Being from the east coast, I’ve always had a fascination to walk the Appalachian trail. While I heard of the Pacific Coast Trail, it just wasn’t on my radar as a trail to hike from start to finish. After just a few miles of hiking on it, I could easily be convinced to hike this one as well. We decided to take advantage of a long weekend and take a short road trip up to Mt. Hood. We drove all the way up to Timberline Lodge, and took in the breathtaking views. Surprisingly (to me), you could still take the lift up the mountain & ski – in early September! I later found out it is the only lift driven mountain that you can ski year round. Impressive.
Pacific Crest Trail Signage in front of Mt. Hood
I also found out that the Timberline lodge was used as the exterior shots for the hotel in The Shining. The hotel had the best backdrop and view, and I might even be able to convince Keith to come up here in the winter & stay. But the real scene stealer was the landscape. As we walked the Pacific Crest Trail, I literally wanted to stop every few feet to snap a shot.
Brilliant Purple Lupine with Mt Hood
Lupine was out in full bloom, providing a sweet smell to the air. Mt. Hood towered over us, and in little zig zag canyon, the volcano snow still provided a stream of fresh water. And the view over the valley was something I could soak in for hours. I took two short videos - one is of Little Zig Zag Canyon, and one is near the Timberline Lodge. Enjoy!
I don’t think I have ever seen a real field of wildflowers like that. I’ve seen large field but never covered in flowers.
It was so amazing to be a part of – the picture doesn’t capture the wind and the sweet smell of the flowers!