Wet where we started, dry later half of the hike, but not dusty. Lots of rhodies in the middle. The best view point is about 1/2 miles before the lookout. Can clearly see Hood, Adams, Rainier and St. Helens. No clear cut. Mt Hood certainly looks a lot prettier now than in the summer. More exposed, a bit windy. The lookout is somewhat shadowed by tall trees, hard to find a good slice of unobstructed view. You can see Hood, and Jefferson (not at the same time). The lookout is open, and two beds were occupied by two sleeping bags. No running water nearby.Total 6 people. I picked some mushrooms on the way down. Even though I barely had 4 hours of sleep, I still decided not to let this continuously glorious Indian Summer day to go waste: high probably hit 20°C. However, when I left home, it was 3°C.
Direction: Highway 26. ~1.5 miles east of Zigzag (past the ranger station), turn right on Still Creek Road. A short distance later, turn right on NF2612. This is one lane paved. Go about 2.5 miles. Then it turns to gravel. 0.4 miles further is the trailhead.
