Zigzag Overlook from Hidden Lake Hike

Overview

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 h

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