I wanted to get out for a longer hike today so I did Paradise Park Trail up to the crossover to Mississippi Head Wall. Great weather conditions with mostly sun but not to warm. Most of the Paradise Park Trail is a nice walk in the woods on a steady elevation gain trail. After passing the Paradise Loop Trail it is all spectacular above timberline hiking. It has been several years since I have been up this part and love it up there. My route was about 18 miles and 4400 feet gain. I was on the trail for 9 ½ hours. I tried out my new hiking boots on this hike and they worked fine so happy about that. Lots of backpackers in camping out.
Although this is now just a trail head folks still camp here that only leaves small spots to park.
Garbage is over flowing from campers.
Start of the trail.
Starting the walk in the woods part of the hike.
First part of the trail is flat and gives you a chance to warm up.
Sign in spot. From here the elevation begins.
The lower section pass by many rodies but only a few in bloom.
First view spot looks over to Tom, Dick and Harry Mt. but no view this morning.
The Trail has several spots where I mark my progress. This spot has very little tree cover to it is notable.
Just a few blooms along the route.
There is a pair of bridges about half way. This where I normally run into snow in late Fall.
Lot of Coral Orchards in bloom.
Bear Grass along the middle section was in bloom.
First look of Mt. Hood along the trail
Junction sign with the PCT.
Trail heading up to the loop trail.
Bear Grass at this elevation not in full bloom yet.
Just a couple small patches of snow left.
Start of the meadows of Paradise Park.
Looking over the trees at Crater Rock
Junction with Paradise Loop Trail
Heading up the trail to above Timberline.
At the trails end and looking back down.
The extended Paradise Park Trail ends at this spot. Looking up to Mt. Hood and Mississippi Head Wall.
Camp site away from it all.
All of the snow that builds up in the winter has to drain down and many canyons on the Mt.
Heading up a user trail to the Cross over spot.
The trail is sketchy and I lost it a couple of time.
Cloud cleared later for a view of Jeff and the Sisters.
Caron marks one of the stopping spots.
A short ways ahead is the cross over to the top of Mississippi Head Wall. Snow was soft but slippery and some possible fall lines. I stopped here on this trip.
Carter Rock on the center above ZigZag Glacier.
Timberline, Alpine Meadow Line, Ash Line
Imagine this filled with one massive glacier and you would have the seen 15,000 years ago.
Looking over to the view spot on the Timberline trail
Looking down to the green zone that is part of Paradise Park
Looking back up
Calyptridium umbellatum – one of the unique plants that survive high up on the mountain.
Here you can see the trail. You work between the trail and using off trail hiking.
Looking into ZigZag Canyon at the upper water fall.
A look back up to Mt. Hood
Back to where the tent was at.
A last look up to Hood before getting on the Paradise Park Loop trail.
Yet another photo of Mt. Hood.
I had to go over and the classic shot of Lost Creek and Mt. Hood. Still one big patch of snow left across the trail.
This field of Bear Grass is just a week away from being in full bloom.
Back to the lower meadows before going into the trees.
Back to the bridges
By the time I was back to the lower view the clouds had cleared and I could see Tom Dick Harry Mt.
Found a Cascade Lilly in bloom near the end of my hike.
Back to Paradise Park Trailhead