Difference between revisions of "Cast Lake Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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[[Image:Castlake.JPG|thumb|250px|Cast Lake]] | [[Image:Castlake.JPG|thumb|250px|Cast Lake]] | ||
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* Trail log: [[Cast Creek Hike/Log]] | * Trail log: [[Cast Creek Hike/Log]] | ||
Revision as of 22:06, 23 March 2007
- Start point: Cast Creek Trailhead
- End point: East Zigzag Mountain
- Trail log: Cast Creek Hike/Log
- Hike Type: Out and Back
- Distance: 9.2 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 2400 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Seasons: spring, summer, fall
- Family Friendly: yes
- Backpackable: yes
- Crowded: yes during summer and weekends
Contents |
Hike Description
The Cast Creek Hike starts at Riley Horse Camp, up a forested ridge. After a long while you see views of East Zigzag Mountain and Mount Hood. Finally you reach the top of East Zigzag Mountain with great views all around. If you wish, there is a one mile side trip to Cast Lake where there are a couple campsites and fishing.
There are three hikes to East Zigzag Mountain: East Zigzag from Lost Creek Hike is 8 miles round trip and 2000' elevation gain. East Zigzag from Devil Canyon Hike is the same distance, 330' less elevation gain, but the approach road at the trailhead is more difficult and the last mile may be impassable. Cast Creek Hike is 12.4 miles round trip and 2970' elevation, but the approach road at the trailhead is better. You could also get to East Zigzag from extensions of the West Zigzag Hike and the Horseshoe Ridge Hike.
The Cast Creek Trail (#773) goes Southeast out of the Cast Creek Trailhead at the East End of Riley Horse Camp at 2050' elevation. Don't take the Sandy River Trail (#770) or enumerable horse trails that go in many directions.
After about 1/4 mile the trail crosses the Riley Horse Camp road and another possible place to park. Perhaps it's better to park at the end of Riley Horse Camp. If there are people camping there maybe bad guys would be discouraged from vandalizing your car.
At the start of the hike, if you listen carefully, you can hear Cast Creek (the outlet stream from Cast Lake) through the trees. This is as close as you get to Cast Creek.
The trail goes up a forested ridge to a dead-end at the Zigzag Mountain Trail (#775) at mile 3.7 (4450'). Go left. 4.2 miles from the Cast Creek Trailhead is East Zigzag Mountain (4971') where there are great views all around.
A nice side-trip is to go right on the Zigzag Mountain Trail. At 4 miles from the Cast Creek Trailhead, turn right on the Cast Lake Trail (#796) which dead-ends at Cast Lake, 4.6 miles from the trailhead. It is a small lake with a couple campsites. The outlet stream from the North end of the lake provides drinking water. You can fish out of the lake.
Maps
Fees, Regulations, etc.
Northwest Forest Pass required
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Guidebooks that cover this hike
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Contributors
- User:retiredjerry (creator)