Split Rock via Pacific Crest Trail
12.4 mi
Distance
6 hrs 9 min
Time
terrain
1,309 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult loop trail to Split Rock in Mount Hood National Forest.
This trail goes by Timberline Lodge Ski Area and Zigzag Canyon Rim.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
I’d rate this 4.5 if I could. Parking at Timberline lodge was easy. There were many hikers on the trail. If you use All Trails for trail discovery and research—it’s very good for that—their info is way off, as usual. This particular hike is not yet listed in Gaia (not sure why, it’s a popular hike). I used two GPS devices and measured approximately 13 miles (not including long walk from and to the parking lot). And, measured ~3,100 ft elevation gain. Also, this hike is not that hard, don’t be intimated by the All Trails description. I’ve done hard trails before, and this is not hard. On a difficulty scale of 5, I’d rate it 3.5 due only to length and moderate elevation gain. This definitely is not an easy hike, but it’s also not hard. There are some muddy, slippery spots, some steep drop offs, and one creek/river crossing that may challenge some people—my balance isn’t great, but with the help of hiking poles, I made it across both times with little problem and without taking off shoes. Overall, this is a great hike, very scenic. I’m a fairly fast hiker, it took me about 4.5 hours, and I stopped multiple times for pics and several times for water and food. If you’re concerned with the distance or elevation gain, start early and give yourself plenty of time. It’s worth it!
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Quintessential PNW beauty. Walked along the PCT right below the timber line, then looped around above the trees thru Paradise Valley - an area of alpine meadows full of spectacular wildflowers. Waterfalls and creek crossings so there’s available water. Challenging in distance but overall not too difficult.
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Public Tracks
Paradise Park
This is a classic Portland, Oregon hike. It is quite strenuous due to distance and elevation gain, but it is so worth it. It is called Paradise Park for a reason. Alpine meadows, expansive views of Mt Hood and the surrounding cascades, wildflower filled meadows, glacier carved canyons, waterfalls and several clear water springs and creeks. This hike is one of those must-do when you are near Portland, Oregon.
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