SkyLine Trail

I headed up to Paradise from Seattle this morning and got to the Paradise parking lot in 3 hours. This mountain is really worth the drive. I went up the Skyline trail in the clockwise direction and saw lots of wildflowers and views that were spectacular. I took the upper Skyline trail to 7000 ft because of snow on the lower skyline trail. I did this in tennis shoes but it was ok for me. I would highly recomend this hike to anyone that enjoys wildflowers, wild animals, and great views.

My husband and I hiked this trail, after we had our first child, back in 1989. It had only been three months, and I did half of it. Of course I was not in shape at that point, and was surprised I could do any of this fantastic trail. We are going to do it again. We have been up there several times since then, but that trail has stuck in my mind, and I really want to do it again. Especially, since I am a runner now, and feel like I am in far better shape than before. I recommend this trail to everyone who wants to have one of the most amazing experiences of their lives. The scenery is like the kind of mountain pictures they print on post cards! I will say that once you hike this trail you will have dreams of returning until you do!

Did this hike while on a camping trip at Cougar Rock.  We couldn't have asked for a better weather - clear sunny skies, and temperature of about 75.

We started on the 'finish' end of this one.  From the trailhead, we started out east through the valley before heading up to the glacier trails.  Some wonderful scenery, including waterfalls and meadows.  After the glacier trailhead 'off-ramp', there's some nice undulation that gives you a bit of a break.  It there are elevated meadows with small water deposits just before getting to Panorama point.  Words can't describe the views.  They're absolutely astounding and you'll have to experience it yourself.  Shortly after Panorama Point, we began a steep decent down a series switchbacks.  I can't imagine starting the trail on this side (as is the norm).

I remember Skyline being deceptively difficult, but that might just have been my inexperience.  If hiking in the summer, you may want to carry extra water and food to refuel about halfway along.  A camera is a must, but it won't due your memories justice.

Without a doubt, one of the best experiences I've ever had outdoors.

I hiked the Skyline trail on Wednesday morning, July 22nd. Unbelievable. Get there in the morning and parking is a breeze. The temperature was perfect and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. Views all the way south to Mt Hood. There is still a bit of snow on portions of the trail, and it gets a bit slippery and sloppy when warm so be careful. I hiked it clockwise and the initial assault out of the parking lot will let you know how in shape you are! Keep going and you will be rewarded. I felt like I could reach up and touch Mt Rainier.

I hiked this trail on a Monday (7/20/09). Got to Paradise around 9am. The parking lot was 25% full which was great. I hiked the trail clockwise following a team of people heading out to Camp Muir. I needed a practice run on the moutain to see how I would do at altitiude, since I will be trying to climb the mountain next month.

The first 1/2 mile was lumpy asphalt and uphill. It then turned into a well maintained gravel path. Still a lot of hiking. The Glacier Vista turnoff was totally covered in snow, so that was a no go. The trail continued on to Panorama Point, which is one of the best 360 degree view in the park. It was clear enough to just make out Mt. Adams throught the haze. If your tired feet decide to head back to Paradise on the Skyline trail, make the u-turn at Panorama Point. Don't miss out on this view.

The lower Skyline trail was covered in snow, so I had to take the high road on the upper Skyline trail. Warning: this section is a real ankle breaker. Lots of sharp, loose rocks that want to twist your shoes right off your feet, plus slippery sections of snow covered trail. I took it slow and steady and managed to make it through. There is a toilet in a stone building right around there if nature calls. The Pebble Creek/Camp Muir Trail turnoff  was mostly covered in snow. You could see Muir climbers as little ants halfway up the mountain. After that, the trail started to head downward. For the next mile or so, the trail was more snow than gravel path. I had to follow the dirty snow and the little trail flags to keep on the right path. I fell over several times in the snow. Treking/ski poles are a must through this section, otherwise you'll be slipping and sliding all over the place. The next mile was less snow, but it now became a dusty, muddy, rocky mess. The attacking bugs were not much fun either. The last mile was well traveled and more crowded. At least 4-5 creek and fall crossings to take pictures of.

I got back to the Paradise parking lot at 2pm. That's a 5 hour hike. Without the snow, probably a 4 hour hike. The parking lot was full and people were hovering around me like vultures waiting for me to leave my prime spot. Other notes: The flowers were in bloom and just about everywhere. The number of people on the trail in the morning was small and evenly spaced out. Bring suntan lotion! I slathered on some 45SPF and still got quite the tan. I packed 2 liters of water and almost went through it all. I had to use my ski poles about 40% of the time on the trail.

We were visiting from New Jersey with family outside of Seattle, WA.  The Mt. Rainer - Skyline Trail hike was strongly recommended - so we ventured out on 08/22/08 in the early morning - before the crowds.  We left from the Vistor Center and went clockwise up the trail.  All I could say was that it was SPECTACULAR !!!!!  The climb, at times, got a bit tough but if you take a break often (a great excuse to take in the views and to take some pictures), it is doable.  Bring a lunch and spend some time at Panarama Point (elevation of 6,800 feet) taking in the beauty.  Venture up past Panarama Point to complete the day.

We hiked Skyline trail today and it was absolutely gorgeous.  Clear skies all day, the view of Mt. Ranier and the Nisqually Glacier were amazing.  We parked at the Fourth Crossing lot and took that trail to reach Skyline.  It was much less crowded down by Fourth Crossing, compared with the Paradise Visitor Center,  The Fourth Crossing trail and the Skyline Loop was in full bloom with wildflowers all along the path.  After reaching Skyline, we went around the loop counter-clockwise.   A local friend recommended counter-clockwise because we would hit the steep paved path near Paradise on our descent instead of during the initial climb.  I think it was good advice.  The paved slope by Paradise has no switchbacks and would be a grueling and monotonous climb.  

We are not regular high-altitude hikers, and even the less steep counter-clockwise climb was tough.  But the views were worth it.  Have a camera and take lots of pictures (as a bonus, this gives you an excuse to rest).  Even in August, there were several packed snowfields to cross, so consider using trek poles or some some hiking boots.  I wore cross-country athletic shoes, which were fine for everything except the packed snow.  

It took us 7 hours for the whole loop, but that included at least an hour of gazing at the mountains, glaciers, wildflowers and marmots.  And we stopped for many pictures.  Sunscreen is a must, and take lots of water.    In August on a sunny day, I never needed more that two layers of t-shirts and khakis.  There was a short stretch where mosquitoes were a nuisance, so consider repellent.

I hiked the skyline trail early in Oct 2006. I started the eastern portion first by taking the Golden trail and thus cut some of the Skyline from the hike. This hike was a lot of fun... lots of beauty and wonderful views. I saw marmots, deer, very small ground squirrels, and a bald eagle that gave me a welcoming screech as he flew by. This hike will wear you out!!! But it's worth it. Maybe I'm not in shape..haha. If you just have a few hours and are already at Paradise then take the hike. If you are not in shape then take the western-side of Skyline to Panaroma Point and return the same. The highlight is Panaroma Point, so don't miss it. There is a closed-in toilet at Panaroma if you need one. The clouds rolled in as I sat at Panaroma... so I've been telling my buddies that I have walked in the clouds. When you get to Paradise, don't just linger in the visitor center... take this hike.

This hike was so much fun I have to give it the higest ranking.  I did this hike with my wife and yound son and both of them couldn't say enough about how great a day it was.  the weather was absolutely wonderful.  Highly recommend.

I did this spectacular hike on July 9, 2003.  Yes, there was still quite a bit of snow all around, making the hike a little more strenuous, but the scenery was absolutely beautiful.  I began hiking at 3:30 PM and finished around 7:30 PM.  The paved trail ends after a half mile, but the remainder is pretty-well groomed - not too rocky.  I saw a marmot near Nisqually Glacier View, around 6400 feet.  The Skyline Trail rises from 5400 feet at Paradise to about 6900 feet at Panorama Point, and to 7100 feet on the "High" Skyline Trail which I was "forced" to take because the "Low" Skyline Trail was closed (too much snow).  Panorama Point is incredible - I could see the Tatoosh Range, with Mt. Adams looming behind, along with Mount St. Helens and even Mt. Hood in Oregon.  Behind this view rises Mt. Rainier, 7500 feet higher!  Mt. Rainier is visible almost along the entire hike, seemingly close enough to touch.  The Golden Gate Trail, which connects to the Skyline Trail, is a shortcut back to the Paradise parking lot.  For me this trail was the hardest part of the hike, because of the endless switchbacks down from 7000 feet (approximate).  I recommend the Skyline Trail to everyone - hike either early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best photos!  Most people can probably do this 5-6 mile hike in 3-4 hours.

Paradise! While visiting Seattle from the east-coast I took the advice of several outdoorsy friends and headed down to Rainier early on the morning of 30 July. Let me wax pretentiously pseudo-lyrical, if you'll bear with me.... Driving in the wee hours of the morning through the foggy gloom my mood was subdued. But once inside the Park boundaries as pre-dawn light and altitude broke the the clouds, my senses sharpened with glimpses of blue sky and peaks. Once I left the parking lot, what a day it was. Blue blue blue sky. Just a hint of breeze - comfortably cooling. The air was palpable but not stifling - as though I was floating through a breathable mass of light water - buoyed higher and higher through meadows of wildflowers, butterflies and alpine scents. Each cleansing breathe moved my mind away from the trivial and simplified my presence on the mountain and on the planet. When I beleved I was touching the edge of nirvana, the sounds of glacial cascades and calls of floating, fluttering birds (larks?) pushed me closer. Reaching Panorama Point I was "on top of the world ma". The sun had crept over the ranges to the east and begun to cast shadows and highlights across the snowfields and ridges of the lower slopes. Far to the south, Adams and Hood poked into the sky; picture perfect geometric geomorphic cones. St Helens to the right an amorphous tribute to the cycle of destructive creation. Crags in the middle distance struggle among the clouds to reach the loftier heights of the big peaks. Together with Rainier itself and the ranges to the east, the crags shape the wall around the garden. Nature has achieved a paradise which man could only dream to emulate. "Paradise" - take the time to check your dictionary for an etymology before you visit. Whoever named it, truly appreciated the concept. But just remember to take a look at St Helens and remember where you're standing. I'm glad I had the privilege of experiencing paradise. One day either I or the mountain will be gone (I expect the former is more likely to occur first) but that moment in time will remain. But I strongly recommend making the effort to get there extra early for I believe this experience would not have occurred had it been shared with the rest of humanity.....

I hiked this trail 7/24/2005 and although I really struggled with adjusting to the altitude, it was a truly memorable experience. I hiked it clockwise, and the views of the summit were amazing. The wildflowers were peaking, and a pair of marmots made a guest appearance. Every rise in elevation brought a change in scenery and a change in environment. The rocks were magnificent, and so was the view of Mount Adams to the south. It was a clear sunny day, but clouds swept in from time to time. The trail was very congested around the glacier vista, but the crowd thinned out at higher elevation. The entire hike took me 5 hours to complete. Take plenty of water and wear sunscreen and hiking shoes/boots.

Hi, I decided to take this trail on 28th May 2005 and my collegue went up to Camp Muir. Unfortunenatly we both forgot the sunsceen... So I hiked up from the east to Panorama point with snow on the trail. We both startet at 1045 am and I reached Panorama at 1420 for a short lunch. The view was fantastic and I could see Mt St Helens. :-) It is way more easy to hike down and I finished at 1550 and ate icecreme. The day after we felt the sunbrun and I will never forget to use sunscreen! Thank you for the trail for my as an Geologist from Germany was is interesting to see the volcanos, too. Gruss Bine

This was a great day to go on this hike 9/29/04 We didn't start the hike until after 4pm So we knew we had to tackle the trail quickly in order to finish by dark. We did the trail counter clockwise and also took the high trail that drops you off on top of Panarama Point. This was one of the most scenic hikes we've ever done anywhere. A beautful sunset from just below Panarama Point was worth a thousand words..The last .5 of a mile that we took that went above Panarama Point was great since the the sun was getting ready to set in front of us..The weather on top was great, since coming up the trail it was all in the clouds until the last 1.2 miles up it broke out into a blue sky and sunny evening...

My son (age 11) and I did this hike today. We climbed the trail in the clockwise direction and enjoyed great vistas throughout. Adams, Hood and St. Helens all easily viewed from Panorama Point. The snow field just after was challenging for me--we had no axes or poles--but my son was more open to slipping and sliding and loved it. Several teams were out practicing arrest maneuvers for their upcoming Camp Muir exertions. I envied their equipment but that was about it! As my son was soaking wet, we wimped out and took the early Golden Gate Trail bailout. This is my third hike on Rainier this summer all inspired by your entertaining site. Thanks!