Cast Creek Horseshoe Ridge Loop hike

Activity Notes

Clockwise loop hike to multiple early summer views of Mt Hood. From the Riley Horse Camp trailhead (NW Forest Pass required), we'll ascend the Cast Creek Trail. At the first intersection we'll turn east to reach the view from East Zigzag (4,971'), then backtrack and turn south on the Devils Tie Trail, soon turning onto the westbound Zigzag Mountain Trail. We'll likely lunch following a short scramble to 4,877'. Soon thereafter, we'll turn north onto the Horseshoe Ridge Trail, which descends, eventually at a series of switchbacks, reaching the trailhead following a ford of Lost Creek. 

This trip is exploratory. Your leader last hiked this loop 13 years ago when not a leader, and no track is saved. There is good info on the hike at https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Cast_Creek-Horseshoe_Ridge_Loop_Hike. We will be visiting East Zigzag Lookout but not Cast Lake, and an estimate of our stats is 12.7 miles and 3,350'.