Discover the Beauty of Zig Zag, Oregon: A guide to exploring
Welcome to the coolest named community in the Mt. Hood area, Zig Zag. This is a beautiful and tranquil community that offers a wide range of outdoor activities and natural beauty. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful escape from city life, Zig Zag has something to offer. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this hidden gem of a town, including its history, outdoor activities, and real estate market.
What is Zig Zag, Oregon?
Zig Zag is a small unincorporated community located in Clackamas County, Oregon. It is situated in the foothills of Mount Hood, along the Zig Zag River. The town was named after the zigzagging nature of the river, which flows through a series of canyons and gorges.
What is the History of Zig Zag, Oregon?
Zig Zag has a rich history dating back to the 1800s, when it was first settled by pioneers. The town was a popular stopover for travelers on the Barlow Road, a wagon trail that crossed the Cascade Mountains. The town’s name comes from the zigzagging nature of the Zig Zag River, which was difficult for pioneers to cross.
What are the Outdoor Activities in Zig Zag, Oregon?
Everything! Zig Zag is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with a wide range of activities available year-round. Here are some of the outdoor activities you can enjoy in Zig Zag:
Hiking
Zig Zag is surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, making it an ideal destination for hiking. There are numerous trails in the area, ranging from easy to challenging, that offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery. I would recommend checking out Salmon River Trail #742, it is gorgeous.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Zig Zag is located near several world-class ski resorts, including Timberline Lodge, Summit Pass, Ski Bowl, and Mt. Hood Meadows , making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Here at Mt.Hood Living, we are huge fans of Skiing and Snowboarding and have written excellent local articles. Check below v
Check out our Resources page to learn more
Fishing
The Sandy River and its tributaries provide vital spawning and rearing habitat for Chinook salmon, coho salmon, and steelhead.
These populations of fish are all federally listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act due to
declining populations caused largely by habitat destruction, dam construction, and overfishing. The
Zigzag Ranger District and a coalition of federal, state, municipal, and non-profit partners have invested
tens of millions of dollars in stream habitat restoration projects. As a result, the Sandy Basin supports
some of the healthiest runs of wild salmon in the lower Columbia River Basin.
To protect spawning wild fish, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) does not allow
fishing for salmon or steelhead in the upper Sandy Basin, which includes the mainstem of the Sandy
River and all tributaries from the confluence with the Salmon River upstream. This means that there is
no legal salmon or steelhead fishing anywhere on the Zigzag Ranger District at any time of year. That being said, you may catch a trout or two.
source: Here
Biking
Check these out if interested in doing some mountain biking. Please note that certain trails do not allow downhill biking (to reduce erosion)
– Little Zigzag Falls Trail
– Pioneer Bridle Trail
– Surveyor’s Ridge Trail
– Gunsight Ridge Trail
– Knebal Springs Trail
– Eight Mile Loop Trail
– Oak Ridge Trail
– Gunsight Butte Trail
– Zigzag Overlook Trail
– Sandy Ridge Trail System
There are many more than this
Real Estate Market in Zig Zag, Oregon
Zig Zag has a limited number of homes available on the market, but the town’s proximity to Mount Hood and natural beauty make it an attractive place to live. Despite being the best name for a community, any property will fall under a Welches or Rhododendron address 🙁 .Below will be all the nearby listings. We specialize in Mt. Hood Area Real Estate, so get in touch if you want to know about the real estate opportunities out here! There are condos, cabins, single family homes and so much more out here. Over several years of tracking west coast ski areas, this area is still quite affordable. As the Portland metro population continues to grow, the desire to purchase out here will too. I can see this area being like Colorado ski areas soon enough, where every house is extremely expensive.
FAQs about Zig Zag, Oregon
Here are some frequently asked questions about Zig Zag, Oregon:
Is Zig Zag a good place to live?
If you love Mountains and lush forests, definitely. Zig Zag is a beautiful and peaceful community that is ideal for those who love the outdoors. The town has a small real estate market, but properties tend to hold their value well
What are the best outdoor activities in Zig Zag?
Zig Zag is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking, skiing, snowboarding, fishing, and mountain biking all available in the area.
What is the weather like in Zig Zag?
Zig Zag has a mild climate, with warm summers and mild winters. However, the town is located near Mount Hood, which can experience heavy snowfall during the winter months.
How do I get to Zig Zag?
Zig Zag is located about an hour’s drive east of Portland, Oregon. The town is easily accessible by car, and there are several shuttle services available for those who do not have a vehicle. Need a bus? Check out the Mt.Hood Express, accessible in Sandy Oregon.
Real Estate near Zig Zag
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