Umbrella and Sahale Falls Loop

This route is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. You'll encounter two magnificent waterfalls: Sahale Falls, a 78-foot tiered horsetail, and Umbrella Falls, which cascades 59 feet. The trail also offers lush forests, open meadows, and impressive views of Mount Hood. You'll pass through sections of the Mt. Hood Meadows ski area.

While parts of the area are accessible by bike, a complete off-road touring cycling loop is not entirely feasible due to trail restrictions. Specifically, bikes are not allowed on Umbrella/Sahalie Falls Trail #667 between Timberline Trail #600 and Forest Road 3555. Cyclists would need to combine riding on paved roads to access trailheads with permissible sections of trails, such as Sahalie Falls Trail #667C, which is generally bike-friendly.

The best time to visit is during summer and fall when wildflowers are in bloom and there is no snow. Summer offers vibrant floral displays in the meadows, while fall brings beautiful foliage. Umbrella Falls has its strongest flow in spring, but snow can still be present on parts of the trail.

Yes, as this trail is located within the Mt. Hood National Forest, a recreation pass may be required for parking at certain trailheads. You can find more information on passes and regulations on the USDA Forest Service website.

The terrain on bike-friendly sections, like Sahalie Falls Trail #667C, can vary. Expect natural ground surfaces, which may be narrow and dusty in parts. There are sections with significant elevation gain, switchbacks, and potentially challenging stream crossings or areas with large boulders. The overall difficulty for cycling is considered moderate to challenging.

The trail is easily accessible from the Mt. Hood Meadows ski area parking lot. Be sure to check for any required recreation passes or fees for parking within the Mt. Hood National Forest.

Generally, dogs are allowed on trails within the Mt. Hood National Forest, but they must be kept on a leash. Always practice Leave No Trace principles and pack out any waste. Check specific trail signage for any local restrictions.

During the summer, the meadows along the route burst with a variety of wildflowers. You might spot lupine, paintbrush, beargrass, Indian paintbrush, cat's ears, bistort, western pasque flower, and avalanche lilies, creating a vibrant display.

Yes, the route utilizes sections of several official trails. You'll find yourself on parts of the Sahale Falls Trail #667C and the Umbrella Falls Trail #667. It also crosses Forest Road 3550 and a smaller segment known as 3550-250.

It's crucial to be aware that bikes are explicitly prohibited on the Umbrella/Sahalie Falls Trail #667 between Timberline Trail #600 and Forest Road 3555. This means you cannot complete the entire hiking loop as a continuous off-road cycling route. Plan your ride to use permissible sections and connect via roads where necessary.

While the Umbrella and Sahale Falls area is popular, exploring the numerous forest roads and other designated bike trails within the Mt. Hood National Forest can offer less crowded experiences. Researching specific gravel or road cycling routes in the wider Mt. Hood Meadows area might provide alternatives.