Paradise Park 19 Sept 2014

Jean and I started out early for Paradise Park on Mt Hood where the trail begins behind the Timberline Lodge.  It was a quiet morning and, despite the forecast of areas of smoke from a nearby wildfire, the wind was in our favor and it was beautifully clear.  The hike is roughly 12.5 miles with an altitude gain of 2300 ft.  Interestingly the hike begins at 5900 ft and half way through the hike you finally reach 5800 ft.  All the gain and loss accumulates from crossing numerous canyons including Zig Zag - 700 ft deep.  On the hike back to the Lodge, our legs were worn out!  Beautiful beautiful fall day!

Beautiful morning on Mt Hood

looking back at the lodge

mt hood from the zig zag overlook

fall was in evidence

on the other side of Zig Zag, climbing back up

another water crossing

the scenery became stark again

on the way into the forest again

moss-dressed trees

Reggie back at the Zig Zag over look

cool mushroom