10/11/15: Hiking

Topographic map (follow trail North to South)

Route: Trail 626 from Vista Ridge trailhead, 2.5 miles to user trail continuing up the ridge. South another 1.5 miles to the top of Barrett Spur. Descent via same path.

Stats: 8.1 miles (3,600' gain)

Notes: Trail 626 links up with the old Vista Ridge trail after 0.3 miles. After filling out our wilderness pass at the kiosk, we continued uphill at a fast pace, gaining 1,300' and 2.5 miles in just under an hour. After a quick peanut butter snack, we left the trail and started up the direct, steep slope to the base of Barrett Spur. Gaining 1,500' in only 1 mile, we finally started up the steep user trail on the north ridge of the spur proper. We quickly discovered the slick, transparent sheets of ice on the north side of most rocks, and proceeded with caution until gaining the summit of the first and lower of Barrett Spur's 2 peaks. Looking south, the view of Mt. Hood's daunting north face was incredible, glaciers and steep faces making us feel small. Looking across the ridge to the true summit of the spur, I continued until the start of the final climb, where the ice and exposed nature convinced me to halt. Ryan proceeded on to the summit (you can see him at the top), then returned for a lunch break of epic proportions. Our perch felt like the top row of a movie theater, with Mounts St. Helens, Ranier, and Adams the stars. The clouds beneath us began to thicken and race towards us, so we began the steep trek back down to the car. 

9/14/15: Hiking

Mt. Hood from Zigzag Canyon

Route: Trail 778 from Paradise Park trailhead, 5.3 miles to PCT. East 2.5 miles to trail 779. South 4.4 miles to Rd. 39, 0.9 miles back to car.

Stats: 13.8 miles (4,281' gain)

Notes: Trail 778 (Paradise Park) climbs the west side of Zigzag Canyon. The trail is sustained and quite steep at times, offering 2 main viewpoints: one partway up the canyon atop the steep western walls, the other among beach-like sand below the towering peak. At the junction with the PCT, we turned right and admired the vast chasm that is Zigzag canyon, Mt. Jefferson looming in the distance. After an accidental detour and a lunch of salami, cheese, and snickers, a gradual descent to the crotch of the canyon led us to a wmildly flowing Zigzag river. The trail then kicked back and provided a tough mental and physical challenge from mile 6.5-8.0, climbing 1,400'. The best view was atop a steep saddle on the east ridge of Zigzag canyon, providing us with a clear view of Illumination rock below the summit of Mt. Hood. The lack of snow near the summit gave us the sense that we could simply hike to the top, while the harsh, dust-laden wind urged us to keep moving. Once at the junction with Trail 779 (Hidden Lake), we turned right towards the car and descended sharply for 2 miles past Hidden Lake. The trail then levels to a fast 2 miles back to the road. Just under a mile on the road (tarmac hiking is actually really terrible after miles on the dirt) brought us back to the car, and a high-five celebrated our accomplishment.