West Zigzag Trail

Mapped as West Zigzag Trail #789

Hiking trail · Mount Hood · Trailhead near Rhododendron, OR

4.5 mi7.2 kmRound trip

≈1,539 ft≈469 mElevation gain

4,426 ft1,349 mHigh point

2 hr 52 minEstimated time

Moderate2.2 mi / 3.6 km one way. Length and elevation gain are calculated from map data, so they're approximate.

High-clearance vehicle recommended: last about 3.8 mi (6.1 km) on FR 2627-207

Pass: Northwest Forest Pass (based on the land the trailhead is on)

Official listing: U.S. Forest Service, West Zigzag (#789)

Trailhead: West Zigzag/Cast Lake Trailhead

Off Zigzag Mountain Road, near Rhododendron, OR

Coordinates: 45.32471, -121.85581

Directions

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Overview

West Zigzag Trail is a round-trip hike of 4.5 mi / 7.2 km near Rhododendron, OR. Expect about 1,539 ft / 469 m of elevation gain, with a high point of 4,426 ft / 1,349 m. Difficulty: Moderate. At an average pace, plan on about 2 hr 52 min. Upper sections can be snowy from November through May.

Elevation profile

Along the route: low 3,278 ft / 999 m · high 4,419 ft / 1,347 m

Nearby

Burnt Lake Trail #772Hiking trail · less than 0.1 mi / 0.1 km
Still Creek Trail #780Hiking trail · 1.6 mi / 2.5 km
Zigzag MountainPeak · 1.8 mi / 2.9 km
Paradise Park Trail #778Hiking trail · 2.1 mi / 3.4 km
Pioneer Bridle Trail #795Hiking trail · 2.3 mi / 3.7 km
Cool Creek Trail #794Hiking trail · 2.3 mi / 3.7 km
Flag Mountain Trail #766Hiking trail · 2.3 mi / 3.7 km
Hidden Lake Trail #779Hiking trail · 2.9 mi / 4.6 km

Sources

Route and map: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation: AWS Terrain Tiles.
Official trail listing: U.S. Forest Service.
Pass: based on the protected area that contains the trailhead.