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| Hiking | 14.85 Miles |
3,705 AEG |
| | Hiking | 14.85 Miles | 7 Hrs | | 2.12 mph |
| 3,705 ft AEG | | 20 LBS Pack | | |
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| no partners | | Set out thinking I might try to do the Timberline Trail around Mt. Hood, but ended up altering my plans and just doing a shorter scenic loop through Paradise Park and back.
I initially set out hoping to do the trail as a super long day hike or a fast overnight. I brought everything I needed to camp overnight if needed, but was hoping to be finished in under 24 hours. Unfortunately, a multitude of factors prevented me from realizing my goal. Unable to sleep the night before, I arrived at Timberline around 0400 and was on trail just before 0430. I had a headache from lack of sleep and a sore throat as I set off into the night. It was really windy in the parking lot, but as I curved around the mountain it started to get better. Since I knew I wasn't feeling 100% I told myself that I would at least hike for an hour and see if things started to improve. By the time I reached the Zig Zag crossing I knew that I wasn't going to be able to do the loop. I turned and started to walk back to the lodge, but decided that since I was so close to Paradise Park I would go the extra distance to check it out- very happy I pushed for the extra mileage.
The views of Mt. Hood from Paradise Park are fantastic and I was surprised to only see 1 other group camped out near the split boulder on the north side of the park. I took my time exploring various side trails and taking pictures of the streams and waterfalls I encountered along the way. I felt pretty good as I started to hike back- even making good time climbing out of Zig Zag Canyon. But after a short break on the rim of the canyon I felt like I hit a wall, the last mile or so were pretty miserable. Despite being disappointed that I cut my trip short, I definitely made the right call. |
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Route Editor
Route Scout
