Oregon • October/November 2006

Bi-Monthly Web Magazine

Photograph

Photo by Jeff Dean

Equestrian Trails

Mt. Hood Equestrian
Trail Riding

Spectacular views await you
on Zigzag Mountain Trail

Fall is a spectacular season for horseback riding on equestrian-designated trails in the Zigzag Ranger District.  There are at least 16 such trails in the section of the Mt. Hood National Forest that are within The Villages of Mt. Hood region.

Some equestrian trails allow riders to experience high, sweeping views of mountains, ridges and valleys.  Still others take riders along a river or stream where they can revel in the changing colors of vine maples, big leaf maples, and other vegetation. And another follows a trail traversed by pioneers on the Barlow Road.

Many trails are relatively short (less than 5 miles).  Others give riders an extended experience over 10 miles (Pioneer Bridle Trail, #795), nearly 15 miles (Zigzag Mountain Trail #775), or nearly 35 miles (Pacific Crest Trail section, #2000).

Don’t forget…any trail open to equestrians is also open to those with goats, mules, llamas and the like.

Zigzag Mountain Trail

Zigzag Mountain Trail provides the west to east transportation network for this part of the Mt. Hood Wilderness within the Mt. Hood National Forest.  Once the climb up West Zigzag Mountain is made, the trail follows open ridges.  Two abandoned lookout sites are located on the trail.  You may find huckleberries until frost.  Carry water because there are few reliable sources along this trail.
 
Access:  Follow Highway 26, 1 mile east of the stoplight at Welches Road in Welches.  As you approach the intersection for Lolo Pass Road, Zigzag Inn will be on your right.  Turn north (left) on Lolo Pass Road.  Follow it .4 mies to E. Mountain Drive located on the right side of the road.  Turn right and follow E. Mountain Drive for .6 miles.  The trailhead sign is on the left (NE) side of the road.  A limited amount of parking is available on the road shoulder.

Info: Due to the possibility of early snow (even in early November) covering some of the trails at higher elevations, it is always good to check trail conditions with the Mt. Hood Information Center (Open daily:  503.622.4822) or the Zigzag Ranger District office (M-F, 503.622.3191). The trail is within the wilderness.  Permits are required.  They are self-issuing and available at trailheads or at the wilderness boundary.

Features: Trail #775:  14.4 miles, one way. This trail begins at 1560’ elevation and climbs to 5,040’ elevation at its junction with Paradise Park Trail #778.

 

Mile-by-mile notes:

  1. 0.0     This trail starts with a steady climb for 3.3 miles, making use of 25 switchbacks to gain almost 3,500 feet in elevation.
  2. 3.3     Top of switchbacks, grade levels.  Begins area of views.
  3. 4.7 Spring
  4. 5.1     Trail crosses under rock outcrop on ledge with views of the Zigzag Valley.
  5. 5.4     Good views to the east.
  6. 5.6     Old West Zigzag lookout site.  Excellent view of Rhododendron and the Zigzag River.
  7. 5.7     Junction with West Zigzag Trail #789.  This trail leads to Road 2627, 2.3 miles.
  8. 6.9     Top of ridge with views surrounding country from bear grass and huckleberry meadows.
  9. 7.5     Junction with Horseshoe Ridge Trail #774, which leads north 5.0 miles to near Riley Campground.
  10. 7.8     Dumbbell point, overlooking Dumbbell Lake (no trail access to lake).
  11. 8.2     View of Cast Lake, 400 feet below.
  12. 8.6     Trail begins descent to Cast Lake.
  13. 9.2     Junction with Devil’s Tie Trail #767 to the right, which will take you to Devil’s Meadow (1 mile) and Road 2627 (3 miles).  Turn left and continue to Cast Meadow.
  14. 9.7     Junction with Cast Creek Trail #775 which will take you to Riley Campground in 4.3 miles.  Turn right and begin climb to top of East Zigzag Mountain.
  15. 10.2  Top of East Zigzag Mountain.  Views of the Cascade Mountains Range.  Trail descends along the ridge.  Site of abandoned lookout.
  16. 10.3  Junction with Burnt Lake Trail #772 south which leads to Road 2627 in 3.5 miles.
  17. 10.5  Junction with the north portion of Burnt Lake Trail #772.  Burnt Lake is 1 mile below.  Turn right and climb along ridge.  Carry water, this is a dry area.
  18. 10.9  Ridgetop.  Here huckleberries may be abundant until frost.
  19. 11.8  Viewpoint.  From here you can see all that lies south and west.
  20. 12.4  A spectacular view of Mt. Hood.  At this point the trail descends along the ridge 300 feet into Lake Creek saddle before climbing towards Paradise Park.
  21. 13.1  Bottom of saddle.  The trail starts its climb into the alpine country through mixed meadows and conifer trees.
  22. 14.1  Stream.
  23. 14.4  End of Zigzag Mountain Trail #775 and junction with Paradise Park Trail #778.  Turn left for Paradise Park, 1.4 miles, and Timberline Lodge, 5.0 miles.  (Remember  horses are not allowed above the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail which is .3 miles east.  Equestrians and those with pack animals such as llamas, goats, etc., please tie your animals to the hitch rack and walk so that everyone may protect and enjoy the meadows, particularly for their wildflowers in the spring.

Happy trails!


Information provided by USDA Forest Service, Mt. Hood National Forest

October/November 2006

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