Paradise Point State Park

Paradise Point State Park

Southwest WashingtonBest May–Sep

A short old-growth walk to the East Fork Lewis River just off I-5.

1.0 miDistance
151ftElevation
200ftHigh Point
Out & BackRoute
12h+Drive
moderateCrowds
RiverWaterfallOld GrowthFair in rainMuddyWashout

About This Trail

Paradise Point State Park sits just off I-5 between Ridgefield and Woodland, an easy stop for travelers looking to stretch their legs along the East Fork Lewis River. The short trail system threads through old-growth western redcedar and big-leaf maple, passing primitive campsites on its way to the riverbank. A spur leads to a small cascade best viewed in spring.

From the main loop, a half-mile extension follows the river and reveals swimming holes near the picnic area, including a classic rope swing. The riverbank trail turns to deep mud in winter and sits underwater during flood stage, so plan this one for summer.

This is a quick family outing or highway reset, not a destination hike. A frisbee golf course and picnic area round out the park.

Seasonal Highlights

AprWaterfall cascade at its most robust
JulRiver swimming and the rope swing come alive

Astronomy

MoonWaning Gibbous (70%)
Stargazingexcellent

Trail Conditions

MudReported on trail
IssueTrail is closed
Issuewashout
Issueclosed due to
Trail is closed due to river flooding and a washout, and looks like brambles have grown out into the trail.

Last report: Feb 1, 2025

Scorecard

moderateBeautyCedar and maple woodland along a slow, swimmable river.
Type 1.3Fun
1/5Difficulty
1.5/5Wildness
1/5Exposure
2/5Reward
1/5Effort
moderateCrowdsPeak: busy

Summer weekends draw picnic and swim crowds. Trail itself stays relatively quiet.

Permits / Passes

RequiredDiscover Pass

Safety & Considerations

Today's Hazard

  • Washed Out

Persistent Hazards

  • River trail floods in winter and becomes very muddy
  • High water can make riverbank sections impassable

Getting There

Google MapsApple Maps
Parking

Two lots: campground and picnic area, the latter with only 7-8 spaces. Discover Pass required. No trailhead toilet.

Recent Reports

FilthyCasualHikerFeb 1, 2025

Trail is closed due to river flooding and a washout, and looks like brambles have grown out into the trail. If you’re into disc golf, there’s a course here.

stasia:)Jun 24, 2021

WTA volunteers spent a very hot day on this trail making it passable--no more will you have to wade through chest-high grass to hike along the river! Volunteers also fixed a few loose stairs and cleaned up some spots where erosion was making the trail unsafe.

JABgirlJun 4, 2020

This is a new favorite of mine. I chose this one today for the ease and accessibility to it.

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