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Cast Creek Trail #773
Trail access is affected by recreational gate closure on Dec 1st – April 1st annually. Please see our Roads Table for current information.
This trail is in the Mount Hood Wilderness Area. This trail is a steady, steep climb with numerous switchbacks going through a forested Westside Cascade mountainside.
The trail begins at Cast Creek, Horseshoe Ridge, Sandy River trailhead, located at Riley Horse Camp, and ends at Zigzag Mountain Trail #775. This trail is in the Mount Hood Wilderness. This trail is a steady, steep climb with numerous switchbacks going through a forested Westside Cascade mountainside. Visitors can retrace their steps to return to the trailhead.
To reach Cast Lake Trail #796, turn right (west) onto #775 and follow it for 500’ to the beginning of #796. To make an 11.8 mile loop, turn right (west) onto #775 from the end of #773 and follow it for 1.9 miles to Horseshoe Ridge Trail #774. Turn right (north) onto #774 and follow it for 4.6 miles to Forest Road 1825-380. Turn right onto Forest Road 1825-380 and follow it for 0.1 mile back to Riley Horse Camp. Although the trail is open to horse use, it is recommended that only experienced equestrians and horses use this route and that they ride it from south to north (downhill) only.
Trail Description and Map (PDF File)
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Trail maintained 2021. |
|---|---|
| Usage: | Light |
| Restrictions: |
|
| Closest Towns: | Welches, OR |
| Passes: | A valid Recreation Pass is required at the Cast Creek, Horseshoe Ridge, Sandy River trailhead from May 1 to Oct 31. |
| Operated By: | Forest Service |
| Information Center: | Zig Zag Ranger District- Zig Zag Ranger Station |
General Information
Directions:Access via Cast Creek, Horseshoe Ridge, Sandy River trailhead at Riley Horse Camp.
From Portland, OR - follow U.S. Hwy 26 17.5 miles east of Sandy to Zigzag. At Zigzag, approximately 0.4 mile past milepost 42, turn left (north) on Lolo Pass Road (Forest Road 18). Turn left on Lolo Pass Road and travel 4 miles to Forest Road 1825. Turn right (east) onto Forest Road 1825 and travel 1.2 miles to Forest Road 1825-380. Turn Right (south) onto Forest Road 1825-380 and travel 200’ to the parking area and trailhead on the east side of the road.
Activities
Day Hiking
It is a steady climb with numerous switchbacks going through a forested Westside Cascade mountainside. While it is a steady climb, there are not steeply exposed side slopes.Backpacking
Horse Riding
See day hiking descriptionAlerts & Warnings
- Sandstone Fire closure on Clackamas River RD
- Whisky Creek Fire closure; includes PCT detour
- Avalanches on Mt. Hood
- Multiple ski trail bridge closures on Hood River Ranger District
- Sno-Park Permits required Nov. 1 thru Apr. 30
- Timberline Lodge tours canceled for October
- Dog River Trail temporary closure
- Bridge closures on the Barlow Road