3.5 hr
Overview
This is definitely not the easiest way to get to Paradise Park. The slog up from the Sandy River to Paradise Park is arduous - you mainly see people walking around Mount Hood or thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Because of the length of the hike and the elevation gain, many people would only do this as a backpack. The Pacific Crest Trail ascends a ridge from the Sandy River and, at a couple of viewpoints, you'll get views down into the steep valley of the Paradise Branch as well as the ravine formed by Rushing Water Creek on the south side of the ridge. There are also unique views of the volcanic ramparts at the head of the Sandy River and the Sandy Glacier. Take note that the biggest obstacles on this route are the two crossings of the Sandy River. Take the wide, sandy trail leading up from the southeast corner of the parking area. You will be hiking among stunted mountain hemlock, Douglas-fir, and lodgepole pine on a carpet of moss, pinemat manzanita, and reindeer lichen. Beginning in about 1780, pyroclastic flows from Mount Hood buried the Sandy River, which continues to change its course as it carves through the soft strata. Pass the first of at least three glacial river crossing signs warning about safe passage when waters are high. (There has been more than one drowning death in the area.) Come to the Sandy River-Ramona Falls Trailhead Trail Junction, and proceed past a large boulder to a stop sign, where you’ll need to fill out a free wilderness permit. Hike onward through the trees. The trail has been moved back away from the river after sections that were too close to the riverbank washed away. At 1.1 miles reach the bank of the river, and then descend to the Sandy River Crossing. A bridge is no longer provided here, so you’ll need to pick one of the logs strewn across the water or attempt a ford (see Tips for Crossing Streams). This crossing can be dangerous and is easiest from mid-summer to early fall. The trail picks up on the opposite bank and winds through an alder-colonized debris fan. Drop
Trail Stats
0.0 km
1042 m
1784 m
0 m
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Photos
400px-ParadiseParkSandyRiverMap
400px-ParadiseParkSandyRiverMap
250px-ParadiseParkHikers
250px-ParadiseParkHikers
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250px-SplitRock1
250px-Sandyxingpct
250px-Sandyxingpct
250px-Mt
250px-Mt
400px-Timberlinenofparadise
400px-Timberlinenofparadise