Pacific Crest Trail (Zigzag RD)
Zigzag Ranger District portion of the Mt Hood National Forest section of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail #2000. There are many roads in the area and it is possible to do a variety of different day hikes.
PCT sections on Zigzag RD from south to north:
Frog Lake Sno-Park to Clackamas Lake (Zigzag section #1)
This trail starts at US Hwy 26 (3,900’) near Frog Lake Sno-Park and ends at Skyline Road (3,360’) near Clackamas Lake. From US Hwy 26, the trail climbs gradually for 4.1 miles to Forest Road 5800-240. The trail crosses the road and continues 0.5 mile to High Rock Road (Forest Road 58). Continue south another 0.6 miles to Jackpot Meadows Trail #492 (3,680’). From here the trail heads due south for 0.9 miles to Forest Road 5890. Cross the road and continue 1.4 miles to Little Crater Lake Trail #500 (3,240’). This short trail is well worth the side trip. Little Crater Lake is a crystal clear 45’ deep lake formed by dissolving limestone. From trail #500, the trail crosses several small streams and after 0.3 miles reaches Timothy Lake Trail #528. Stay left on #2000 and continue 0.1 mile to the junction with Old 1916 Trail #537. Stay left right on #2000 heading west towards Timothy Lake. For the next 3.5 miles the trail follows the east shore of Timothy Lake offering spectacular views. At the southeast end of Timothy Lake, the trail reaches the south end of Timothy Lake Trail #528. Stay left on #2000 and travel 1.3 miles to Skyline Road (Forest Road 42).
Trail Description and Map (PDF File)
Barlow Pass to Lolo Pass (Zigzag section #2)
This section of the Pacific Crest Trail runs from Barlow Pass (south) to Lolo Pass (north). Heading north from Barlow Pass, the trail heads uphill 3.6 miles to the junction with Timberline Trail #600 (5,360’). The trail leaves the junction and continues to climb north for 1.2 miles to Timberline Lodge. The trail starts to head northwest from the lodge and after 1.6 miles the trail reaches the junction with Hidden Lake Trail #779 (5,720’). Stay right on #2000 and travel 1.5 miles to Zigzag River. (Use caution when crossing!) Once across the river, the trail descends several switchbacks to the junction with Paradise Park Loop #757 after 0.4 mile. Descend a further 0.3 mile and the trail reaches the junction with Paradise Park Trail #778 from the east and west. Head north on #2000 and the trail starts to climb. After 1.5 miles the trail reaches a second junction with #757 (north end). The trail starts to descend again from the junction and after 2.5 miles the trail crosses Sandy River (Use caution when crossing!). Once across Sandy River, the trail heads northwest 0.4 mile to the junction with Timberline Trail #600. The trail follows Sandy River for 1.2 miles to the junction with Sandy River Trail #770. Turn right (north) to stay on #2000 and continue 0.4 mile to the junction with Ramona Falls Trail #797. Turn left (north) at the junction to stay on #2000. Cross Muddy Fork and continue 4.1 miles to another junction with #600. Turn left (north) to stay on #2000 and travel 2.4 miles to Lolo Pass on Forest Road 18 (Lolo Pass Road).
Trail Description and Map (PDF File)
Lolo Pass to Indian Springs
This section of the Pacific Crest Trail runs from Indian Springs Campground (north) to Lolo Pass (south). From the Indian Springs Trailhead (4,240’) (shared with Indian Spring Trail #435), the trailheads south and follows Waucoma Ridge, which serves as part of the Mark O. Hatfield Wilderness Area boundary. There are spectacular views along Waucoma Ridge. After 5.7 miles the trail reaches the junction with Buck Peak Trail #615 (4,480’). #615 makes a nice side trip to a summit with nice views (0.4 mile). This trail continues south from the junction and descends gradually for 3.2 miles to the junction with Huckleberry Mountain Trail #617 (4,000’). #617 heads downhill 2.1 miles to Lost Lake. Continue heading south to stay on this trail (#2000) 4.1 mile further, descending to Lolo Pass (Forest Road 18/Lolo Pass Road).
Trail Description and Map (PDF File)
General Information
Permits for travel along the Pacific Crest Trail are required in some but not all areas along the trail. Visit PCTA- Permits for more information.
Some trailheads require a fee and accept valid recreation passes. Check our Recreation Passes and Permits page for details.
- Wilderness regulations apply in designated wilderness.
- No bikes allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail
Getting There
Directions
From Sandy, OR - follow US Hwy 26 for 40.2 miles east of Sandy to Skyline Road (Forest Road 42). Turn right onto Skyline Road (Forest Road 42) and follow it ~8 miles. A few trailheads that access the Pacific Crest Trail near the Zigzag area:
Recreation Groups
The Mt. Hood National Forest section of the Pacific Crest Trail #2000 is ~130 miles long. It enters Mt.