Paradise Park hike- 13 mile loop (Mount Hood)

Wildflowers, alpine meadows, waterfalls, and views of Mount Hood and the canyons below… We Mount Hood lovers don’t call this Paradise Park for nothing!

• Difficulty: [Updated] Most sources label this as “difficult," not moderate, due to length, blow down, occasional steepness, and creek crossings

• Hiking distance: A bit over 13 miles

• Elevation gain: 2300 feet, possibly a bit more

• Total hiking time: Took my last group a little over 4 hours, but set aside 6 hours just to be safe

• Total driving distance: 106.8 miles RT from SE Portland (Like from Gateway Transit Center, for example)

• Permits: None

• Dogs: Only if they are in very good shape, and you are prepared to carry them over blown down trees and river crossings

The Plan: Whether driving yourself or carpooling, meet at Mount Hood’s famous Timberline Lodge @ 8:30 am. From the lodge, we’ll take the Timberline Trail #400 up and down through Little Zig Zag Canyon to Zig Zag Overlook, then take the Paradise Park Loop trail through the stunning alpine meadows of Paradise Park. Note: We will not be taking the off-trail route above Paradise Park to cross the cliffs of Mississippi Head like we did last time. Eventually rejoining the Timberline Trail after taking in some spectacular views of this wilderness area, we will return to Timberline Lodge and our cars.

My usual hiking style is fairly brisk (2.5-3.5 mph or faster when not running), but trekkers of all hiking speeds are welcome on this event. Having fun together is WAY more important to me than pace, so I don’t want anyone to feel rushed. We will enjoy short breaks as needed for snacks, photos, and viewpoints.

• Bring: Gas money (If you carpool), 2+ liters of water, food/snacks, warm layers of non-cotton clothing, a camera, and shoes with good traction. Poles could be useful.

It is also recommended that hikers always carry the, um, ELEVEN Essentials:

1. Navigation (map, compass, and an awareness of our route)
2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight and extra batteries)
5. First-aid supplies
6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
7. Knife/tools
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water)
10. Emergency whistle and general preparedness in the event that you become separated from our group and/or have to spend the night in the wild.
11. A crazy train*

*RIP Ozzy Osbourne

PARTICIPATE AT YOUR OWN RISK; Northwest Wilderness Group organizers are volunteers. We come prepared to lead you on a trail or off trail hike but assume no liability for your safety getting to or from the trail-head or on the hike. In case of accident, illness, or other incapacity, hikers must pay for their own medical and/or evacuation expenses, whether or not the hiker has specifically authorized them.