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THE FOLLOWING MAP IS NOT TO BE USED FOR NAVIGATIONAL PURPOSES.
Map of the Zig Zag Canyon Overlook Hike
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Length: 4.6 miles round trip
Elevation Change: 500' loss then 500' gain to return
Season: Summer thru late Fall
Difficulty: Moderate
Permit: Snow Park Pass Required in Winter
Features:
NEW! Click for PDF Topo Map of this Hike
This wonderful little hike begins a the Timberline Lodge parking lot.
Just walk uphill on the paved service road to the east of the lodge to the sign
marked Pacific Crest Trail. Bear left at this point and follow the trail
west through the Mt Hood Ski Area. After about a half mile, you will be out
of the ski area and surrounded by lots of extreme scenery.
The trail wanders up and down through small valleys with snow fed streams.
In season the trail is lined with large amounts of Lupine, Paintbrush, and
Asters. With frequent views of Mt Hood, and Mt Jefferson to the south,
you will never run out of vistas to enjoy.
At about a mile you need to sign in as you will now enter the Mt Hood Wilderness.
Soon you come to the junction of the trail to Hidden Lake far below you. The
trail then enters more of a timbered area and does a few small switchbacks as
you descend to your goal.
The last few hundred yards is a bit uphill as you climb out of one of the snow
fed valleys and reach the saddle that makes what we call the Zig Zag Canyon Overlook.
If you walk just a bit further, you will find another excellent vantage point where
lots of photos are in order before you begin your climb back up to Timberline Lodge
and that comfy vehicle that brought you here.
Zig Zag Canyon as seen from the overlook
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How to get there:
NEW! Click for PDF Directions Map of this Hike
Follow US 26 to Government Camp. Turn north
on Road 50 to Timberline Lodge. Park in the
designated parking area when you arrive.
The trails are located behind the lodge and
up a paved service road about a couple hundred
yards.
Note: This is the same trailhead for the Timberline Trail,
the Paradise Park Loop hike, and the East Zig Zag Overlook Hike.
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A Virtual Hike of the Mount Hood National Forest
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