Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
This hike may be accessible in the winter/spring but it would likely require snowshoes and snow travel.
The West Zigzag Hike goes up the West side of the Zigzag ridge, taking you to the site of an old fire lookout and great views of wild flowers, Mount Hood, and the Zigzag valley to name a few. The Zigzag Mountain Trail continues past here to East Zigzag Mountain and eventually the Paradise Park Trail, but doing so might require an overnight.
Start on the Zigzag Mountain Trail (#775) which goes directly uphill from the trailhead. Don't take the other trail that continues on the (closed) road. The trail switchbacks up through the forest for 3.3 miles to 4300'. Much of this is well-graded but some parts are steep. Beyond here the trail is relatively level with occasional views. At mile 4.7 is a spring. Drinking water is difficult to find on the Zigzag ridge, this is your chance.
About half a mile before West Zigzag the trail comes out of the trees and makes a hard right turn. Enjoy the great view of Mt. Hood here because you won't be able to see it from the lookout site.
At mile 5.6 is the old West Zigzag Lookout site (4468') with excellent views to the south and the west. Trees and terrain block the view to the west and north. This is the end of this hike; return the way you came.
Activity Notes
Let's all go hike West Zig Zag Mountain! 11 miles, 3,000 elevation gain, this hike is sure to be a challenge. We'll follow the steep trail up to the top of West Zig Zag, passing spots where we'll be able to take in a few nice views of Mt. Hood. We'll finish our hike at the summit with a few views of the valley. <br> <br> Meeting location and time: Gateway Transit Center by the stairs towards the Max entrance, 8:00 am. We will be leaving Gateway Transit Center a few minutes after 8:00 am. Due to the length of the hike and shorter days, I encourage participants to bring a head lamp if they have one. Please bring the 10 essentials, food, money for gas (10 cents a mile, at 80 miles round trip).
We will be traveling at a 2 MPH pace or more. If you cannot hike at at least that pace, please do not sign up for this hike since we will be limited on the amount of daylight.
Hike description can be found here: https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/West_Zigzag_Hike
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 76 miles |
| Distance - Round Trip | 11 miles |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
| Relevant Maps | MH-H |
| Awards Qualified | Awesome Ridges Award, Mt. Hood Award, Wild Ones |
