Paradise Park
From Portland Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes to this location
- Paradise Park Hike (TH | <-- --> | LOG)
- Paradise Park from Ramona Falls Hike (TH | <-- --> | LOG)
- Paradise Park from Timberline Lodge Hike (TH | <-- --> | LOG)
- Paradise Park via Burnt Lake Hike (TH | <-- --> | LOG)
- Timberline Trail around Mount Hood Hike (TH | <-- --> | LOG)
- Latitude: 45.3522
- Longitude: -121.7472
- Maps: Portland Hikers Maps Google Earth
- Elevation: 5800 feet
Contents |
Description
Paradise Park is one of the nicest alpine areas on Mount Hood. It's just above timberline. There is a large area of somewhat steeply sloping meadow filled with wild flowers.
The easiest way to get here is the Paradise Park from Timberline Lodge Hike. Timberline Lodge is 4.6 miles away from the closest side of Paradise Park. You lose and gain 1200' of elevation. It's somewhat crowded during the summer, but the length and elevation gain of the hike deter most people.
A 0.8 mile section of the Paradise Loop Trail traverses Paradise Park staying at about 5800', starting at the junction with the Paradise Park Trail and ending when the Paradise Park Trail starts down to its north end at the Timberline Trail. The trail crosses several trails including two branches of Lost Creek and Rushing Water Creek. Lost Creek eventually finds its way down next to Lost Creek Campground near the Ramona Falls Trailhead. Rushing Water Creek ends at the Sandy River where the Timberline Trail crosses the Sandy River.
One of the attractions of Paradise Park is the ease in which you can go off trail above to 7000' and higher, see Above Paradise Park.
There are campsites all along the trail starting at the South fork of Lost Creek. Maybe the best sites are near the North fork of Lost Creek. Some more campsites are just below the trail towards the north end. Generally speaking, it's less crowded further north because it's further away from Timberline Lodge.
The North and South Forks of Lost Creek provide reliable drinking water year-round. Further north, Rushing Water Creek provides drinking water, but may dry up in September.
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