17. Lolo Pass – PCT South

Summary

Length                                3 miles one way

Difficulty                             Moderate

Season                                Summer to autumn

Elevation range                 3,420 – 4,380 feet

Human imprint                  Low (PCT hikers)

Information                        Mount Hood National Forest (Zigzag Ranger District)

Primary old growth features

Impressive Pacific silver fir.

Description

Head south out of Lolo Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT, 2000) for a ridgeline ramble through high-elevation old growth culminating with dramatic views of Mount Hood. The trail climbs steadily uphill entering old forest after 2/3 mile or so. A small, north-facing basin about 1 mile up the trail harbors a grove of towering Pacific silver fir and some impressive hemlock.

Above this basin the trail hits the ridgeline and follows the ridge southeast through more old forest until reaching a four-way trail junction 2.75 miles from Lolo Pass. Continue straight at the junction onto the Timberline Trail (600) and contour around the south side of Bald Mountain another half mile for a stunning view of Mount Hood. You will want to sit a spell for this one.

25 Years of Change

The forest appears largely unchanged. I plan to field check in 2024.

How to get there

Turn north onto East Lolo Pass Road (FR 18) from U.S. Highway 26 at Zigzag (29 miles southeast of Gresham). Follow FR 18 for 10.6 miles to Lolo Pass. Parking is in a small lot around the corner to the right; the trail is to the right. 

Map note

The map below was created in 1993 and accurate at that time. I plan to field check and update the map in 2024.