West Zigzag Mountain, Apr 6th

If you are looking for a hike that can be clearly described as a training hike, this one is it. Actually is almost like this trail should not have the name Zigzag attached to it. With that I’m not saying it is a really nice hike but if you are expecting the views you would get from any of the other approaches to Zigzag then you are in for disappointment… or a much longer hike. The trail starts from the lowest point of the ridge on the west side very close to Lolo Pass road so access is very easy and fast. Once you start, it doesn’t take long for the innumerable switchbacks to get repetitive. In the first couple of miles, the trail climbs steeple towards the ridge but it never stops ascending. At some point and once you’re on the ridgeline it becomes more gradual. From the map it would seem you get some views but if there are any, is from within the trees and mostly down towards Rhododendron. The west Zigzag summit is the first “destination” to which you do most of the elevation. The day Val and I did this hike weather was not cooperating much so we opted for turning around at his point and retracing our steps back to the car. If you continue on this trail, eventually you get to the open ridge that does offer magnificent views of t Hood



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