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Trip Report    

Day Hike - Hall Creek

ZigZag trail to join FS 9021. Then, follow FS 9021 to reach ~4000’ and “Truck Summit” where an abandoned logging truck is located.

  • Road suitable for all vehicles
    • While staring at it from the Palouse to Cascades trail, the first glimpse of ZigZag trail  gives the impression it will be a scramble right from the start. Indeed, at the start it rises ~280' in 1/10 mile but the trail tread is soft and no scrambling was needed. Just an opportunity to get the heart rate up and prepared for the next stretch.
    • After the intersection with Hall Creek trail, for ~0.3 miles ZigZag trail is a series of tight switchbacks that rise from ~1700' to ~2200'. ZigZag trail got its name right! Some parts are narrow with steep dropoff into the forest. There are some constructed steps, while others are tall steps over rocks or roots.  Fortunately, this section is short.
    • Then, it's ~500' along a thoroughly  disguised old road bed before diverting back into the forest. This part of the trail is wider, the tread is a soft walk and rate of ascent for the next ~0.4 miles is ~500'.  Sounds steep, but by contrast it's a reprieve from the earlier sections.
    • The forest trail joins a 3-way intersection on an abandoned, gravel forest road.  It's a little under 2 miles to "Truck Summit" and the gravel road becomes progressively more degraded, until near the terminus it's virtually a single track.
  • Parked at Olallie SP (51350 SE Homestead Valley Rd, North Bend, WA 98045) at I-90 exit 38. Lots of parking and a vault toilet.
  • We approached ZigZag trail from the Deception Crags TH; then, returned via Hall Creek trail.
  • Many large elk hoof prints and fresh scat along ZigZag trail. Lots of wildflowers and berries - the later slowed us down for sampling - including blackcap raspberry and red elderberry (all sweet and rewarding for the steep trail).  Cables, metal parts, even a rusty appliance (washing machine?) along this route being enveloped by vegetation.
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    Red Huckleberries, sweet and abundant
  • Along FR9021, expansive views to the west across Hall Creek drainage  of the successive ridges topped by Machu Picchu, Songbird Peak, Change Peak and, in the distance, Mt. Washington.  Video Here to accompany picture, below.
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    Change Peak (right, in the cloud), Songbird Peak (left, in the cloud), Mt Washington (in distance)
  • Finally found the abandoned tanker truck at ~4000'. Still with bright colors of aqua & rust and peppered with target practice holes.  Great place for a snack and rest before retracing our route. for a total of 6.8 miles and 2752' gain.
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    Truck at "Truck Summit"