and Adams and Rainier.
Following the 775 E toward Hood, I came across four people starting a campfire just below the summit of Zig Zag West! Half the state is already on fire and these idiots are busy lighting another one!
I don’t typically give people advice but starting a FIRE on a rocky, wind-swept ridge, with no water within a mile, and with tinder-dry forest on either side seemed to call for a few cogent remarks about STUPIDITY in action. They just seemed surprised that a fire might be a problem. Arrrrgh… 
Past the turn-off to Burnt Lake, the 775 is less used, brushier, but otherwise obvious.
After a pleasant wander through the woods, I reached the Paradise Park trail (778)
and took the Paradise Park Loop trail up for closer views of Hood,
of what little is left of the shelter,
the cloud deck lingering over Portland,
Jefferson,
and St. Helens.
Then one last look at the Big One,
before plunging down the PCT for what I feared might be a fateful crossing of the Sandy River. My fears proved baseless as the water was low, a few twigs had been fashioned in to a “bridge”,
and a small family was giving me a demonstration of crossing technique.
After that, my crossing was uneventful and dry,
and I was off downstream on the PCT. I didn’t think anyone needed yet another picture of Ramona Falls so I skipped that and concentrated on getting through the tourists heading for the Falls. A very good loop – long (20 mi, 4500’ EG) but on good trail – with big views. Also happy to report that Zig Zag West did not go up in flames!
