Difference between revisions of "Zigzag Overlook from Hidden Lake Hike"
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
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| + | [[Category:Northwest Oregon]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Mount Hood Area]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Mt Hood National Forest]] | ||
| + | [[Category:Wilderness Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Alpine Hikes]] | [[Category:Alpine Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Backpackable Hikes]] | [[Category:Backpackable Hikes]] | ||
[[Category:Difficult Hikes]] | [[Category:Difficult Hikes]] | ||
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[[Category:Lake Hikes]] | [[Category:Lake Hikes]] | ||
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[[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]] | [[Category:Viewpoint Hikes]] | ||
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[[Category:Wildflower Hikes]] | [[Category:Wildflower Hikes]] | ||
| − | [[ | + | [[Category:Hikes]] |
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| − | + | [[Image:ParadiseParkZigzagCanyon.jpg|thumb|400px|Mount Hood and the massive Zigzag Canyon from the Zigzag Overlook ''(Tom Kloster)'']] | |
| + | [[Image:HiddenLakeTrail01.jpg|thumb|250px|Rhododendron and beargrass blooms make this a great trail in June ''(Gene Blick)'']] | ||
| + | [[Image:Pinesap (Hypopitys monotropa), Hidden Lake Trail.jpg|thumb|250px|Pinesap ''(Hypopitys monotropa)'', Hidden Lake Trail ''(bobcat)'']] | ||
| + | [[Image:HiddenLake02.jpg|thumb|250px|The small, tranquil Hidden Lake ''(Gene Blick)'']] | ||
| + | [[Image:HiddenLakeProfile.jpg|thumb|250px|Approximate elevation profile (generated from National Geographic ''Topo!'')]] | ||
| + | [[Image:HiddenLakeTrail.jpg|thumb|400px|Approximate hike route (drawn using National Geographic ''Topo!'')]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | {{Start point|Hidden Lake Trailhead}} | ||
* Ending Point: [[Zigzag Overlook]] | * Ending Point: [[Zigzag Overlook]] | ||
| − | * Trail Log: [[Hidden Lake Hike/Log|Trail Log]] | + | * Trail Log: [[Zigzag Overlook from Hidden Lake Hike/Log|Trail Log]] |
| − | + | {{Distance|10.8 miles}} round-trip | |
| − | + | {{Elevation gain|2930 feet}} | |
| − | * High Point: | + | * High Point: 5,720 feet |
| − | + | {{Difficulty|Difficult}} | |
| − | * Seasons: Summer and early | + | * Seasons: Summer and early fall |
* Family Friendly: No | * Family Friendly: No | ||
* Backpackable: Yes | * Backpackable: Yes | ||
| − | * Crowded: | + | * Crowded: When you get to the Timberline Trail |
=== Description === | === Description === | ||
| − | This is a steep | + | This is a steep but much quieter trail option to the [[Zigzag Overlook]] and alpine regions on the southwest side of [[Mount Hood]]. It is much steeper than the more popular—and decidedly busier—approach from [[Timberline Lodge Trailhead|Timberline Lodge]], but for much of the way, you'll be in quiet montane forest, blooming with rhododendrons in early summer, and not see another soul. Almost the entire route is within the Mt. Hood Wilderness. It's only four miles round-trip to [[Hidden Lake]] itself, but this small feature is mosquito-infested for much of the summer, and it's really the alpine areas you want to get to. |
| − | The trail starts out as quite a | + | The trail starts out as quite a workout, passing a picnic table and information kiosk to take four switchbacks up through a fairly young forest. In late spring/early summer this area comes alive with rhododendron and bear-grass blooms. For some, this is the only time of year to enjoy this hike. Come to a viewpoint, from which the noise from nearby Highway 26 is rather loud. Then hike along a level ridge crest before taking two short, sharp switchbacks up the side of a canyon. Now the path undulates along on a fairly level plane in silver fir, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, and cedar woods. At the two-mile mark, pass a spur leading to campsites, and then drop to cross the outflow creek from [[Hidden Lake]]. A 50-yard spur right leads towards [[Hidden Lake]]. Cross the outflow creek to get to the swampy shore and a campsite. Willow and skunk-cabbage crowd the fringe of this small but tranquil body of water, which is further enhanced in June when the rhododendrons are blooming at full force. Stop here for a break on a sunny summer day to admire the dragonflies dancing along the downed trees and watch for newts in the shallow, clear water. |
| − | + | Continuing up the main trail, you head up a slope and cross another creek. Then you'll make five switchbacks up to a ridge crest, where you rise and drop gently among the rhododendrons. The trail can be somewhat brushy in these upper reaches as you pass through woods of mature mountain hemlock, silver fir, and huckleberry carpeted with bear-grass. Next, you'll encounter small meadows blooming with lupine before you reach the [[Pacific Crest-Hidden Lake Trail Junction]]. | |
| − | + | Turn left here, and begin winding down on the Pacific Crest Trail, which in this section doubles as the Timberline Trail. Mountain hemlock and silver fir form the subalpine canopy. Leaving the forest, the trail begins a traverse long a steep subalpine meadow and passes a gushing spring. Head into and out of a gully, and cross another meadow where asters bloom in late summer. Copses of subalpine fir and mountain hemlock dot the landscape, but you'll also encounter many more hikers. The sandy track takes you to the [[Zigzag Overlook]], from which you'll get sweeping views of the mountain's southwest slopes. The overlook provides an awe-inspiring view of the magnificent Zigzag Canyon and a classic, picture postcard view of the [[Mount Hood]] summit, with the Zigzag Glacier and Illumination Rock in plain view. | |
| − | + | The overlook is your turnaround point. Return the way you came. For a strenuous loop option, see the [[Paradise Park-Hidden Lake Loop Hike]]. | |
| − | |||
| − | + | === Fees, Regulations, etc. === | |
| − | + | * Self-issued wilderness permit | |
| + | * Wilderness rules apply | ||
| + | * Picnic table, information kiosk at trailhead | ||
| − | + | === Maps === | |
| + | {{Hikemaps|latitude=45.3256|longitude=-121.7626}} | ||
| + | * [http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5359813.pdf Hidden Lake Trail #779 (USFS)] | ||
| + | * [http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3795861.pdf Timberline Trail #600 (USFS)] | ||
| + | * Green Trails Maps: ''Government Camp, OR #461'' and ''Mt Hood, OR #462'' | ||
| + | * Adventure Maps: ''Mt. Hood Area'' | ||
| + | * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Zigzag Ranger District'' | ||
| + | * Discover Your Northwest: ''Mt. Hood National Forest North: Trail Map & Hiking Guide'' | ||
| + | * U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: ''Mt. Hood National Forest'' | ||
| + | * National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: ''Mount Hood'' | ||
| + | * National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: ''Mount Hood Wilderness'' | ||
| − | + | {{TripReports|Zigzag Overlook from Hidden Lake}} | |
| − | + | {{RelatedDiscussions|Zigzag Overlook from Hidden Lake}} | |
| − | === | + | === Guidebooks that cover this hike === |
| − | + | * ''Best Hikes Near Portland, Oregon'' by Fred Barstad | |
| − | + | * ''Hiking Oregon's Mount Hood & Badger Creek Wilderness'' by Fred Barstad | |
| − | + | * ''Afoot & Afield: Portland/Vancouver'' by Douglas Lorain | |
| − | + | * ''Hikes & Walks on Mt. Hood'' by Sonia Buist & Emily Keller | |
| + | * ''70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don & Roberta Lowe | ||
| + | * ''62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades'' by Don & Roberta Lowe | ||
=== More Links === | === More Links === | ||
| − | * [http://www. | + | * [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53126 Hidden Lake Trail #779 (USFS)] |
| − | * [ | + | * [http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mthood/recarea/?recid=53506 Timberline National Historic Trail #600 (USFS)] |
| − | * [http://www. | + | * [https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/oregon/hidden-lake-trail Hidden Lake Trail (All Trails)] |
| + | * [https://wanderingyuncks.wordpress.com/2016/08/24/paradise-park-via-hidden-lake-trail/ Paradise Park via Hidden Lake Trail (wanderingyuncks)] | ||
| + | * [http://nwhiker.com/MHNFHike16.html Hidden Lake Hike (Northwest Hiker)] (to the lake only) | ||
| + | * [http://www.mounthoodhistory.com/mhhnatural.html Mt. Hood Natural History (Mount Hood History)] | ||
| + | |||
=== Page Contributors === | === Page Contributors === | ||
* [[User:Retiredjerry]] | * [[User:Retiredjerry]] | ||
Revision as of 21:52, 28 March 2020
,_Hidden_Lake_Trail.jpg)
- Start point: Hidden Lake Trailhead
- Ending Point: Zigzag Overlook
- Trail Log: Trail Log
- Distance: 10.8 miles round-trip
- Elevation gain: 2930 feet
- High Point: 5,720 feet
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Seasons: Summer and early fall
- Family Friendly: No
- Backpackable: Yes
- Crowded: When you get to the Timberline Trail
Contents |
Description
This is a steep but much quieter trail option to the Zigzag Overlook and alpine regions on the southwest side of Mount Hood. It is much steeper than the more popular—and decidedly busier—approach from Timberline Lodge, but for much of the way, you'll be in quiet montane forest, blooming with rhododendrons in early summer, and not see another soul. Almost the entire route is within the Mt. Hood Wilderness. It's only four miles round-trip to Hidden Lake itself, but this small feature is mosquito-infested for much of the summer, and it's really the alpine areas you want to get to.
The trail starts out as quite a workout, passing a picnic table and information kiosk to take four switchbacks up through a fairly young forest. In late spring/early summer this area comes alive with rhododendron and bear-grass blooms. For some, this is the only time of year to enjoy this hike. Come to a viewpoint, from which the noise from nearby Highway 26 is rather loud. Then hike along a level ridge crest before taking two short, sharp switchbacks up the side of a canyon. Now the path undulates along on a fairly level plane in silver fir, western hemlock, Douglas-fir, and cedar woods. At the two-mile mark, pass a spur leading to campsites, and then drop to cross the outflow creek from Hidden Lake. A 50-yard spur right leads towards Hidden Lake. Cross the outflow creek to get to the swampy shore and a campsite. Willow and skunk-cabbage crowd the fringe of this small but tranquil body of water, which is further enhanced in June when the rhododendrons are blooming at full force. Stop here for a break on a sunny summer day to admire the dragonflies dancing along the downed trees and watch for newts in the shallow, clear water.
Continuing up the main trail, you head up a slope and cross another creek. Then you'll make five switchbacks up to a ridge crest, where you rise and drop gently among the rhododendrons. The trail can be somewhat brushy in these upper reaches as you pass through woods of mature mountain hemlock, silver fir, and huckleberry carpeted with bear-grass. Next, you'll encounter small meadows blooming with lupine before you reach the Pacific Crest-Hidden Lake Trail Junction.
Turn left here, and begin winding down on the Pacific Crest Trail, which in this section doubles as the Timberline Trail. Mountain hemlock and silver fir form the subalpine canopy. Leaving the forest, the trail begins a traverse long a steep subalpine meadow and passes a gushing spring. Head into and out of a gully, and cross another meadow where asters bloom in late summer. Copses of subalpine fir and mountain hemlock dot the landscape, but you'll also encounter many more hikers. The sandy track takes you to the Zigzag Overlook, from which you'll get sweeping views of the mountain's southwest slopes. The overlook provides an awe-inspiring view of the magnificent Zigzag Canyon and a classic, picture postcard view of the Mount Hood summit, with the Zigzag Glacier and Illumination Rock in plain view.
The overlook is your turnaround point. Return the way you came. For a strenuous loop option, see the Paradise Park-Hidden Lake Loop Hike.
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- Self-issued wilderness permit
- Wilderness rules apply
- Picnic table, information kiosk at trailhead
Maps
- Maps: Hike Finder
- Hidden Lake Trail #779 (USFS)
- Timberline Trail #600 (USFS)
- Green Trails Maps: Government Camp, OR #461 and Mt Hood, OR #462
- Adventure Maps: Mt. Hood Area
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Zigzag Ranger District
- Discover Your Northwest: Mt. Hood National Forest North: Trail Map & Hiking Guide
- U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service: Mt. Hood National Forest
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Mount Hood
- National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map: Mount Hood Wilderness
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Zigzag Overlook from Hidden Lake
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Zigzag Overlook from Hidden Lake
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Best Hikes Near Portland, Oregon by Fred Barstad
- Hiking Oregon's Mount Hood & Badger Creek Wilderness by Fred Barstad
- Afoot & Afield: Portland/Vancouver by Douglas Lorain
- Hikes & Walks on Mt. Hood by Sonia Buist & Emily Keller
- 70 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades by Don & Roberta Lowe
- 62 Hiking Trails: Northern Oregon Cascades by Don & Roberta Lowe
More Links
- Hidden Lake Trail #779 (USFS)
- Timberline National Historic Trail #600 (USFS)
- Hidden Lake Trail (All Trails)
- Paradise Park via Hidden Lake Trail (wanderingyuncks)
- Hidden Lake Hike (Northwest Hiker) (to the lake only)
- Mt. Hood Natural History (Mount Hood History)