This trail enters the 47,160 acre Mt Hood Wilderness Area part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. This trail climbs a forested ridge above the north side of the Zigzag River eventually accessing the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and Paradise Park, a alpine meadow with outstanding view of Mt Hood. This trail was reconstructed in 1999 changing the steeper sections into more gradual terrain with switchbacks. The trail is a steady climb most of its length. While it does follow a ridgeline, it is not an "exposed ridge” that would be precarious for stock.

Regulations & Leave No Trace Information: Much of the alpine meadow environment is bedded is an easily eroded sandy soil to off trail activities should be very limited since "user trails” develop so easily.

Regulations: ?? Wilderness Permits are required between May 15 and Oct 15, but are free and self-issuing at a permit box station along the trail. ?? Group size is limited to 12. On trails that allow stock, stock are counted in the group size. For example, 3 people each riding their own horse plus a spare horse in the group for packing would make a group of 7. ?? No campfires are allowed in the Paradise Park area. ?? Unproccessed livestock feed is prohibited, preventing non-native plant spread.

Leave No Trace: ?? Plan Ahead and Prepare – Have your 10 essentials? ?? Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces- This is the key LNT concept to be aware of at this site. Avoid areas where impacts are just beginning. Use existing campsites. ?? Dispose of Waste Properly – Pack out even the smallest food scrapes (yes apple cores) ?? Leave What You Find – Please do not pick wildflowers, even if abundant. ?? Minimize Campfire Impacts – No fires are allowed at Paradise Park. ?? Respect Wildlife – Don’t give wildlife a chance to be habituated to human food. ?? Be Considerate of Other Visitors – Keep your dog close to you.