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.