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Timberline Lodge to ZigZag Overlook 8-9-14

Posted: August 9th, 2014, 5:36 pm
by kmcdade
I've been working my way up to hiking on the mountain, so I picked an easy one to start with. Beginners, please note that this is an easy hike for Mt. Hood, and may or may not meet your standards for "easy." :-) That said, this is a favorite tourist hike - the people at the lodge had recommended it to some of the people I talked to, and there were lots of families with children, etc. Although some of those families were backpacking, too!

I didn't get an early start like I wanted to, but I made it before noon.
From the parking lot.jpg
The hardest parts for me were actually getting to and from the Timberline/PCT trail junction. I did not enjoy the steepness in either direction. Had to stop at this landing area just before the trail.
Almost at the Timberline Trail.jpg
Said hello to Mt. Jefferson and whatever lake you can see here (Timothy? Clear? Trillium?).
Looking South.jpg
Reached the wilderness area.
Wilderness.jpg
Little Zig Zag was flowing, although you can't really tell from these photos. Easy crossing on the rocks. Some people were turning around here.
Little ZigZag.jpg
Little ZigZag 2.jpg
Lots of FLIES from this point on, but they didn't bite me (either the bug spray worked or they weren't interested).
Stopped for lunch a little before the overlook, because I found a nice shady spot to sit.
Lunch Stop.jpg
And then onward to the overlook, which has NO shade, so it was good that I had stopped already.
Up ZigZag Canyon.jpg
Down ZigZag Canyon.jpg
I saw LOTS of people on the trail, including both backpackers and day hikers (some of the unprepared variety, and the picking flowers variety). Most of the backpackers were headed to or from Paradise Park, and I talked to some people who had backpacked up from Eagle Creek and were headed for Timberline Lodge.
Backpackers.jpg
My body is DONE now. I think I am getting stronger, though - a couple of miles would have done me in at the beginning of the summer. Many thanks to all who maintain the field guide - I have been using that information to plan a slow progression from easier to more difficult hikes.

Re: Timberline Lodge to ZigZag Overlook 8-9-14

Posted: August 9th, 2014, 6:07 pm
by retired jerry
Good introduction to Mt Hood

I don't normally see water in Little Zigzag

Re: Timberline Lodge to ZigZag Overlook 8-9-14

Posted: August 10th, 2014, 8:07 pm
by Waffle Stomper
Timberline's elevation can be rough on a new hiker. I've been there. :)

That's Trillium Lake that you see.

You are off to a fine start. Keep up the good work.

Re: Timberline Lodge to ZigZag Overlook 8-9-14

Posted: August 11th, 2014, 12:48 pm
by mjuliana
Congrats on taking on a part of Mt Hood. Aren't the views worth it?

Re: Timberline Lodge to ZigZag Overlook 8-9-14

Posted: August 13th, 2014, 6:51 am
by woodswalker
I love that hike. I've also used it as a way to get gradually from small hikes to more difficult. I hike much further now and I still find that little section up to the Timberline trail a bit slow and not my favorite. Actually I find the hardest part is usually the car to the trailhead at Timberline :lol: . My body is always kind of shocked that I want it to move at elevation and actually go uphill.
Great report!
Woodswalker