Timberline Lodge to Zigzag Canyon

Parking is available at the historic Timberline Lodge. From May 1 to October 31, parking is generally free. However, during the winter months, a Sno-Park pass is required.

For day hiking the Timberline Lodge to Zigzag Canyon trail, you typically do not need a specific hiking permit. However, if you plan to park at Timberline Lodge during the winter season (November 1 to April 30), a Sno-Park pass is required for your vehicle.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly! Leashed dogs are welcome to join you on your hike to Zigzag Canyon.

The best time to hike is generally from late spring through early fall (July and August are particularly good for wildflowers). While accessible for much of the year, early season may have small creek crossings in Little Zigzag Canyon, and patches of snow can persist on the trail even in summer. Winter hiking is possible but requires appropriate gear and a Sno-Park pass.

This hike is generally considered easy to moderate. It's one of the more approachable hikes on Mount Hood, offering impressive scenery without extreme difficulty. You'll encounter some uphill sections, including a climb out of a snow-fed valley towards the Zigzag Canyon Overlook.

The trail begins on a paved service road near Timberline Lodge, passing under ski lifts. It then enters the Mount Hood Wilderness, traversing a pyroclastic fan with large lava rock blocks and gullies. You'll descend into Little Zigzag Canyon via easy switchbacks, and the final stretch to the overlook involves a bit of an uphill climb. Expect rocky sections and potentially small patches of snow, even in summer.

This route offers spectacular views of Mount Hood. You'll pass by Wy’east Lodge and the historic Timberline Lodge at the start. Along the way, you'll see rocky ravines, the Sand Canyon, and fields of wildflowers in season. The highlight is the Zigzag Canyon Overlook, providing breathtaking panoramas of the deep, glacially carved canyon and Mount Hood.

Yes, this trail is a popular segment of both the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT - Oregon Section G, Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000) and the Mt. Hood Timberline Trail. You'll be sharing sections of these well-known paths.

The hike to Zigzag Canyon Overlook and back typically takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes to 2 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views. The Komoot tour data estimates a duration of approximately 1 hour and 24 minutes.

Absolutely! The trail is known for its beautiful wildflowers, especially in July and August. You can expect to see varieties like lupine, paintbrush, and asters blooming along the path.

Winter hiking to Zigzag Canyon can be a beautiful experience, but it requires preparation. Expect snow and ice, and be sure to carry appropriate gear such as microspikes or snowshoes. A Sno-Park pass is required for parking at Timberline Lodge during the winter months.