Pegleg Falls
- Tina McLain
- Apr 28
- 4 min read
A waterfall along the Hot Spring Fork Collawash River in Mount Hood National Forest.
Waterfall Name: Pegleg Falls
Waterfall Coordinates: 44.95679, -122.16258
Waterfall Elevation: 2044'
Access: Unmarked & unnamed trail
Distance: 0.20 miles (round trip)
Elevation Range: 2015' to 2084'
Ascent/Descent: +46 ft/-71 ft
Route Type: In and out
Route: Approached the falls from a little pull off along NF 70 at 44.95771, -122.16277. Followed boot path to waterfall then followed light trail/bushwhack to chain link fence on cliff edge.
Outing Type: Day hike
Permits/Fees: None
Notes: We approached the falls from a little pull off along NF 70 at 44.95771, -122.16277. There seemed to be some other wandering "trails" more like boot paths that might come from further east. Seems it could be approached from a few different directions.
Location: Near NF 70 in Mount Hood National Forest, Oregon, U.S.A.
Administration: Mount Hood National Forest
Ranger District: Clackamas River Ranger District
Date Accessed: December 21, 2024
I've had this waterfall on places to see for a while. A family member told me about it. My sister and I have attempted to access the falls a few times, but snow blocked our way both times.
My dad and I ended up being the ones to go out and make it to Pegleg Falls. After having seen Blister Creek Falls we continued down the road to an area with a wide shoulder near two very loge rock outcroppings. We parked at the "pull-out" and found an unmarked & unnamed "trail" (more of a boot path). It meandered through the forest and there were lots of areas where it looked like it went off in different directions.
We could hear the roar of the waterfall so it was easy to follow the sound, as well as referencing my GPS. We came out in a clearing that was parallel to the waterfall, so we could only see it from its side. There were rocks covered in moss leading down the rivers edge, with the water level being higher and the rocks being wet, we decided to find a way to the top of a rock cliff face with some chain metal fencing along the edge.
There was a "barely there" path we followed and ended up having to bushwhack a little bit. There were a few downed trees we had to climb over. We made it to the edge of the rock cliff and had a much better view of the falls. I was impressed by how much water was going over it. There is a fish ladder that was made into the rock along the north side of the falls. With being here during the winter we didn't see anyone else, but I'm not sure what usage looks like during the summer. I can see it being a solid swimming hole.
According to Waterfalls Northwest, the average (water) volume is 450.0 cu ft/sec. It's total height is 21 feet with width of 50 feet. It's form is considered a wide horsetail.
There seem to be multiple routes to get to this falls. Just a little ways down the road to the east from where we parked is a gated road that is posted as closed. I'm pretty sure walking down that road connects to the same "trails" we were on. What's unclear to me is if the waterfall/trails is accessible from the Pegleg Falls Picnic Area which is even further east down the road close to Blister Creek.
Resources
Last photo in the post shows a kayaker going of Pegleg Falls, circa era 2001.
Into the Outside - Nohorn Creek
Once again last photo in the post shows a kayaer going over Pegleg Falls, circa era 2011.
Pegleg Falls is mentioned at the bottom of the post.
Coordinates
How to get there (from Estacada, OR)
Map
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