A tough, tough hike on Hunchback Mountain beginning at the Zigzag Ranger Station.
Nine miles round-trip and roughly 3,700 feet of cumulative elevation gain.
Some of the stretches are as steep as a cow’s face.
It was a classic conditioning hike, mostly underneath the canopy of a mature hemlock forest.
The Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness is a fun place to visit, but a little hard on the knees.
The only open ridgetop on the hike
Trillium
An old trail sign
Blue Grouse “hiding” from me
Mt. Hood is nearby
In another month the Rhododendron will be covered with flowers
A view of much of the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness
Into the Wilderness
Outstanding! Near our cabin on the Zig Zag.
It’s not as much fun as some of the other hikes nearby your cabin, but it makes a good conditioning hike in the spring.
Stunning photos, John. What an absolute treat to find a blue grouse. And the photo of Mt. Hood literally took my breath away.
Thanks for the kind words.