My understanding is that paddlers still get free access to the trail, thanks to the WKC...  But it does sound like they're opening it back up to anyone with a crisp $5.  This is nothing new - back in the 80's and early 90's, the paradise area in summer was a total heshen hang out.  Food, drink, swimming, cliff jumping, etc.  Good times!  Back then the access trail was on RL, dropping down under the bridge to the little eddy just below the falls.  But they shut access down due to liability concerns.  Go figure...  Anyway, when the cold, fall rains bring the river back up, I don't see crowding as a concern.    

Edited by jalmquist - 21 Aug 2015 at 5:04pm

I was down there about a month ago snorkeling and checking out the scene - scary with all the shenanigans going on, it put a sadness in my heart to see people trashing the put-in.

Info from Ron (the guy who installed the stairs heading down to the paradise put in)
The Carters, property owner, installed the 6’ chain link fence and gate to try and keep the summer crowd out. They are continuing to trash the put in ledge and gravel bar on river left. Within two days of the installation, the fence had been cut by the summer crowds. Carter repaired the fence and it again was cut. He then installed barbed wire along the top but they just cut up from the bottom to gain access. He put up private property signs but these people seem to feel “entitled” to use the property. The new approach is to charge for parking and give a donation for trail access. When the boy drowned sometime in the past, after going down the steps on the east side of the river and jumping off the cliff, his family sued Carter. The thought is this new approach is an effort to avoid a future lawsuit.

The WKC still donates a yearly fee for this access - Thanks WKC! When I mentioned I was part of the WKC, the $5 per person charge was quickly dropped and I was waved through.

Eric Carter, Jim Carters son, lives in the first house on the right as you approach the road gate from Black Diamond. He was asked what the plans were for the property, but he would only say that he thought that we would be happy with the property’s future.

I have some pictures, but I don't know how to post them, you'll have to use your imagination.

Edited by shanna - 28 Aug 2015 at 1:53am