How to Get to Paradise Park Hike in Oregon
Paradise Park hike is the quintessential Oregon hike, giving you up-close views of the state’s most enduring image: Mt. Hood. This hike actually starts on TOP of Mt. Hood: you’ll park next to the famous Timberline Lodge, where “The Shining” was filmed. In this post, I’ll tell you how to get to Paradise Park hike from Timberline Lodge (there’s another route starting near Zigzag). And I’ll show you how to avoid the mistakes we made….which cost us two extra miles!! This hike is already strenuous ~ & trust me, you WON’T want any extra miles here!
**Author’s Note: Article updated as of December 2022.
Paradise Park hike is one of the BEST summertime Oregon hikes ~ & it’s also one of the hardest. But I’ve never forgotten these views…
Map of Paradise Park Hike
The most important thing you need to know about getting to Paradise Park FROM Timberline Lodge, is that you’ll be taking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) for the first part of your hike (Trail #2000) ~ in order to meet up with Paradise Park loop (Trail #757). You can see on the map below, that Paradise Park is northwest of Timberline Lodge ~ & that the “Paradise Park Trail Head” (which is a totally different hike), starts much lower, near Zigzag.
That is NOT the hike I’m detailing here, as this route starts at “Timberline Lodge Trail Head.”
Lower Paradise Park Trail Head (by Zigzag)
Timberline Lodge Trail Head (START HERE)
Paradise Park
Directions to Paradise Park Hike
Directions from Downtown Portland
Distance from Portland: 64 miles
- Enter “Timberline Lodge” into your GPS
- Follow directions to Timberline from your location; it should be very straightforward
- Timberline Lodge has a large parking lot; park anywhere
Paradise Park Hike Info
- Starting Point: Timberline Lodge Trailheads
- Total Trail Distance: 12.1 miles round-trip to Paradise Park
- Hike Type: Loop (at Paradise Park), & out-and-back to Timberline Lodge
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Time: 5-6+ hours
- Elevation Gain: 2,300 feet
- Pet-friendly: For very active dogs, who can cross rivers
- Kid-friendly: Only for older, active kids who enjoy hiking
- Good for Trail-Running/Marathon Training: Yes
- Crowded: Light to moderate
- All Seasons? Summer & early fall only
Photos of Paradise Park Hike
Okay ~ you’ve parked, & you’re at the “Timberline Lodge Trail Heads” (shown on map above). This was where we got confused: we simply headed west on our own, not following any particular trail. WRONG. We got totally lost! What you need to do, is find the Pacific Crest Trail (Trail #2000), which you can see on the map heads west, crossing Zigzag Canyon, & eventually meeting up with Paradise Park (Trail #757).
This a great illustration of the route from Timberline Lodge to Paradise Park ~ & you can see how the PCT overlaps with it.
This hike gives you some of the most classic & quintessential “Oregon” views I’ve ever seen.
The most difficult things about this hike include: in the beginning, you’ll descend some large hills down into Zigzag Canyon. The problem: you need to come back UP thoee on your return, when you’ve already hiked 10+ miles (we were EXhausted by then)! This is challenging, & it’s why this hike is not for everyone ~ & definitely not for all dogs or children.
Paradise Park IS dog-friendly ~ but only for very active dogs, who can easily cross rivers!
My dog, Dylan, was about five when he did this hike. Crossing Zigzag Canyon River was fine on the way there ~ but on the way back, we literally had to carry him across, because the river flow had changed. He’s ten now, & there’s NO WAY I’d take him on this hike at his age! Gauge the fitness level of your dogs & kids ~ & decide if they’re prepared for 12+ miles of hiking.
Simply gorgeous. Photo taken in July.
How to Get to Paradise Park Hike in Oregon
The Paradise Park Loop is technically Trail #757 ~ but if you’re coming from Timberline, you won’t reach it for several miles.
Once you get to Paradise Park (during summer), you’ll be greeted by a sea of wildflowers.
If Mt. Hood wasn’t hidden by clouds, it would be RIGHT behind us.
Photos of Paradise Park Hike
On Paradise Park Loop.
Dogs & Kids need to be able to cross this rocky river to get to Paradise Park.
On the way back to Timberline Lodge, beautiful views await..
Great Hikes Nearby
Popular Mirror Lake trail is located right off Highway 26, just before you get into Government Camp. Every time I’ve been there, it’s CRAZY busy!! So try to hike it on a non-summer weekday. There are also plenty of hiking trails starting at Timberline Lodge ~ check out a map & pick one that looks right for you.
Where to Stay & Drink
Look familiar? Timberline Lodge is the famous hotel from “The Shining.” The goods news: after a LONG hike, you can grab a drink here & take in amazzing views…& see if it’s haunted!
Timberline Lodge is a legendary hotel located on top of Mt. Hood (not the very top ~ but as high as you can drive up). They filmed “The Shining” here, & it’s also where the popular Hood-to-Coast relay race starts each year, in late August. An ideal way to end the Paradise Park hike would be to stay the night at the Lodge, enjoying dinner & drinks while soaking in magnificent Pacific Northwest views.
Get Prepared
How to Get to Paradise Park Hike on Mt. Hood
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post on Paradise Park! If you’re heading on to Bend after adventures at Mt. Hood, be sure to search my site for recommendations ~ because Bend is where I live now, & there are tons of adventures to be had in Central Oregon….
xoxo Noelia
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Great post! I love Oregon hiking, & this is a hike I’ve never done – so it’s going on the list! My only question is: will an active puppy be able to cross the stream you mention in the hike? That’s my only concern. I have a 2-year old lab with LOTS of energy! Thank you, Kate
Hi Kate! Great question. An active 2-year old should be able to cross the stream; the main thing is, how well your dog likes water & they’re ability to leap/jump over rocks. If your dog is not a fan of water (or scared), it could be quite difficult getting them across (depending on the flow of the river). Let me know how it goes for you! xoxo
Did you go clockwise or counterclockwise around the loop? Also, what month is best to see the most wildflowers?
Hi Sarah, we went clock-wise around the loop, starting & ending the hike at Timberline Lodge. We went in July & there were PLENTY of wildflowers then; I imagine anytime from June-August there will be plenty of flowers to see.
Kate, paradise park requires dogs remain on leash. There is very little viewable wildlife in paradise park, mostly due to crap dog owners thinking it’s cute to let their dogs chase wild animals.
Please update your article.
Thanks
Hi Justin, thanks for your comment. My name is Noelle, however ~ not Kate. And nowhere in my article does it state that dogs should be on OR off-leash; these things can change over time, & I recommend people check in with the local Forest Service for recommendations about leash laws. ~ Noelle