Name: Paradise Park Trail #778
Rating: 4.5

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

— Kathleen Walker

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 run 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.