Skyline Trail Loop
Mount Rainier National Park • Paradise, Washington
Skyline Trail Loop in Mount Rainier National Park is a 5.5-mile loop trail with +1,700 feet of elevation gain, rated as Moderate (SAC T2). Best hiked between July, August, September, Early October, the route requires approximately 3.5 - 4.5 hours and does not require an advance day-use permit.
Trail Overview
Departing from the historic Paradise Inn, the Skyline Trail ascends through subalpine meadows filled with lupine, avalanche lilies, and magenta paintbrush. As you climb past Myrtle Falls and Glacier Vista, the massive seracs and crevasses of the Nisqually Glacier creak and rumble within earshot. The trail tops out at Panorama Point (6,800 ft), unveiling an awe-inspiring 180-degree vista sweeping across Mount St. Helens, Mount Adams, and Mount Hood on clear days before descending via the Golden Gate trail or High Skyline.
Key Route Highlights
- Panorama Point panoramic Cascade volcano vistas
- Nisqually Glacier moraine and icefalls
- Vibrant subalpine wildflower blooms in August
- Marmot, pika, and mountain goat wildlife sightings
- Carry microspikes and trekking poles if hiking before mid-July due to steep, slick snow traverses.
- Wear high SPF sunscreen and sunglasses; UV radiation reflected from snowfields can cause snow blindness.
- Stay on established paved and gravel trails; fragile subalpine heather takes decades to recover from trampling.
Calculate Your Time on Skyline Trail Loop
Customize with your specific pack weight and rest intervals using Naismith's formula.
Logistics & Regulations
Timed entry reservation required for Paradise corridor during peak summer hours (9 AM - 3 PM).
July, August, September, Early October
Potable water at Paradise Visitor Center. No treated water on trail.
Not Allowed
High Traffic