West Zigzag Mt., Mt Hood NF, OR

The hike from the community of Zigzag just off US Highway 26 to the site of the of the former lookout tower on West Zigzag Mountain involves an elevation gain of 3,000 feet and proceeds mostly under a tree canopy through dense foliage of salal, Oregon grape, and rhododendrons. The reward is spectacular views of the forested Cascades to the south, and, on one brief section of trail, of Mount Hood to the north. It's a little-used trail; every foot or two, spider strands or entire webs crossed the trail. On an August Saturday when Ramona Falls and other nearby trails would be crowded, only one other person was on the trail.