About a year ago I did this hike combining two trails, the hidden Lake trail and the Paradise Park trail. The loop was fantastic but the reason was to get the view from the overlook without having to retrace back to the parking lot. That time, clouds were hanging very low so we got a very limited view of the Zigzag Canyon and no Mt Hood as a backdrop. So this time, we decided to head up there via the Hidden Lake trail to check it out and then head back down. From the drive there we knew we were in luck and that we were going to get the views. The hike up meanders thru the forest without a lot of views so it went quickly until we reached the Timberline trail. By then, the views expanded around us and we saw a lot of hikers, both PCTers and hikers coming from the shorter path from Timberline Lodge. After a couple of ups and downs we got to the viewpoint where we stopped for lunch and pictures. On our way back, we retraced our steps but made a quick detour to check Hidden Lake. It looked more like a mud pond than a lake and we saw a couple of campsite on the eastern side. Since those didn’t give access or views of the lake, we went around and were able to get a glimpse of it. It’s certainly a lake you can’t seem to be able to get close to. While checking it out, we heard a family heading to one of the campsite on the other side (we had crossed path with them before). At some point the laughter and talking changed to what seemed like screams. Thru the bushes I saw the woman drop her backpack and run so we decided to go around and check what was going on. It seems the sat on a log to have lunch and were attached by yellow jackets. The poor kids were screaming in pain so we all got our first aid kits out and gave them after bite to relieve the pain. WE stayed with the for a little bit and then headed back down. While pulling off from the parking area, we saw them come out of the trail all smiling again and thankful that we were there to help them. I guess it’s part of the adventure.
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