Trip report by Colby Phillips.
Photo (top): Mt. Hood at Cairn Basin. Colby Phillips photos.
Mt. Hood's craggy north face, not usually seen from most roads or trails, is easily accessible from the Vista Ridge trail, which leads to a scenic alpine loop to Cairn Basin. The densely forested Vista Ridge leads to a trail junction where the loop begins, and where views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams are visible on a clear day. The loop crosses through alpine meadows at Wy'East Basin and Eden Park, to a nice camp site at Cairn Basin. From Cairn Basin, off-trail exploring leads up through a series of meadows and bluffs to the edge of Ladd Glacier.
Stats: The whole trail, including approach up Vista Ridge and loop to Cairn Basin and back is 8 miles, with 1700 feet of elevation gain. Snow blocks portions of the trail through late July.
Photo (bottom): Hiker takes a break at Cairn Basin. Mt. Hood in the background.
Getting There: From Portland, drive Hwy. 26 East to the town of Zigzag, OR, and turn North on Lolo Pass Road (Rd. 18). Follow the paved road 10.5 miles to gravel road 1810. Take 1810 for 7.7 miles until it rejoins road 18. Go on 18 for 3 miles to road 16 and turn right. Follow the signs to Vista Ridge Trail No. 626. The last 0.5 miles of the road to the trailhead is very rough, barely manageable in a Toyota Corolla. There are a couple of parking spots along the road before its gets too rough.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.