Umbrella & Sahale Falls | Two Stunning Waterfalls in Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest
Click the Play Button above for the Video Guide, or continue down to read the Full Review.
*This guide is based on driving between the two falls with minimal hiking. Hike distance depends on if you go down to base of Sahale Falls or not.
**Always check weather and road conditions before visiting. Winter snow or Summer wildfires can greatly affect whether the location is accessible.
Nestled just a couple of miles apart on the east slopes of Oregon’s Mount Hood, Umbrella Falls and Sahale Falls are two of the most beautiful and accessible waterfalls in the Mt. Hood National Forest. Both falls are easy to visit in a single trip, whether you hike the scenic trail between them or take the shorter driving route.
Umbrella Falls gracefully veils 59 feet down a rugged slope of bedrock into the East Fork Hood River, surrounded by lush meadows and forest. Sahale Falls, a tiered 78-foot horsetail waterfall, plunges into a clear pool before cascading over moss-covered boulders downstream.
If you’re looking for a quick waterfall adventure with minimal hiking, these two are a perfect choice.
Parking for Umbrella Falls
We’ll start with Umbrella Falls, located near the Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort. The main parking area for the Umbrella Falls Trailhead is at the southeast end of the ski resort lot, which is usually open and free for hikers in summer. Check the ski resort’s website before visiting to confirm access. If the lot is closed, there’s an alternate trailhead just down the road with its own parking area and sign.
Trail to Umbrella Falls
From the ski resort lot, the trailhead begins on the northwest side of the designated parking area. The paved trail gently descends for just 0.13 miles to reach the falls. While short and easy, it’s all downhill on the way in—so expect a brief uphill climb on the way back.
In summer, the trail is lined with lush green vegetation and wildflowers, eventually transitioning into a shaded forest of fir, hemlock, and spruce. You’ll soon walk alongside a section of the East Fork Hood River, with a small cascade on the left and the top of Umbrella Falls dropping away on the right. This upper area is not fenced, so use caution near the edge.
The path then winds through a couple of short switchbacks, revealing views of open meadows below, before bringing you to the footbridge in front of the falls. From here, you’ll have a head-on perspective of the cascade—a great spot for photos. To the right, a shaded clearing offers another excellent view and a perfect picnic spot.
Umbrella Falls is unique in how it fans out over a sloping, rugged rock face rather than plunging straight down. Combined with the lush meadows and forest surrounding it, the scene is peaceful and inviting.
Exploring Around Umbrella Falls
Before leaving, take some time to explore the area. Trails lead up the side of the falls for unique vantage points, and if you climb high enough, you can feel the refreshing mist. Other nearby trails lead into meadows that are especially beautiful in mid-summer. Compared to Sahale Falls, Umbrella Falls offers more open space to relax and take in the surroundings.
Getting to Sahale Falls
From Umbrella Falls, you can either hike the Umbrella Falls–Sahale Falls Trail #667 (about 3 miles round trip, 600 feet elevation gain) or drive a short distance to Sahale Falls. The drive is simple but note that Sahale Falls sits along the old Highway 35, now a one-way road, so Google Maps directions may look unusual.
The Sahale Falls parking area is smaller, fitting about 5 cars, with additional space along the road if needed.
Viewing Sahale Falls from Above
If you’re just stopping for a quick look, walk onto the historic 1930s stone arch bridge for a great elevated view of the waterfall and river. From here, you’ll see Sahale Falls plunge into a pool before spilling over rocks and boulders downstream. Many visitors stop here briefly while passing through the area.
Getting to the Base of Sahale Falls
For those wanting a closer look, a steep and unofficial trail leads to the base. This route is challenging, and should only be attempted if you’re experienced, wearing proper footwear, and the trail conditions are safe.
The safest approach begins by climbing the hill to the right of the bridge and following a small forest trail away from the falls before looping back toward them. At a fork marked by a fallen tree, keep left. After stepping over another fallen tree, you’ll first come to a steep embankment, but don’t go down here, a little further and you’ll come to another steep descent with plenty of roots and rocks for handholds.
The Base of Sahale Falls
At the base, Sahale Falls is even more beautiful. The 78-foot cascade drops into a clear pool surrounded by lush vegetation, and in early summer, the slopes are dotted with wildflowers and beargrass. The sound of the rushing water here is immersive, making it a perfect place to pause and take in the view.
Final Thoughts
Umbrella and Sahale Falls are two of Mt. Hood’s most scenic and easily accessible waterfalls. Whether you spend the day hiking between them or simply stop to enjoy each from its main viewpoints, they offer a quick and rewarding taste of the beauty found on the mountain’s east slopes.
If you’re exploring Mt. Hood National Forest, make time for these two gems—you’ll leave with great photos, fresh mountain air in your lungs, and memories of two very different but equally stunning waterfalls.
Happy Exploring!
