That title sounds like some sort of drug reference. I assure you the only pleasant mind altering affects that I felt yesterday were from runners high and from seeing a lot of awesome scenery.
I started my hike yesterday morning at the Zig Zag Mountain Trailhead trail #775. The short dirt road getting to this trailhead was full of ruts and potholes. I made it in a small car but was lucky not to bottom out. My preference would be to park 1/2 mile earlier near the houses.
775 gains elevation fairly fast via a series of long gradual switchbacks. Not near as steep as the stuff I have been doing in the gorge lately just kind of pleasant. After a few miles you make it to the ridge of the Zigzag mts which follows Highway 26 up to Mt Hood.
The trail during the intial climb was very friendly with some blowdown but overall very nice.
On the ridge.
Viewing West down to Wildwood and towards Portland.
Hunchback ridge and Welches
Thats were I'm headed. The mountain pretty much defines this hike. Every mile it becomes larger and grander.
Cool rock formation near the fire lookout. Somehow I missed the fire lookout on the way out but caught it on the way back.
A lot of Wildflowers that became more abundant as I drew closer to Hood.
Getting closer.
Looking North towards Mt Adams across Lolo pass.
A field of wild flowers on the trail up to the East ZigZag Mt. viewpoint.
Hood view from the east ZZ viewpoint. I can see my destination now which is the patch of green on the flanks.
Looking down at Burnt Lake. One thing I should mention is that this trail is dry until you get to cast lake which is about 10 miles along.
The final push up the ridge.
Finally made it to Paradise. This is the Pct intersection.
Paradise is kind of fairy tale like.
Notice a theme yet.
Made it up to 6000' and had lunch. The view of the Mountain and the skys constantly changed with the clouds.
Looking back down.
Government Camp and areas North.
Very Beautiful.
I looped around Paradise Park. It was very cool seeing all the headwaters but the Mountain always kept an eye on me.
Yocum Ridge.
Brillant red flowers and butterflys everywhere.
Back on the timberline trail. You can see the trail cutting up along the side of this defunct glacier bed.
More flowers
From within that same glacier.
Another angle.
Waterfalls along the timberline trail. These 2 were taken from the same spot.
One last look at the Mountain on my way home.
My out and back track.
Stats:
Distance: Roughly 33 miles out and back and around paradise loop.
Elevation: 9300 gained
Time: 10:20 Allow more if your not running.
Trail condition: Very good. Varied from smooth pine needles to loose rock and pumice. Very little blowdown.
Water: 10 miles dry until Cast lake. Lots of good water up near Paradise.
Camping: I saw one great spot near the West ZZ Mt. viewpoint. I'm sure that Cast lake and Burnt lake had great places to camp. There were probably more that I missed.
Difficulty: Pretty hard
Weather: Partly Sunny
Crowds: I saw about 14 hikers and most of them were up at paradise.
| 
