How to Get a Paradise Park Permit
Nearly 3,000 feet up a forested ridge to an alpine meadow the Forest Service calls one of the best wildflower displays on Mount Hood.
Check Paradise Park permit availabilityNo permit fee. A valid Recreation Pass is required at the Paradise Park Trailhead from May 1 to October 31
Permit Cost
1-2 days
Duration
12.7 miles
Distance
2,960'
Elevation Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
About Paradise Park
Paradise Park is an alpine meadow on the southwest flank of Mount Hood, reached by Paradise Park Trail #778 from Forest Road 2639-021. Mt. Hood National Forest describes it as climbing a forested ridge above the north side of the Zigzag River and eventually accessing the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and Paradise Park itself, with outstanding views of the mountain and meadows known for outstanding wildflowers. The trail begins at 2,800 feet and ends at Paradise Park Loop Trail #757 at 5,760 feet, with the trail continuing a further half mile through alpine meadows to a viewpoint at 6,240 feet. Summing the Forest Service's own segment distances gives about 6.35 miles to the #757 junction and 6.85 to the viewpoint. The Forest Service lists one requirement on this trail's page: a valid Recreation Pass at the Paradise Park Trailhead from May 1 to October 31, plus wilderness restrictions. It also lists water availability at the trailhead as No. Free self-issued wilderness permits are the norm in this wilderness — the Forest Service states on its Ramona Falls page that they are required from May 15 to October 15 where provided at a portal — so fill one out if there is a box on your way in.
Paradise Park is where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the southwest flank of Mount Hood, and the Forest Service description of Trail #778 is unusually specific about the reward: an outstanding view of Mount Hood while passing through meadows known for outstanding wildflowers.
The Experience
A long forested ridge with the Zigzag Canyon opening up below you, then the trees thin and the meadows start and the mountain fills the sky.
Mt. Hood National Forest maps Trail #778 segment by segment. It begins at Forest Road 2639-021 at 2,800 feet and climbs gradually before starting up several switchbacks to a flat point after 1.7 miles. It continues northwest 0.7 mile to a ridgeline, then follows that ridgeline and climbs 3.25 miles to the junction with Zigzag Mountain Trail #775, with nice views of the Zigzag Canyon along the way.
Continue straight on #778 and after 0.2 mile you reach the junction with the Pacific Crest Trail #2000. From there it is another 0.5 mile through meadows and more open forest to Paradise Park Loop Trail #757, at 5,760 feet — the old end of the trail. It carries on a further 0.5 mile through alpine meadows to a spectacular viewpoint at 6,240 feet.
Add those segments up and it is about 6.35 miles to the #757 junction and 6.85 to the viewpoint. Part of the trail was reconstructed in 1999, turning the steeper sections into more gradual switchbacks, and the Forest Service notes that while it follows a ridgeline it is not an exposed ridge that would be precarious for stock.
What to Expect
About 6.35 miles and roughly 2,960 feet of climbing to reach the Paradise Park Loop Trail junction
A ridgeline that the Forest Service specifically says is not precariously exposed, including for stock
Meadows the Forest Service calls known for outstanding wildflowers
No water at the trailhead
A Recreation Pass requirement from May 1 to October 31
Get Paradise Park Alerts
Be first to know when cancellations happen.
Permit Requirements
A valid Recreation Pass is required at the Paradise Park Trailhead from May 1 to October 31
Wilderness restrictions apply in the Mount Hood Wilderness
Mt. Hood National Forest states that free, self-issued wilderness permits are required from May 15 to October 15 when provided at a portal — fill one out if there is a box at your trailhead
Gear & Preparation
Required Gear
- •All your water. The Forest Service lists water availability at this trailhead as No
- •Layers for a 3,400-foot elevation change
- •Sun protection for the open meadow sections up high
Recommended Gear
- •Trekking poles for a long descent
- •A stove rather than a fire; wilderness restrictions apply
- •Traction early in the season, when the upper meadows hold snow
Hazards & Safety
A sustained climb with no water source at the trailhead
Snow lingering in the upper meadows well into the summer
Afternoon weather on an exposed alpine bench with no shelter
Trail conditions past the wilderness boundary; the Forest Service's most recent posted condition note flagged that the trail was cleared of logs only as far as the wilderness boundary and may be impassible beyond
Best Time to Visit
The Recreation Pass window of May 1 to October 31 brackets the practical season. Wildflowers in the meadows are the reason most people come, and they follow snowmelt — high summer rather than early summer in a heavy year. Late September gives you the clearest views of the mountain and the emptiest trail.
Pro Tips
There is no water at the trailhead — the Forest Service lists it as unavailable. Carry everything
The Forest Service publishes this trail segment by segment; the sum is about 6.35 miles to the Paradise Park Loop Trail junction and 6.85 to the viewpoint at 6,240 feet
A valid Recreation Pass is required at the trailhead May 1 to October 31
The posted trailhead has moved before — the last condition note put it in the field across from the Paradise Park Christian Camp cabin. Check current conditions before you drive
Part of the trail was rebuilt in 1999 with gentler switchbacks, so it climbs steadily rather than brutally
100+ wilderness permits, extensive backcountry experience
This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Paradise Park?
+
Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
When is the best time to visit Paradise Park?
+
The Recreation Pass window of May 1 to October 31 brackets the practical season. Wildflowers in the meadows are the reason most people come, and they follow snowmelt — high summer rather than early summer in a heavy year. Late September gives you the clearest views of the mountain and the emptiest trail.
How difficult is Paradise Park?
+
Strong day hikers and backpackers who want the meadows without the full Timberline Trail commitment.
What gear do I need for Paradise Park?
+
Essential gear includes: All your water. The Forest Service lists water availability at this trailhead as No, Layers for a 3,400-foot elevation change, Sun protection for the open meadow sections up high.
Don't Miss Your Paradise Park Permit
Cancellations happen every day. PermitSnag monitors Paradise Park availability 24/7 and alerts you the moment a spot opens up.
Get Permit Alerts