15 miles of hiking • 5000' elevation gain •
Really rough day on Mount Hood. hiked the Timberline Trail to Paradise Park, fairly easy even with the climb out of Zigzag Canyon. Ascended through the wildflowers up to the pumice slopes near the top of the canyon. Began to feel tired, some clouds to the south. made it to the snowfields above Mississippi Head when clouds rolled in. Opted not to descend to look for the airplane wreckage. Decided to turn back rather than push on to Palmer Glacier, despite doubling my mileage. Sketchy downclimbing on snow, even with poles, fast scree-skiing to Paradise Park. Back at Zigzag, the clouds broke. The climb back out of the canyon was exhausting and hot. Finally reached the car near 4pm. One of my hardest dayhikes yet, but I think had I pushed on and come down at the ski lifts it would've been much better. Will attempt again at some point.
