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Paradise Park Trail is a long forested slog until you reach timberline where the wildflower meadows and views wow you!


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Map Key

6.9

Miles

11.1

KM

Point to Point

6,219' 1,896 m

High

2,819' 859 m

Low

3,412' 1,040 m

Up

12' 4 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

40%

Max Grade (22°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Views · Wildflowers

This trail suffered a catastrophic blowdown event in 2017 with hundreds of large trees down across the trail. The Forest Service is working with partners on planning multiple trail clearing work parties. Find another hike for now. The upper portions of this trail do not melt out until mid- to late June or mid-July. A Northwest Forest Pass or other valid parking pass is required at the trailhead when there is a portable toilet at the trailhead.

Description

This trail climbs a forested ridge above the north side of the Zigzag River eventually accessing the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and Paradise Park, an alpine meadow with outstanding view of Mt. Hood. This trail begins at Forest Road 2639-021 (2,800’) and ends a half mile above Paradise Park Loop Trail #757 (5,760’).

From Forest Road 2639-021, the trail climbs gradually before starting up several switchbacks to a flat point after 1.7 miles. The trail continues northwest 0.7 miles to a ridgeline. The trail follows the ridgeline and climbs 3.25 miles to the junction with Zigzag Mountain Trail #775. There are nice views of the Zigzag Canyon along the ridgeline.

Continue straight on #778 and after 0.2 mile the trail reaches the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. The trail continues through meadows and more open forest 0.5 mile to Paradise Park Loop Trail #757. This junction is considered the old trail’s end. The trail continues, however, a further 0.5 mile through alpine meadows to a spectacular viewpoint (6,240’). Part of this trail was reconstructed in 1999 changing the steeper sections into more gradual terrain with switchbacks. The trail is a steady climb most of its length. While it does follow a ridgeline, it is not an “exposed ridge” that would be precarious for stock.

Flora & Fauna

The lower sections of the trail are Douglas fir, western hemlock and western red cedar. As you gain in elevation, it transitions to mountain hemlock, and then subalpine fir. Wildflowers increase as you gain elevation.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kathleen Walker

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 2 votes

#8870

Overall
  4.5 from 2 votes
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Trail Rankings

#252

in Oregon

#8,870

Overall
12 Views Last Month
1,929 Since Jan 3, 2017
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Photos

In late spring, bear-grass explodes into bloom on the Paradise Park Trail.
Jan 3, 2017 near Governm…, OR
The wildflower show begins at the junction of Paradise Trail #778 and Paradise Park Loop Trail #757. Photo by Guy Meacham.
Jan 3, 2017 near Governm…, OR
This is one of the few vistas available from Paradise Park Trail for the first six miles of Tom Dick and Harry Ridge in the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness.
Jan 3, 2017 near Governm…, OR
This is the Paradise Park Trail junction with Zigzag Mt. Trail. Photo by Gene Blick.
Jan 16, 2017 near Governm…, OR
Paradise Park Trail is a long, steady, 6-mile trail to the wildflower meadows on the upper flanks of Mt. Hood. Photo by Guy Meacham.
Jan 3, 2017 near Governm…, OR
Fill out a wilderness permit. Paradise Park Trail is a long slog with few vistas until you reach the PCT and then it's wowza!
Jan 3, 2017 near Governm…, OR

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All Clear 21 days ago
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Aug 14, 2018
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