Park Ridge is, as its name implies, a long ridge that one must cross when hiking into Mt. Jefferson from the north. There are about 8 peaks along it but one summit that is not far off the Pacific Crest Trail. Awesome views of many peaks in the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness are afforded. There is no trail to the summit but the forest is very thin and it's easy to find your way out to it.

Getting There

It's not that easy to get there. You'll need a vehicle with high clearance and, depending on conditions, 4WD as the "road" to the trailhead is not maintained and very rocky and rutted.

From Portland, take exit 12 off Interstate 205 and head towards Estacada on Highway 224. Continue past Estacada another 26 miles to the Ripplebrook Ranger Station. Right after Ripplebrook, the road will fork and you want to take it to the right which is now Road 46. Take Road 46 about 26-28 miles further south to Road 4220. This road is almost directly under the powerlines so if you pass under them or go past an "Entering Mt. Hood Wilderness" sign, you have just passed it.

Turn left onto Road 4220. It's gravel for a while then turns to dirt and rocks. Drive about 6 miles to the Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Parking sign and pull in there. The trailhead is at this parking lot. If you get to Breitenbush Lake Campground, you've gone too far.

Red Tape

A Northwest Forest Pass is required to park in the lot. You also need a Wilderness Permit which are free and self-service issued at the sign about 20 yards into the trail.

When To Climb

Mid-July to mid-October, before or after and you take your chances with snow closing the roads. Road 4220 is gated and locked after the first snowfall.

Camping

Camping is allowed on the trail and in the area. Breitenbush Lake Campground is right next to the trailhead. There are also various campsites along Road 4220. About 3/4 of the way to Park Ridge is a very nice campsite next to a small lake. Also, about 2 miles past Park Ridge on the PCT is Jefferson Park, a very popular camping area for backpackers/climbers at the base of Mt. Jefferson. Camping is free.

Mountain Conditions

Estacada Ranger District
(503) 630-6861

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