Paradise Park: Lost Creek Lollipop Loop
Posted: September 21st, 2019, 8:24 pm
Paradise Park is essentially split into thirds by the long deep Lost Creek gullies. For years, I've wanted to follow Lost Creek's south fork to the head of the creek, and then pop over to the north fork for my descent. It finally worked its way to the top of my list.
I didn't want to start from Timberline Lodge. I'm so tired of that long ascent all the way from Zigzag Creek to the lodge. So I went up Paradise Park trail instead, starting at 2800' (ugh) on Kiwanis Camp Road. I was kinda dreading the boring forest hike down, especially as the forecast called for it to be a bit warm. It actually turned out to be a pleasant trail, both ways. There was only one part I disliked, the section that climbs away from Zigzag River up towards the ridgecrest. I was surprised the trail never really got steep, in spite of the nearly 3000' gain to Paradise.
At Paradise, my route was very straightforward: Just follow the loop trail to Lost Creek, and follow it up. It's a neat creek, tumbling down through a dusty volcanic gully, with a consistent narrow riparian zone. It's a striking effect, especially in a place where you can see up/down the creek a considerable distance. I was worried the creek would branch, become indistinct, fade gradually. But no, there was a very satisfying head to the creek, at a spring.
I continued above the spring, following the dry gully all the way to the Paradise/Mississippi saddle. I didn't expect the gully to be well defined all the way up there.
From the saddle, I saw what might be the top of Lost Creek's north fork. Indeed, as I followed it down I discovered the north fork is just as distinct and easy to follow as the south fork. It was sandy, which made for a fast easy descent, but I didn't have gaiters, so I didn't plunge as aggressively as I normally would.
At the Paradise loop trail I followed a path down towards Rushing Water and the PCT, but it faded. I was surprised, as it was so clear up higher. That explains why I never saw the bottom of the trail on the PCT. I dropped until I hit PCT, and headed back to the Paradise Park Trail to start my descent.
Although I missed out on some of the best PP views by being down in the gullies, it was a fun interesting rewarding trip. It wouldn't be advisable for a PP newbie, but if you've already done it all, this is a good way to see PP from a different perspective.
I didn't want to start from Timberline Lodge. I'm so tired of that long ascent all the way from Zigzag Creek to the lodge. So I went up Paradise Park trail instead, starting at 2800' (ugh) on Kiwanis Camp Road. I was kinda dreading the boring forest hike down, especially as the forecast called for it to be a bit warm. It actually turned out to be a pleasant trail, both ways. There was only one part I disliked, the section that climbs away from Zigzag River up towards the ridgecrest. I was surprised the trail never really got steep, in spite of the nearly 3000' gain to Paradise.
At Paradise, my route was very straightforward: Just follow the loop trail to Lost Creek, and follow it up. It's a neat creek, tumbling down through a dusty volcanic gully, with a consistent narrow riparian zone. It's a striking effect, especially in a place where you can see up/down the creek a considerable distance. I was worried the creek would branch, become indistinct, fade gradually. But no, there was a very satisfying head to the creek, at a spring.
I continued above the spring, following the dry gully all the way to the Paradise/Mississippi saddle. I didn't expect the gully to be well defined all the way up there.
From the saddle, I saw what might be the top of Lost Creek's north fork. Indeed, as I followed it down I discovered the north fork is just as distinct and easy to follow as the south fork. It was sandy, which made for a fast easy descent, but I didn't have gaiters, so I didn't plunge as aggressively as I normally would.
At the Paradise loop trail I followed a path down towards Rushing Water and the PCT, but it faded. I was surprised, as it was so clear up higher. That explains why I never saw the bottom of the trail on the PCT. I dropped until I hit PCT, and headed back to the Paradise Park Trail to start my descent.
Although I missed out on some of the best PP views by being down in the gullies, it was a fun interesting rewarding trip. It wouldn't be advisable for a PP newbie, but if you've already done it all, this is a good way to see PP from a different perspective.