Difference between revisions of "East Zigzag Mountain Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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* Other featured landmarks: [[Burnt Lake]] | * Other featured landmarks: [[Burnt Lake]] | ||
* Trail log: [[East Zigzag from Lost Creek Hike/Log| Trail Log]] | * Trail log: [[East Zigzag from Lost Creek Hike/Log| Trail Log]] | ||
− | {{Distance|9. | + | {{Distance|9.4 miles}} round trip |
{{Elevation gain|2300 feet}} | {{Elevation gain|2300 feet}} | ||
{{Difficulty|Difficult}} | {{Difficulty|Difficult}} | ||
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Continuing on the trail, at mile 3.6 is a nice drinking water stream which is reliable year-round. | Continuing on the trail, at mile 3.6 is a nice drinking water stream which is reliable year-round. | ||
− | At mile 4. | + | At mile 4.2 (4600') the Burnt Lake Trail dead-ends at the Zigzag Ridge and the Zigzag Mountain Trail (#775). Make sure and remember where you came from for the return trip, the turn would be easy to miss. |
There is a spot to camp, left (east) on the Zigzag Mountain Trail in about 0.1 miles. It's not much more than a flat area next to the trail, but there are some views, and the crowds really thin out if you go this direction. | There is a spot to camp, left (east) on the Zigzag Mountain Trail in about 0.1 miles. It's not much more than a flat area next to the trail, but there are some views, and the crowds really thin out if you go this direction. | ||
− | Go right on the Zigzag Mountain Trail. After a while the trail enters an open meadow area with great views towards Mount Hood. At mile 4. | + | Go right on the Zigzag Mountain Trail. After a while the trail enters an open meadow area with great views towards Mount Hood. At mile 4.5 (4750') is the junction with the Burnt Lake Trail that goes down to the South Burnt Lake Trailhead (see [[East Zigzag from Devil Canyon Hike]]). |
− | Continue up the Zigzag Mountain Trail, up the east slope of East Zigzag Mountain to the summit at mile 4. | + | Continue up the Zigzag Mountain Trail, up the east slope of East Zigzag Mountain to the summit at mile 4.7 (4970'). You get excellent views in every direction. Look for beautiful bear grass displays in June, particularly on the east slope. There is a possible camp spot just to the west where there used to be a fire lookout. |
To finish the hike, go back to the trailhead the way you came. | To finish the hike, go back to the trailhead the way you came. |
Revision as of 23:19, 22 October 2010
- Start point: North Burnt Lake Trailhead
- End point: East Zigzag Mountain
- Other featured landmarks: Burnt Lake
- Trail log: Trail Log
- Distance: 9.4 miles round trip
- Elevation gain: 2300 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Seasons: July - November
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: Busy during summer and weekends, especially the first part to Burnt Lake
Contents |
Hike Description
This hike takes you up to the Zigzag Ridge and East Zigzag Mountain, a rocky ridge with great views all around, especially of Mount Hood. If you get too tired, you can stop at Burnt Lake, a picturesque mountain lake with a nice view of Mount Hood. Most of the trail is through forest with occasional views.
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.
Start from the North Burnt Lake Trailhead. Take the Burnt Lake Trail (#772) which is the only trail out of the trailhead. The trail goes gradually up for the first 2 miles along Lost Creek and the outlet creek from Burnt Lake. Then the trail goes steeply up to Burnt Lake at mile 3.3 (4100' elevation).
Burnt Lake would make a good destination for an easy hike. There is a trail around the lake (difficult to follow on the opposite side). The lake has fishing. There are 7 designated campsites, which can be full on summer weekends.
Continuing on the trail, at mile 3.6 is a nice drinking water stream which is reliable year-round.
At mile 4.2 (4600') the Burnt Lake Trail dead-ends at the Zigzag Ridge and the Zigzag Mountain Trail (#775). Make sure and remember where you came from for the return trip, the turn would be easy to miss.
There is a spot to camp, left (east) on the Zigzag Mountain Trail in about 0.1 miles. It's not much more than a flat area next to the trail, but there are some views, and the crowds really thin out if you go this direction.
Go right on the Zigzag Mountain Trail. After a while the trail enters an open meadow area with great views towards Mount Hood. At mile 4.5 (4750') is the junction with the Burnt Lake Trail that goes down to the South Burnt Lake Trailhead (see East Zigzag from Devil Canyon Hike).
Continue up the Zigzag Mountain Trail, up the east slope of East Zigzag Mountain to the summit at mile 4.7 (4970'). You get excellent views in every direction. Look for beautiful bear grass displays in June, particularly on the east slope. There is a possible camp spot just to the west where there used to be a fire lookout.
To finish the hike, go back to the trailhead the way you came.
If this hike isn't long enough for you try hiking to Paradise Park.
Maps
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Northwest Forest Pass required
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Zigzag
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Zigzag
Guidebooks that cover this hike
More Links
Contributors
- retiredjerry (creator)