Are there fees or permits required for Pegleg Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Pegleg Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Pegleg Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Pegleg Falls.

Live Conditions · 116 ft³/s · About average

Pegleg Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Pegleg Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Pegleg Falls.

Oregon

By Armen Suny · Last verified May 2026

Mt. Hood National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (1)

U.S. Forest Service- Pacific Northwest Region Public domain · Wikimedia Commons

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.4 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

350 ft

About Pegleg Falls

Pegleg Falls is a small, picturesque cascade tucked into Oregon’s Mt. Hood National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. It’s the kind of quieter, scenic stop that feels tucked away from busier viewpoints — ideal for hikers who want a peaceful moment beside rushing water without committing to a full-day trek. Access to the falls is served by the USFS BAGBY Trail (Trail #544), a short forest spur that delivers you right to the viewing area. The hike to Pegleg Falls makes for a satisfying half-day outing: the route is an out-and-back of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, rated moderate in difficulty. Trees and native forest tread frame much of the walk, so expect a natural-surfaced path and a pleasantly wooded approach that opens at the falls for rewarding views and photo opportunities.

The Setting

Pegleg Falls sits at 2,106 feet within Mt. Hood National Forest, fed by the Oak Grove Fork, in the hills of Oregon.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Henline Falls (126 ft) lies 11.4 miles to the southwest.

Henline Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Bagby (#544), a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 350 feet of elevation gain with grades of 12-20%. The trail is highly developed (Class 4).

USFS Trail

BAGBY #544

Trail Class

Highly Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

12-20%

USFS Segment

0.01 mi

Trail Description

Trail: BAGBY (USFS Trail #544). Overall route: 2.4 miles out-and-back with approximately 350 feet elevation gain; difficulty: moderate. The Bagby spur itself is very short (GIS length 0.01 miles) and leads directly to the falls. Surface and grade: the USFS lists the BAGBY trail surface as native material with a typical grade of 12–20%. Trail class: 4 (per USFS data). Expect natural tread, modest uphill sections on the approach, and a brief, steeper final spur down to the falls; suitable for most hikers comfortable with moderate grades and uneven native surfaces.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Pegleg Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Pegleg Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are the best times to visit, as the water flow is typically strongest during these seasons.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Mt. Hood National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

The rocks around the falls can be slippery, so exercise caution. Be mindful of water levels, especially during heavy rains or snowmelt.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

116 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

89 105 351 803

Based on 14 years of record

2.21 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

OAK GROVE FORK AT RIPPLEBROOK CAMPGROUND, OR

USGS 14209250

10.3 mi from waterfall

Drainage: 141 sq mi

Altitude: 1,420 ft

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Pegleg Falls is located off Highway 126 near the McKenzie River in Oregon. It is accessible via a short walk from a nearby parking area.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the falls, but space may be limited during peak seasons.

Elevation

2106 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.956781° N, -122.162713° W

Land Management

Mt. Hood National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure parking availability. Wear sturdy shoes as the area around the falls may be slippery.

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With 2.4 miles and 350 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

Elk Lake Campground

9.4 miles away · 0 sites

This 17 site tent-only campground, located adjacent to the Bull of the Woods and Opal Creek Wildernesses, is full of beauty in the summer. Wildflowers are a beautiful sight in the campground's meadows around July. Swim or paddle in the quiet waters of the non-motorized lake, go for a great hike with views of multiple Cascade peaks, or just kick back and relax in the campground.

Book on Recreation.gov