.4 miles round-trip and includes 1745 feet of elevation gain for a good day hike that will leave you looking forward to that swim in the lake.

A shorter, yet strenuous hike is on the Frog Lake Trail at just 2.6 miles, this out and back trail has 800 feet of elevation gain in 1.3 miles, but offers views of Mt Jefferson and will also link you to the Frog Lake Buttes Trail and the Twin Lakes Trails.

Book a Mt Hood Vacation Rental for the Summer!

Are you still looking for a place to stay at Mt Hood this summer? We can still get you into a cabin, lodge or chalet for your summer vacation. All Mt Hood Vacation Rentals offers views, secluded or riverfront settings, and include fully equipped kitchens, TV and Wi-Fi. Our rentals are close to Mt Hood recreation and activities, restaurants and shopping. Start planning your summer vacation!

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Outdoor Activities

6 Lakes at Mt Hood for Summer Cool-down Fun
Posted by Mt Hood Vacation Rentals | Tuesday, May 11, 2021

What better way to cool down on a sunny summer day at Mt Hood than to visit the lake? There are actually more than 150 lakes and 14 wild and scenic rivers throughout the Mt Hood National Forest, but these six are some of our favorites (and they are nearby our Mt Hood vacation cabins).

Six Lakes at Mt Hood to Enjoy this Summer

1. Burnt Lake – in the Mt Hood Wilderness and ideal for hikers
2. Trillium Lake – just 3 miles east of Government Camp
3. Timothy Lake – 12 miles southeast of Frog Lake
4. Frog Lake – just 5 miles past Trillium Lake
5. Lost Lake – about 15 miles up Lolo Pass Road
6. Mirror Lake – just off the highway, 1 mile west of Government Camp

#1 – Burnt Lake

Burnt Lake is a high-alpine lake that is only accessible via a 6-8 mile out-and-back hiking trail which can be accessed from the north or the south. Access to the trail is a ways down LoLo Pass, so even though the hiking distance is relatively common, you can usually expect Burnt Lake to be a little less crowded than other lakes. You can also do a thru-hike if you pre-arrange a shuttle – either way you’ll want to bring food, water, and a towel if you plan to take a dip.

#2 – Trillium Lake

Trillium Lake is perfect for swimming because only non-motorized boats are permitted. Being a smaller lake, the water is warmer! You can fish, canoe, kayak and paddle board at Trillium Lake. There are also several trails for all abilites for hiking, running and biking around the lake. Stay at the Marshall Cabin in the Trillium Lake Basin and you will be just 2 miles to the lake. Mt Hood is also popular for romantic retreats. Many of our cabins have played a part in engagements, honeymoons and anniversaries.

#3 – Timothy Lake

Timothy Lake offers spectacular views of Mt Hood, several trails, fishing, boating, picnic tables and a bathroom. It is the one of the few lakes that allows motorized boating (10 MPH speed limit) making it easier to explore the entire lake or to go fishing. Timothy Lake Trail #528 is the most popular trail and offers views of Timothy Lake, Mt Hood and Mt Jefferson. The trail is 7.4 miles one way, and you can either turn around or take one of several loop options. Timothy Lake Trail #528 is open to hikers and horses and most of the trail is also open for mountain bikers.

#4 – Frog Lake

Frog Lake is named for the frogs that live in the trees near the lake (they are actually Western Mountain Toads). During the early summer, you will find lots of tadpoles swimming in the shallow areas of the lake, and by mid-July they will be toads! There are several trails you can access from the Frog Lake parking area including the Twin Lakes Trail. This is a great spot for kids to explore on your next family reunion trip at Mt Hood.

#5 – Lost Lake

Lost Lake is the most difficult to get to requiring some gravel road driving, but the views are well-worth the drive and some of the best in the Mt Hood area. Lost Lake is surrounded by rugged mountains and you’ll enjoy an abundant amount of fauna and flora. You can fish, canoe, kayak, paddle-board and hike at Lost Lake. Boat rentals are available at the lake, too!

#6 – Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is just off the highway near Government Camp. This is one of the most popular hiking trails in the area, so you will want to hit it early. The good news is that the Forest Service has built a new parking lot and trailhead at the west end of the Mt Hood Adventure Park parking lot to ease the congestion. Dogs are welcome to take a dip at Mirror Lake, and they’re also welcome in our pet-friendly vacation rentals.

Where to Rent Gear for Your Lake Excursion

No need to bring heavy, bulky water gear with you – you can rent what you need once you get here. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards are all available at Mt Hood Outfitters in Government Camp. They will even meet you at the lake with the boats and pick them up when you are finished boating!

Plan Your Mt Hood Getaway

Your Mt Hood adventure awaits! We’ve got all the details on planning the perfect Mt Hood getaway in our area guide. Plus, browse a huge selection of vacation cabins with pet friendly amenities and riverfront settings.

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Outdoor Activities

There are dozens of trails covering thousands of miles of terrain throughout the Mt Hood National Forest. If your summer vacation at Mt Hood is about getting out of the city and spending time in a serene and pastoral setting without crowds, we recommend these two hikes along eight trails that are at their very best for scenery and accessibility during the summer months. These trails offer wildflowers, huckleberries, Mt Hood views, mountain streams and waterfalls and there are not a lot people hiking here. Book a Mt Hood vacation rental and pack your hiking shoes to explore these gorgeous trails!

Paradise Park Trail # 778 & # 757 (starting at Timberline Lodge)

The Paradise Park Trail is along a section of the Timberline Trail which circumvents Mt Hood at about 6,000’ elevation and the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail which passes through the Mt Hood National Forest. This 12-mile roundtrip trail traverses down and back up Little Zigzag Canyon and Big Zigzag Canyon as well as other drainages for a total of 2,300’ of elevation gain. During mid-July through August you will enjoy multiple views of Mt Hood and a variety of wildflowers.

Stats:

• Elev. Gain: 2,300 feet, cumulative with elevation ranges between 5,400 – 6,240 feet
• Distance: 12-mile roundtrip
• Hiking Time: 6 hours plus lunch break and photo breaks
• Trailhead: From Timberline Lodge, take any trail on the east side of the lodge and hike for a short distance uphill to the generally well-signed Timberline Trail (no. 600), which is also the Pacific Crest Trail (no. 2000) along this stretch. Head west, passing above the lodge and under chairlifts as the trail gradually descends through meadows. There are frequent views of the summit of Mt Hood as well as Mt Jefferson and the Three Sisters to the south.
• Highlights: Multiple mountain views; wildflowers; streams

Umbrella Falls & Sahalie Falls Loop Trail # 600, #645, #646, #652, #667, #667C(This hike is comprised of several trails joined together.)

For a mostly shaded hike with two waterfalls and views of Mt Hood, choose the shorter 4.1 mile loop of this trail which takes you past both Umbrella Falls and Sahalie Falls. For a longer hike and panoramic views of Mt Hood hike the longer 9.7 mile loop which travels above tree-line and into full sun. Due to the higher elevation, the lower parts of this trail may have areas of snow through June. In August and September, look for wild huckleberries along the trails right around the 4,500 foot elevation for a mid-hike snack.

Stats

• Elev. Gain: 1400 feet, 5750 ft elev at Umbrella Falls
• Distance: 4.1 or 9.7 mile loop; this is actually several trails combined into two loop hikes. You can do the shorter hike to see both waterfalls, but you will miss the views of Mt Hood
• Hiking Time: about 2 hours for the shorter hike and about 5 hours for the longer hike
• Trailhead: From Government Camp, drive east on Highway 26 for 2.1 miles to the junction with Highway 35. Take Highway 35 towards Hood River for 7.8 miles. Turn left or north into the Hood River Meadows parking lot for Mt Hood Meadows ski area. The trailhead is on the right in 1/2 mile
• Highlights: Scenic hike with Mt Hood and forest views. Passes by Clark Creek, Newton Creek and Heather Creek. Two beautiful waterfalls during the hike. Lots of wildflowers during the summer and huckleberries in late August or early September

Mt Hood Vacation Rentals in Nearby Government Camp

Tom’s Creek Haus

A charming updated 1925 cabin right on Camp Creek, this Mt Hood vacation rental is a favorite for active summer vacations. Hike out the front door of the cabin to the famous Glade Trail, Crosstown Trail and several other adjoining trails. Enjoy the hot tub on the covered creekside deck year-round or sit by the creek during the summer.

• Highlights: 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, woodstove, hot tub, BBQ, covered porch, pet friendly, sleeps 6

Cedarwood Lodge:

This popular 3-level log lodge in the quiet south side of town is a long-time favorite vacation home for friend and family gatherings. You can walk to trails at Mt Hood Adventure Park or drive just a few miles to several trailheads.

• Highlights: 5 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, gas fireplace, hot tub, covered porch, BBQ, pet friendly, sleeps 12

Chalet am Berg:

Upscale 3-level vacation lodge next to the Glade Trail is perfect for summer hiking right out the back door. Cook awesome meals in the gourmet kitchen and gather around the dining table surrounded by a wall of windows.

• Highlights: 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, 2 gas fireplaces, hot tub, big patio, BBQ, game room, creekside, pet friendly, sleeps 10

Moosewood Cabin:

Cozy family cabin with lots of warmth and charm is perfect for your summer family vacation. You can walk to the trails at Mt Hood Adventure or have fun on the Alpine Slide, Bungee Jumping, Zip-lining or enjoying more than 20 other attractions.

• Highlights: 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, pellet stove, hot tub, decks, BBQ, pet friendly, sleeps 10

Marshall Cabin:

Adventure awaits in this modern and rustic cabin near Summit Meadow and Trillium Lake. You will be surrounded by the national forest with hiking, running and biking trails and roads right out the front door.

• Highlights: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, woodstove, covered porch, BBQ, creekside, pet friendly, sleeps 10

Outdoor Activities