Paradise Park Loop 757 via Pacific Crest Trail

The Paradise Park Loop 757 via Pacific Crest Trail is a scenic 12.2-mile loop hike starting from the historic Timberline Lodge on the southern slopes of Mount Hood. This route is highly regarded for its subalpine terrain, expansive wildflower displays in late summer, and panoramic views of the Cascade Range and Mount Hood's peak. Beginning at Timberline Lodge, the route follows the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) west through stands of mountain hemlock and Sitka mountain ash before arriving at the rim of Zigzag Canyon. Hikers must descend roughly 1,000 feet into the canyon, cross the Zigzag River, and climb back up the other side. After ascending out of the canyon, the Paradise Park Loop Trail #757 splits right from the PCT to loop through the high alpine meadows of Paradise Park. In late summer, these pristine meadows bloom with lupine, paintbrush, western pasque flower, Cascade aster, and arrowleaf groundsel, while glacier-fed streams are lined with species like Lewis's monkeyflower. The trail loops through the park, offering access to numerous backcountry campsites, before rejoining the PCT for the return journey across Zigzag Canyon back to Timberline Lodge. The entire loop features a cumulative elevation gain of approximately 2,886 feet, with elevations ranging from 4,767 feet in the canyon to 6,092 feet at the highest point.