Ashford, Washington
Skyline Trail Loop
Paradise wildflower meadows directly beneath Mount Rainier's south face.
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Length
- 5.5 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 1,788 ft
- Duration
- 3–5
- Best Season
- Jul–Sep
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Features
- Wildflower meadows, Glacier views
About the trail
The Skyline Trail at Paradise is the most beloved day hike in Mount Rainier National Park. The loop climbs through subalpine meadows that explode with lupine, paintbrush, and avalanche lily in late July. At Panorama Point, the Tatoosh Range, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood line up across the horizon. Above, the Nisqually Glacier groans down Rainier's south flank.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 46.7866, -121.7353Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Park at the Paradise Inn / Jackson Visitor Center lot.
- Take the paved trail behind the Visitor Center marked 'Skyline.'
- Climb counterclockwise via Alta Vista to Glacier Vista and Panorama Point.
- Continue across the Pebble Creek crossing and descend the eastern arm via Golden Gate.
- Return to the parking area via Myrtle Falls.
Parking
Paradise lot. Arrive by 8 AM on summer weekends — it fills entirely by mid-morning.
Tips from the trail
- Snow can linger on the upper loop into mid-July; ask rangers about conditions.
- Stay on trail — meadow restoration takes decades.
- Bring sun protection — the meadows offer no shade.
More in Washington
The Enchantments Core Traverse
WALeavenworth, Washington
The most coveted alpine traverse in Washington — 18 miles past granite spires and turquoise lakes.
Strenuous18 mi4,500 ft gainPermit
Mount St. Helens via Monitor Ridge
WACougar, Washington
Climb the volcano that blew its top in 1980 and peer into the steaming crater.
Strenuous10 mi4,500 ft gainPermit