Camping and Yurts
About US
About a 1-hour drive from Portland on the base of Mount Hood, Zigzag Mountain Farm offers the perfect escape from the city with 50 acres of meadows and forest, bordering thousands of acres of national forest. Camp in your own tent, van or small RV, stay in one of 8 yurts, or rent the 2-bedroom original cabin. Camping is not designated by sites, but by areas. You select the area you prefer and choose a spot. The farm is home to an organic garden, campfire circle, picnic area, a city bus with a campers' kitchen, outdoor seating area with BBQ, kids play structure and hiking trails. A year-round creek flows through the property.
The town of Welches is about 1 mile West and has a grocery store. Many restaurants are within a mile or 2. Timberline Lodge is 16 miles away. Hiking trails are all over! Trillium Lake, a great swimming lake with a view of Mt Hood, is 15 miles way. You can swim in the Zigzag River ½ mile away, but an ideal swimming hole on the river is Brightwood Beach, 8 miles away.
Staying with us
You can camp in your own tent, van or small RV, stay in one of 8 yurts, or rent the 2 bedroom original cabin. Note: Lodging tax (7.5%) is added to all rates.
Yurts
The farm has 8 yurts. Private yurts have a double bed, some also have a set of bunks (familly-style) and are heated. Dorm-style yurts are set up with 2 sets of bunk beds (4 beds).
Cabin
Rates are $140 to $225 depending on the date. Check with us for availability and current rate.
2 bedrooms w/bath, kitchen, living room, and porch with bbq.
Camping
Camp in our forest or in one of 3 meadows. Camping is not designated by sites, but by areas. You simply select the area you prefer and choose a spot. We have 5 camping areas:
Camp Site Details
• Calen’s Meadow is an open are near the main house. It’s ideal for Van and small RV camping along the driveway. The inner space of this meadow is good for tenting. There are roughly 9 spots for vans and small RVs, and 13 tents.
• Niko’s Meadow is a smaller area, surrounded by trees, and near the cabin and creek. It’s ideal for tenting. There are roughly 3 spots for vans, and 6 tents.
• Forest Camp is an area with old growth forest along the creek and is for tenting. There are roughly 10 spots for tents.
• Field Camp is a further out meadow surrounded by trees and is for tenting. There are roughly 10 spots for tents.
• Creek Lane has 5 pull in sites for vans, small RVs, or tents.
Events
We’ll be hosting the Zigzag Mountain Old Time Camp Out over Labor Day Weekend. For more info, visit https://bubbaguitar.com/zig-zag-old-time-camp/.
The Farm
We purchased the 50 acre property in 2009. It had been vacant and neglected for a number of years. Giant slash piles from logging operations from over 25 years ago, were scattered throughout the meadows. The main house and historic cabin were is bad condition. With the help of many who mostly came through WWOOF and Work Away, the organic garden was added and expanded, the house and cabin were refurbished, the forest thinned for a healthy animal and bird habitat, hiking trails and bridges added, camp areas created.
The Historic Homestead House Cabin: 2 bedrooms, kitchen, living room and private bath. Built in 1909 by the original homesteaders who settled the land, the cabin has been refurbished over the years. From the wrap-around porch you can hear Rockwood Creek flowing through giant cedars and maples.
The Main House: This is our registration area where we’ll check you in and get you oriented. It’s home for our farm managers. On the south side is a large outdoor deck with picnic tables and a BBQ. Rockwood Creek flows right by the deck.
Campers kitchen: The campers kitchen is a converted Metro city bus. You can prepare a meal, hang out in the lounge area or use the picnic tables just outside the bus.
Maja’s Meadow: On the west side of the main house this meadow is great for hanging out and playing games. Our campfire circle is here, by the creek, and a great place to socialize. There is also a play structure to the north end and our large deck with BBQ on the other end.
The Organic Garden: All vegetables and fruit in the 1+ acre garden are organically grown. Within the garden is a small orchard of a mix of fruit trees. Much of the produce from the garden is used at the Hostel Café, located at our NW Portland Int’l Hostel.
Hiking Trails: Enjoy walks through the forest and along the creek on our farm trails or take a serious hike up the Zigzag Mountain Trail which begins near the property. This trail leads to outstanding views of Mt. Hood and connects directly to the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The Castle Canyon Trailhead is also accessible by foot.
Yurts & Camping: see Lodging
NW Portland Int’l Hostel
We also own and operate Portland’s most popular hostel. The hostel features dorm style lodging and over 40 B&B style private rooms in 6 historic houses and buildings. Common areas, outdoor gardens and courtyard, equipped guest kitchen and an on site café serving quality food and 12 local beers, wine, ciders and kombucha on tap. It’s centrally located in Portland’s historic and active Northwest District. Walk to downtown, the Pearl District, MLS Soccer Stadium, Powell’s City of Books, NW 21st & 23rd Avenues and most attractions.
