Please note: The road to this trailhead was impassable as of 06/11. If it is not repaired by the time you choose this hike, you can park just beyond the Cast Lake trailhead and walk along the road to the trailhead for this hike. This will add about a mile and a half mile each way, and is still definitely worth the extra distance. Actually, you might consider making a long loop hike by combining the Cast Lake hike with this hike.

For current road/trail conditions call the Zigzag Ranger Station: 503.622.3191

This hike can begin in a number of places. For this narrative I begin the hike on Forest Road 382 about a half mile from FR 1825 and just a bit past Riley Horse Camp. If the road is still out past the Cast Creek trailhead, then you will need to park at the Cast Creek trailhead and hike the road, or what is left of it, to the actual trailhead for Horseshoe Ridge.

The trail is a steep climb through mostly dense forest and a large number of steep switchbacks for nearly 3 miles before it reaches Trail #775 on Zig Zag Mountain. At this junction, bear left, or north on Trail #775 and climb uphill until you can clearly see a viewpoint off to your left. Leave the main trail and walk the short distance to this summit, which is the destination of this hike.

There is an abundance of wildflowers in season, but the reward is at the top. Even if you miss the grand display of Beargrass, on a clear day you will be treated to fantastic vistas of Mt Hood, Mt Adams, St Helens, and Jefferson to the south.

Follow US Highway 26 east out of Sandy until you come to the Lolo Pass Road in Zig Zag. Turn north (left) onto the Lolo Pass Road (road 18) at Zig Zag (across Hwy 26 from Zig Zag Pizza). Follow the road for 4 miles. Turn east (right) onto Road 1825 and continue for .6 miles. Turn right across a new, large bridge over the Sandy River and continue another half mile to the junction to Riley Horse Camp. Bear right, and follow the road a short distance toward the camp, but just before the camp entrance, bear to the left and follow Road 382 (380 on some maps) another quarter mile where you should see the trail head for Cast Lake on your left.

Because the road was washed out in 2010, you will need to park just past the Cast Creek TH, and walk the additional 2 miles to the Horseshoe Ridge trailhead sign on your left.

Please note that at my last check, there were no trailhead signs up. Maybe I was too early, but I don't think so.

Click on the link below to see a map taking you to the trailhead.

Map Directions Vicinity Map To contact the Mt. Hood NF for current information: Click Here.