Skyline Trail
Iconic alpine hike with breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, vibrant meadows, and abundant wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best views & fewer crowds
Skyline Trail
Best Time
Best views & fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic alpine hike with breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, vibrant meadows, and abundant wildlife.
"Breathtaking views and wildlife encounters make this trail an unforgettable experience."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for an early start to snag a spot near the trailhead.
🧥 Pack Layers
Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring a light jacket, even in summer.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Myrtle Falls
Skyline Trail
A picturesque waterfall framed by Mount Rainier. A must-see photo opportunity!
Panoramic Mountain Views
Various points along the trail
Experience breathtaking, unobstructed vistas of Mount Rainier and surrounding peaks.
Abundant Wildlife Sightings
Meadows and rocky areas
Keep an eye out for marmots and deer; they're often spotted along the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Parking
Dress in Layers for Changing Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for an early start to snag a spot near the trailhead.
🧥 Pack Layers
Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring a light jacket, even in summer.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for varied terrain, including wet rocks and steep sections.
📸 Capture the Views
Plenty of stunning photo ops, especially of Mount Rainier and Myrtle Falls.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast! Aim for an early start to snag a spot near the trailhead.
🧥 Pack Layers
Mountain weather changes quickly. Bring a light jacket, even in summer.
🥾 Wear Sturdy Hiking Boots
Essential for varied terrain, including wet rocks and steep sections.
📸 Capture the Views
Plenty of stunning photo ops, especially of Mount Rainier and Myrtle Falls.
➡️ Clockwise for Best Views
Hiking clockwise offers the best mountain views during the ascent.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Skyline Trail for its absolutely breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding alpine scenery. The chance to see wildlife like marmots and deer adds to the magical experience. While some find the hike challenging, most agree it's incredibly rewarding and worth the effort, especially when arriving early for parking.
"Such a beautiful trail! First time visiting a national park, and it blew me away. The weather was not too sunny and a little chilly. The trail was not as difficult as I thought it would be. Saw some wildlife and breathtaking views for sure. Absolutely worth the hike"
Dylan Li
"Beautiful hiking trail. Get there early to ensure you can find parking."
dovakhiin4
"Even if when we started it was completely foggy and could see any mountains, creeks, waterfalls and views were amazing. Also saw deer and marmots.
Then after a couple of hours the sky started clearing and could see Tatoosh and Mt Rainier."
Sergei PT
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Skyline Trail is located in Mount Rainier National Park, accessible from the Paradise area. You'll need to drive to the Paradise Visitor Center, where the trailhead is located. Parking can be challenging, so arriving early is highly recommended. +1
From Ashford, WA, take WA-706 E towards Mount Rainier National Park. Continue on WA-706 E to the park entrance. Follow signs for Paradise. The Skyline Trailhead is at the Paradise area.
While there are shuttle services within Mount Rainier National Park during peak season, direct public transportation to the Skyline Trailhead is limited. Renting a car is the most common way to access it.
The most common way to reach Mount Rainier National Park is by car. Major airports like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) are about a 2-3 hour drive away.
Road conditions and closures can vary, especially outside of summer. It's always best to check the official Mount Rainier National Park website for current road status before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you will need a valid entrance pass for Mount Rainier National Park. The fee is typically per vehicle and valid for 7 days.
The Skyline Trail is generally accessible year-round, but conditions vary greatly. The Paradise area, where the trailhead is located, is typically open from late May through September/October, weather permitting.
As of recent information, the entrance fee for Mount Rainier National Park is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. Check the official NPS website for the most up-to-date pricing.
Yes, you can purchase park passes online through the official National Park Service website or Recreation.gov to save time at the entrance station.
Timed entry requirements can be implemented during peak seasons to manage crowds. It's crucial to check the park's official website for any reservation needs before your visit.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Skyline Trail Loop is considered moderate to strenuous due to its elevation gain. While parts are paved, it involves significant uphill climbs.
The Skyline Trail Loop is approximately 5.5 miles (8.8 km) with an elevation gain of about 1,771 feet (540 meters).
Expect stunning alpine meadows, panoramic views of Mount Rainier, wildflowers in summer, and potential wildlife sightings. Myrtle Falls is a key feature.
Restroom facilities are available at the Paradise Visitor Center, which is the starting point for the Skyline Trail. There may be limited facilities further along the trail.
While parts are paved, the significant elevation gain and length can be challenging for very young children. Families with older children or those accustomed to hiking may find it manageable.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers incredible photo opportunities. Key spots include viewpoints overlooking Mount Rainier, Myrtle Falls, and the alpine meadows.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunset can be spectacular if conditions are clear.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in Mount Rainier National Park to protect wildlife and visitor experience. Always check park regulations before flying drones.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. Don't forget extra batteries and memory cards!
The Skyline Trail itself offers excellent sunset views. If conditions are clear, the higher points along the trail provide unobstructed vistas of the horizon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider hiking only a portion of the trail, perhaps to Myrtle Falls, which is a more manageable distance and still offers beautiful scenery. Bring plenty of snacks, water, and be prepared for changing weather conditions by packing layers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss Myrtle Falls, which provides a perfect foreground element for capturing the grandeur of the mountain. For capturing the vast landscapes, a wide-angle lens is highly recommended. A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on wildlife or distant peaks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Skyline Trail Loop
The trail starts from the Paradise area, a hub of activity with visitor services. Be prepared for a mix of paved sections and more rugged, natural terrain. As you ascend, the landscape transforms from subalpine meadows, bursting with wildflowers in the summer months, to rocky outcrops offering increasingly dramatic vistas. Keep an eye out for wildlife; marmots are a common and charming sight, often seen basking in the sun.
While the loop is a fantastic option, hikers can also opt for shorter out-and-back segments or explore side trails like Mazama Ridge for different perspectives.
The Paradise area itself is worth exploring, with its visitor center providing valuable information about the park's geology, flora, and fauna. Planning your visit during the shoulder seasons or on weekdays can help mitigate crowds and enhance your experience of this magnificent trail. Wildlife Encounters on the Trail
Deer are also commonly seen grazing in the alpine meadows, particularly in the early morning or late evening. Their presence adds to the serene and wild atmosphere of the trail.
It's crucial to be aware of your surroundings and avoid disturbing the wildlife. Never approach or feed animals, as this can lead to habituation and behavioral problems. Following park guidelines and observing from a distance ensures that these animals continue to thrive in their environment and that future visitors can also enjoy these special encounters.
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