Zigzag, Oregon

Hunchback Mountain is an ancient volcanic peak, easily seen on the drive from Portland to Mt. Hood’s Government Camp. A popular conditioning hike for mountain climbers begins at the Zigzag Ranger Station near Welches on Highway 26.

The Hunchback Mountain Trail is rough and gains 2,000 feet in about two miles. Some stretches of the trail are as steep as a cow’s face. After another 2.5 miles, the trail culminates at the Grand Pyramid, situated at just over 4,000 feet. This rocky cliff point offers expansive views across the Salmon River Valley.

Grand Pyramid 

My favorite time to do this hike, a nine-mile roundtrip with 3,700 feet of cumulative elevation gain, is springtime after the snow has melted. Stopping to see the elegant spring lilies and orchids in bloom is always a good excuse to take a break, and there’s a good chance to spot grouse and other wildlife along the way. The Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness is a fun place to visit, but a little hard on the knees.