I’m holding up in Mt. Hood Territory – exploring, reflecting, breathing. The mountain air enlivens the senses, invites possibilities. The nearest thoroughfare to my cabin is a river, and my closest neighbor is an elk. And I have a hot tub and WiFi. Such are the makings for a perfect escape.
My base camp for two nights is the Riverwood Hideaway, a vacation rental smack dab on the Sandy River. I hear it now, even as I write this, lulling me into a quiet dream world. But when the morning comes, and light fills the valley, and the mist lifts from the land, the river will be taking quite another tone, asking, So, what are you going to do with your wild and wonderful day?
And I will have an answer. Because the good folks at the Zigzag Ranger Station told me exactly where to go for the area’s best adventures. Here are a few:
Old Salmon River Trail: Welcome to the land of the elves, where moss grows on towering trees, sunlight filters down from the heavens and the river races past you to unseen destinations. This five-mile round trip trail takes you along the river’s edge and through a magnificent old-growth forest. You’ll find some steep hills and rapid waters, calm patches of river appear here and there with small, sandy beaches – perfect dog stopping/lapping areas. The trail intersects the road in a few spots, so I always keep Pip in sight with the “wait” command at the ready. There is no snow here this year and the trail is easy going, though you may have to hop a few little streams on your way.
Little Zigzag Falls: Two miles off Highway 26, at Forest Service Road #2639, we found the trailhead for Little Zigzag Falls, a sweet little stroll through the forest to a fun, splashy, tumble of water. It’s a short hike, less than a mile to the falls and back, and is just the ticket for a quick jaunt to stretch your legs and breath in some fresh mountain air. Near the trailhead we stopped to stand on a stone bridge, part of the historic Mt. Hood Highway that once carried travelers across the treacherous mountain pass.
Trillium Lake: Five miles round-trip on snowshoes or cross-country skis will take you to Trillium Lake, high in the Mt. Hood National Forest. The lake is frozen over in winter, but not necessarily frozen enough to walk on, so for your safety please don’t. In summer this same lake reflects Mt. Hood on clear days and is very popular with recreationalists. But in the winter months, when only the hearty take on the journey, you might find yourself alone in one of the most beautiful places in the forest.
Other Hiking and Biking Trails
ZigZag Ranger Station: Forest Ranger Chris Doyle (or any of the other awesome rangers) will load you up with trail maps and inside information, including a complete list of area trails, distance, elevation, and degree of difficulty. Contact: 503/622-3191, 70220 E. Highway 26, Zigzag, Oregon 97049.
Travel Resources
Mt. Hood Territory
Mt. Hood Adventure Guides
Mt. Hood Territory Online Travel Planner
