OWSR No. 21: Zigzag River

Kayaking Carter Falls during the Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival

Mount Hood and the Zigzag River | Photo: Zachary Collier

Quick Facts

  • Managing Agency: Mt Hood National Forest (USFS)
  • Designated Stretch: Headwaters at base of Zigzag Glacier to the Mt Hood Wilderness Boundary
  • Designation Length: 4.3 miles (4.3 miles Wild)
  • Outstanding Remarkable Values: Scenery, recreation, and macroinvertebrates
  • Wild and Scenic River Designation: March 30, 2009

More Information

Celebrated by Zach Collier on July 9, 2017 by hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Timberline Lodge to the Zigzag River.

Stories

Zigzag River WaterfallZach Collier: After looking at maps I realized the best way to visit the Zigzag River was to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Timberline Lodge to the Zigzag River. It's a really pleasant walk and about 3-4 miles one way to the river. I tried walking downstream but the canyon walls are incredibly steep making travel almost implossible. Just upstream of the trail, the Zigzag River goes over a fairly large waterfall worth visiting.

Learn about Oregon Wild and Scenic River No. 22: The River Styx >>

Partners

Northwest Rafting Company Exploratory Division