Zigzag Canyon Rim Loop via Paradise Park Trail #778(edit)

Overview

A eye-popping, yet difficult, loop hike around Zigzag River/Canyon on the shoulders of Mt. Hood. Paradise Park offers a lovely alpine flower show in mid-summer and views of Mt. Hood's Zigzag and Reid glaciers. Continuing along the Paradise Park Trail #757 until it meets the Pacific Crest Trail north of Rushing Water Creek will complete a 19.3-mile loop and include Split Rock. Spend the night for outstanding sunsets.
The Hidden Lake Trail #779 passes by Hidden Lake. Take the side trail a short distance and fight through the brush for a view of Hidden Lake. There are no views on the Hidden Lake trail and it is narrower and more overgrown than the Paradise Park Trail (and less used).
This loop and trail are very popular and very busy on summer weekends.

Getting Started

This loop can be started at either the Paradise Park Trailhead or Hidden Lake Trailhead and requires a car shuttle or a mile road walk between the trailheads. The hike up Paradise Park trail is more scenic than the Hidden Lake trail, so perhaps better to ascend via Paradise Park and bomb down Hidden Lake; however, the Hidden Lake Trailhead generally has more parking available than the Paradise Park Trailhead. From Sandy follow highway 26 east to the Kiwanis Camp Road (Forest Road 2639). Travel 1.2 miles to the Paradise Park Trailhead or 2.2 miles to the Hidden Lake Trailhead.

Taking Children

This is a very long hike with much elevation gain. Families do frequent the lower part of the Paradise Park Trail.