Summit views worth the mundane hike up West Zigzag Mt. Trail

Mt. Hood from West Zigzag Mt. with East Zigzag Mt. in the foreground

The West Zigzag Mountain Trail is one of those trails that just can't make up its mind. With a 1,180 foot elevation gain in 2.3 miles, a moderate grade would take a hiker from trailhead to summit. This trail, however, begins climbing steeply after a brief downhill stretch then levels out and even drops at a a steady incline for a significant section of the hike, before again climbing to the summit of West Zigzag Mountain. No matter how frustrating it can be to climb and give up elevation before climbing again, West Zigzag's summit views are well worth it.