
| This was my first time backpacking. My boyfriend and I did this trail this past weekend. We planned to do paradise park loop, but a ranger at Timberline (Grace, who was SO rad) told us there was still too much snow. We then decided to do Burnt Lake, on recommendation from my boyfriend's boss. Burnt Lake was filled with too many people and mosquitos, so we bailed and headed up to higher ground and hopefully a cooler spot to camp.
The trail up to East Zig Zag was an adventure. Much of it was covered in snow-which was crazy to climb up with with all the camping gear- but we followed footsteps and finally made it to the beautiful ridge that faced mt hood. It was GREAT! Then we started up the final steep hill to the look out point, encountering two guys who said there was a sweet campsite up top.
He was so right! I have never camped at a more beautiful place. We had the entire mountain top to ourselves, with a hillside full of wildflowers to chill in and watch the spectacular sunset while eating dinner and drinking wine.
I watched the sun rise over mt hood, with views to Mt. St. Helens, Mt Adams, Mt Jefferson, and another mountain that I'm not sure of..
It was the coolest trip ever. Totally worth the pain. During the final trudge up to the lookout, while I felt like my death was imminent, my boyfriend said "Kaede, you are one bad ass bitch."
I would highly recommend this hike to everyone. And if you can convince your girlfriend to backpack up with you, there are probably more rewards in store for you than just the breathtaking view.
:) |