Paradise Trails Orientation: 4th Crossing Trailhead

The 4th Crossing Trailhead is on the north side of the Paradise River Bridge.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Paradise Valley Road

Amenities

3 listed

Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto

Season: Summer 
Paradise is open year-round, but this orientation guide is designed for the summer season when trails are snow-free. In spring and fall, there may be patches of snow covering sections of trail. Please stay on trails, even if it means crossing snow, to avoid trampling delicate meadow plants. Pets are not allowed on trails.  

The 4th Crossing Trailhead is located along the Paradise Valley Road, a one-way road that descends from Paradise to connect to Stevens Canyon Road. At the top of the Paradise Valley, the road crosses a small bridge over the Paradise River. The trailhead is on the left side just past the bridge, with a large pullout on the right. This location gets its name because the bridge is the fourth bridge, or crossing, of the Paradise River, as you travel up the mountain. Lower crossings include the Wonderland Trail near Carter Falls, Narada Falls Bridge, and Stevens Canyon Road at Ruby Falls. Standing at the trailhead, the Paradise River flows roughly north-south, with north upstream and south downstream.  

• 4th Crossing Trail travels roughly northeast from the trailhead, paralleling the Paradise River.
• Paradise Valley Road curves to the northwest if looking uphill, and curves east to southeast if oriented downhill from the trailhead.  

How Far Is It?  

• Skyline Trail and 4th Crossing Trail Junction: 0.26 miles, average walking time 10 minutes, northeast on the 4th Crossing Trail. At the Skyline Trail Junction, turn left to connect back to the main Paradise Area in one mile, passing Myrtle Falls on the way. Pets are NOT allowed on 4th Crossing and Skyline Trails.  
• Paradise via Paradise Valley Road by foot: 0.8 miles, average walking time 30 minutes, northwest along the road. The road then curves southwest as it climbs up the valley’s slope to the Paradise upper parking lot. Pets on a leash are permitted along the road. 
• Paradise via Paradise Valley Road by vehicle: 4 miles, average driving time 10 minutes. The Paradise Valley Road is one-way. If you want to get back to Paradise by vehicle, drive down the Paradise Valley Road to the Stevens Canyon Road junction, then turn right to connect back to the main Paradise Road. Turn right again to drive back up to Paradise. 

For additional information, download the Paradise Area Trails Map.