West Zigzag Mountain from down below

Typical trail section

West Zigzag summit from the trail to the West

• Start point: West Zigzag Trailhead
• End point: West Zigzag Lookout
• Other featured landmarks: East Zigzag Mountain
• Trail log: West Zigzag Hike/Log
• Hike Type: Out and Back
• Distance: 10 miles round trip
• Elevation gain: 2900'
• Difficulty: Difficult
• Seasons: April through November
• Family Friendly: No
• Backpackable: Yes
• Crowded: Busy during summer and weekends, especially the first part to Burnt Lake

Hike Description

The West Zigzag Hike goes up the West side of the Zigzag ridge, taking you to the site of an old fire lookout and great views of wild flowers, Mount Hood, and the Zigzag valley to name a few. The Zigzag Mountain Trail continues past here to East Zigzag Mountain and eventually the Paradise Park Trail, but doing so might require an overnight.

Start on the Zigzag Mountain Trail (#775) which goes directly uphill from the trailhead. Don't take the other trail that continues on the (closed) road. The trail goes steeply up through forest for 3.3 miles to 4300'. Beyond here the trail is relatively level with occasional views. At mile 4.7 is a spring. Drinking water is difficult to find on the Zigzag ridge, this is your chance.

At mile 5.6 is the old West Zigzag Lookout site (4468') with excellent views. This is the end of this hike, go back to the trailhead the way you came.

The Zigzag Mountain Trail continues from here beyond the range of most hikers: Mile 5.7 is the junction with the West Zigzag Trail (#789)(see South Burnt Lake Hike). Mile 7.5 is the junction with the Horseshoe Ridge Trail (#774) (see Horseshoe Ridge Hike). Mile 9.2 is the junction with the Devil's Tie Trail (#767) (see South Burnt Lake Hike). Mile 9.7 is the junction with the Cast Creek Trail (#775) (see Cast Creek Hike). Mile 10.2 is East Zigzag Mountain. Mile 14.4 is the end of the Zigzag Mountain Trail at the Paradise Park Trail (#778).

Fees, Regulations, etc.

Northwest Forest Pass required

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Contributors

• User:retiredjerry (creator)
• Pictures by fettster

GPS track to West Zigzag Lookout