Eden Park Loop via Vista Ridge Trail #626(edit)

Overview

This is a moderate lollipop loop trail to Eden Park in the Mt. Hood National Forest.

Follow the trail into the forest then reach a junction with the Vista Ridge Trail and turn left. Enter an area burned in the 2011 Dollar Lake Fire. The extra sunlight has resulted in an explosion of huckleberries, making this a yummy hike in late summer.

Reach the junction with the Eden Park Trail and turn right. The trail descends through the burned trees. Wildflowers bloom along here in July. Cross Ladd Creek (there is no bridge) then reach Eden Park, which did not burn. There are a few campsites here. The trail circles around the meadow then climbs up the slope above the meadow, providing a good aerial view of Eden Park.

Reach the junction with the Timberline Trail and turn left. Pass through Cairn Basin where you'll find an old stone shelter and a few campsites. Wildflowers bloom here in summer. Cross back over Ladd Creek (no bridge) and climb up the slope through burned trees. When you reach the junction with the Vista Ridge Trail you will turn left to head back to your car, but you may wish to stay straight for a few hundred feet to visit Wy'east Basin, a small meadow with nice views to the north.

Getting Started

The trailhead has very limited parking so arrive early. There is no toilet. The trail starts at the far end of the parking area next to a sign.

Taking Children

This is a hard hike on a hot day due to the lack of shade and kids may tucker out fast.