Skyline Trail - Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington

Address:Trailhead near Jackson Visitors Center
Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington
Tel: (360) 569-2211

This challenging, extremely scenic hike is one of the most rewarding in all of Washington State. Skyline Trail is located north of Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park and leads to stunning views of glaciers, waterfalls, and colorful meadows above the tree line. From Panorama Point, the highest viewpoint along the trail located at elevation 6,800 feet, hikers will be awarded with breathtaking views of the Cascades Range and of Mt. Adams, Hood and St. Helens. Along the trail marmots and deer can be observed regularly.

The length of Skyline Trail is a moderately difficult eight mile loop trail with an elevation gain of 1,400 feet. It is recommended to hike clockwise and to allow four to six hours to ensure maximum enjoyment from the hike. Hiking the loop clockwise, the trail climbs two miles next to the Nisqually Glacier to Panorama Point and then descends into Paradise Valley. From the valley the trail climbs to Myrtle Falls and finally returns back to Paradise. For a shorter version of this loop take the Golden Gate Trail back to Paradise.

The Skyline Trail trailhead is located near the Jackson Visitor Center in Paradise, south of Mt. Rainier's summit on State Road 706 (16 miles east of Longmire). Skyline Trail is a great hike for kids although it may be too difficult for young children. The trail is usually snow covered until late June or early July and then again from October. It is advised to check with the visitor center for current conditions. Skyline Trail can get pretty crowded on sunny summer days so start early in order to avoid the crowds. Have fun!