The route begins from the lodge via the Timberline Trail, passing under the ski lifts. On Wednesday morning, the area was buzzing with mountain bikers and skiers--Mt. Hood is skied year-round. Aside from the towering cliffs of the mountain, the view also includes Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters far to the south.
After the first easy mile, hike into a small sand canyon. At the edge of Zigzag Canyon, views extend to the meadows of Paradise Park, rugged Mississippi Head and the mesa-like formation at the head of the canyon. Much of the trail is exposed, so get an early start on a hot day.
From here, the trail switchbacks down the ridge line into a shaded forest. At the bottom of the canyon, find a rock hopping route across the rushing Zigzag River, looking upstream for a nice shot of Zigzag Falls.
Head up the west slope of Zigzag Canyon (this trek has several ups and downs). At 4 miles, turn right at the junction to head up the side of the canyon under shady conifers. Cross a few creeks before ascending into the meadows of Paradise Park (6,080'). Cascade mariposa, false hellebore, meadow groundsel, lupine and mountain meadow knotweed are the summer blooms. Luckily it wasn't too buggy, but bring bug spray.
The trail descends to the South Fork of Lost Creek crossing in a flower-filled valley. Towhead babies, the seed heads of pasque flower, stud the grasslands in late summer. The verdant spine of Yocum Ridge lies ahead before the path turns west and winds down through small meadows. Unfortunately, I missed a short spur in this area that looks down into the canyon. Take a left at the Pacific Crest/Paradise Park Loop North Trail junction.
Navigate through shaded woods with small creeks before dropping down the lush side of Rushingwater Creek Canyon. The trail rises up the opposite bank to reenter woods and gradually descend into Lost Creek Canyon with its two waterfalls above the Lost Creek crossing.
Continue to the edge of Zigzag Canyon, which offers a view along the Cascade crest. The trail switchbacks down to the junction with the Paradise Loop Trail. Stay right and continue back to Timberline Lodge along the Timberline/Pacific Crest Trail. 9:30am-230pm RT.
