When considering our favored hikes ever undertaken, a few routes readily enter the mind. One such path is the Skyline Loop Trail in Mount Rainier National Park, which has now been hiked multiple times across various years. It is, without question, at the uppermost position of our list of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park.
When we return to our vehicle after completing this hike, we’re continually amazed at how spectacular the scenery is. Every single time. It never ceases to impress.
What exactly makes it spectacular? Abundant meadows filled with blankets of wildflowers, incredible views of Rainier where you’re so near the face of the Mountain it almost feels like you can reach out and touch it, and sweeping panoramic perspectives of the surrounding landscape, including Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood (on a clear day).
We`ve tackled this trail on a few occasions now, such as in late July when a thick blanket of snow covered the eastern half of the loop, and in mid-August, when approximately 95% of the snow had disappeared. Crucially, we`ve also hiked it in both directions – clockwise and counterclockwise – allowing us to help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of traversing it either way.
In this guide, we are going to provide you with all the important details to be prepared for hiking the Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park. We will go over parking, the route to take, directions to follow, and a step-by-step trail guide fully based on our own personal encounter.
By the end of this guide, we think you’ll be prepared to hike the incredible Skyline Loop Trail (spoiler alert: we definitely think you should do the loop!) in Mount Rainier National Park, and be ready to embark confidently and safely.
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Table of Contents
Skyline Trail Details (Loop)
- Length: 5.5 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet
- Time Period: Mid-July – September/October
- Trail Type: Loop
- Difficulty: Moderate / Hard
- The location from which to start the trail
- Pet Friendly: No – PETS NOT ALLOWED
- Pass Required: America the Beautiful Interagency Pass or $30 entrance charge
Important for 2024: To cope with the ever-growing crowds touring Rainier yearly, the park has put in place a timed access pass for visitors to the Paradise and Sunrise corridors in 2024. For more data, head to the NPS website (linked above).
Here’s a trail map, courtesy of the National Park Service.
Is This an Easy Hike?
As can be discerned from that trail`s statistics, completing this hike presents significant challenges.
We`ve seen many underestimate this hike and attempt it without provisions, water, or inappropriate attire.
Proper preparation is necessary for the rigorous hike with extensive climbing and limited shade. Essential equipment includes sturdy footwear instead of sandals, ample food and liquid, and protection from the sun.
The Route Options
There are several different routes you could take for this hike, and we’re going to do our best to cover the most common options.
Generally, there are two options for most individuals: the full Skyline Loop trail, which is about 5.5 miles long, and the out-and-back to Panorama Point, which spans roughly 4 miles.
The main point is that we think, if you are able and trail conditions on the eastern half of the loop permit it, you should complete the full loop.
Why? While the perspectives from Panorama Point are breathtaking, we actually think some of the best views of the surrounding mountain ranges are found on the eastern portion of the loop trail. And one could argue that the finest vista of the entire path is from the outcropping above Panorama Point, a sight which you’d completely miss should you simply hike out and back to Panorama Point.
The biggest thing to take into account is the circumstance of the eastern half of the loop track, which sees snow linger into August most years (you can locate state on this page).
Until early July, this part of the trail is generally impassable without proper equipment, like microspikes and poles. The western half of the trail, generally, becomes hikeable a little earlier in the season.
If you visit here in the early summer season (think late June and early July), then completing the out-and-back route along the western half of the trail is likely a better option.
If doing the out-and-back route, you can follow the first portion of the trail directions below and return along the same path taken.
There are a few alternative route possibilities to take into account, some are extra options, some are shortcuts.
- The Golden Gate Trail: The Golden Gate Trail splits from the main path halfway through the looped route, markedly decreasing trail length (roughly one mile). The Golden Gate Trail features steeper inclines than the more meandering eastern half of the Skyline Trail. It trims the loop down to 4.6 miles.
- The hike required to reach Camp Muir: The path leading to Camp Muir, the staging location for climbing Mount Rainier, begins from Panorama Point. If ascending to this area interests you, you must be prepared for a lengthy hike that will likely involve hiking on snow over large portions. Should you undertake this, it is best to do it as a return trip along the western half of the loop. Spanning 8.4 miles and gaining 4,600 feet in elevation, sufficient food, water, and sunlight protection must be brought. This route is exclusively for experienced hikers holding the necessary climbing permit. The map and guidance can be found here, with trail reports accessible here.
This day trip from Portland is iconic, and if time permits in your Portland schedule, you should try to experience it.
Clockwise vs. Counter Clockwise: Which Direction is Best?
Which direction should you travel if you’re doing the loop? Well, it somewhat relies on certain factors.
In developing an outline for this guide, we realized there is no “right” direction to complete this hike. However, there are certainly pros and cons of doing it in either direction.
We`ve experienced traveling in both directions, so we can speak knowledgeably here from our personal encounters
We’re not considering the trail conditions here – if the eastern half of the trail is covered in snow, this question becomes irrelevant because you’ll likely be doing an out-and-back route instead.
Seeking a brief summary? Essentially, if you can get an early commencement, go clockwise where you’ll have the perspective of Rainier straight ahead throughout the steeper climb. If you’re getting a later commencement, go counterclockwise so that you’ll have three miles of relative solitude on the eastern half before making your descent on the busiest part of the trail.
Hiking Clockwise
On our most recent trip up to Rainier, we did the Skyline Trail loop in a clockwise direction, which we actually really enjoyed.
Traversing the elevation gain along the trail through Paradise`s lush meadows filled with colorful wildflowers in the summer is barely noticeable due to being engrossed in the scenery. The hike climbs roughly the same elevation but stretches over a shorter distance of around two miles rather than three.
If beginning early, traveling clockwise will allow reaching Panorama Point and other viewpoints while mostly empty in order to solely experience them.
Pros of Hiking Clockwise:
- Outstanding Vistas.While climbing higher, the viewpoint of Rainier`s visage directly ahead of you as you ascend (if taking the alternate route, it would be concealed for most of the climb).
- Speedier Ascent. You’ll reach Panorama Point more quickly if you go clockwise because it’s a shorter – but steeper – climb.
Cons of Hiking Clockwise:
- It’s a Challenging Climb. You’re covering the same elevation gain over approximately two miles rather than three.
- Large Numbers Making the Ascent. If you start this hike after around 10:00am, the western half of the loop (the section where you’re heading uphill) is going to have a lot of people. Personally, we’d prefer doing the descent avoiding other hikers rather than trying to navigate a crowded trail on the way up.
Hiking Counter Clockwise
We`ve also hiked this loop in a counterclockwise direction before, appreciating the solitude generally found on the eastern half of the route.
It involves a longer, more gradual ascent, which we think is slightly easier, but the descent down the highly trafficked western side of the loop kind of makes things difficult because it involves a lot of steep stairs that are tough on the knees, and there are so many people.
If beginning your hike relatively late – after around 9:00am or so – we’d advise moving in a counter-clockwise direction to avoid intersecting with other trekkers during the ascent (we prefer focusing our efforts simply on climbing).
Pros of Hiking Counter Clockwise:
- Solitude on the Uphill. Heading uphill, you’ll be relatively solitary (compared to the other half of the trail).
- A Longer, More Gradual Ascent. It’s a longer, more step-by-step ascent in this direction. That’s not to say there aren’t tough parts of the trail, but it is to say that those difficult sections are interspersed with more level portions (versus the other direction, where it’s straight uphill the whole way).
Cons of Hiking Counter Clockwise:
- You’ll Have to Wade Against the Current. Going down, because you must yield to uphill hikers, you’ll spend a lot of time standing aside to let others pass.
- A Challenging Descent. Those prone to sore knees may prefer the opposite direction, as this decline is steep involving many stairs downwards.
Getting to the Trailhead
The entry point for this trail is the large parking area outside the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center.
Yes, it`s a sizable parking area, though more awaits within. It will almost certainly reach full capacity by 9:00am on weekend mornings in summer (and around the same time on weekdays too, surprisingly so).
For most travelers, you`ll be arriving from the southwest Nisqually Entrance to the park. From the Nisqually Entrance, it`s just under 18 miles directly up Paradise Road E.
If you’re coming from either Ohanapecosh or Sunrise, you’ll be coming over on Stevens Canyon Road, which is a beautiful drive. However, it is closed during the winter – check road conditions before your trip.
From the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, it`s a 45 minute (23 mile) drive along Stevens Canyon Road (at the end, a right turn is taken on Paradise Road E and followed for a mile to the parking area).
A heads up for those coming from Sunrise on the eastern slopes of Mount Rainier – it represents a notable trek. From the Sunrise Visitor Center, the drive takes around 1 hour and 25 minutes (50 miles) to reach the destination.
The Best Time of Year to Hike the Skyline Loop
The Paradise area is gorgeous, but sitting at 5,000 feet above sea level means that there are some timing implications to consider that most visitors from out of state don’t take into account when they’re planning their trip.
Like various higher hiking trails in Washington State, the Skyline Trail has a brief season where free of snow and weather is favorable for hiking.
In this case, the peak season is basically the middle of July through the middle of September. If this hike (or any of the high altitude hikes at Rainier, like the Burroughs Mountain Trail at Sunrise) is an essential experience on your trip to Rainier, we’d ensure to schedule your trip within that timeframe.
Most years, snow remains on the eastern half of the loop into August, but by mid-July it’s walkable with appropriate footwear and care.
If you visit in the few weeks prior to or following that brief period, there’s a possibility of doing the hike, or at least part of it. The weather may be more unpredictable (considered: cooler and wetter), and sections of the trail could be partially covered in snow and impassable without microspikes or crampons.
By mid-June, you’ll likely be able to do the out-and-back up to Panorama Point, but there may still be some snow on the trail present. Hiking boots with good traction and hiking poles are essential items, and microspikes are a nice optional extra.
Outside of June to October, this trail is covered in snow. You can do parts of it with snowshoes, and it’s beautiful on a cool, crisp winter day, but it’s really not the same experience as it is in the summer.
Planning a visit to Mount Rainier National Park? Our in-depth guides to exploring Mount Rainier are based on personal experience and shouldn`t be missed.”
- All the Recommended Activities in Mount Rainier National Park
- How to Plan an Unforgettable Day Trip to Mount Rainier From Seattle
- Places to consider for lodging near Mount Rainier National Park: A complete guide
- Trekking the Scenic Burroughs Mountain Trail at Mount Rainier
- Hiking to the towering Comet Falls in Mount Rainier National Park
- A hiking route encompassing Naches Peak delivering high reward for minimal effort in Washington
If you’re interested, here’s a helpful read on gentrification in Philadelphia.
Hiking the Skyline Trail: A Play-By-Play Overview
Now, we’ll provide you with details about what to expect along the trail so that you feel ready and confident to hike safely.
This trail guide is based on our own personal experience hiking the Skyline Trail in Mount Rainier National Park.
For purposes of transparency, we`ve walked this trail twice now – once in late-July, when the eastern half was still covered in snow, and once in mid-August, when approximately 95% of the snow had faded. Crucially, we`ve taken the trail in both directions, giving us a balanced understanding of the benefits and drawbacks of progressing in either progression.
We’re going to guide you through the trail in a clockwise direction, which is the way we did it on our latest trip, and is our recommendation if you’re starting early.
Parking Lot to Panorama Point
Distance: 1.8 miles // Change in Elevation: 1,800 feet
The initial half mile or so of this trail, ironically, provides two seemingly contradictory features. It is both a paved route, and the most challenging part of the ascent. There were some sections of the early climb that had Alysha and I exchanging remarks like “I can’t be imagining this, is this really steep?”
However, from the inception – and this is one of the reasons we appreciate doing it in a clockwise direction – you’ll be hiking directly beside Rainier, with an excellent panoramic view of the Mountain throughout your ascent. The lush greenery of Paradise’s meadows, which are replete with blooming wildflowers from mid-July on, isn’t at all unpleasant either.
After the paved section of the trail ends a little over half a mile into the climb, you’ll start ascending a rocky ridge on a well maintained path.
Be sure not to overlook the perspectives to the south either, where vistas include Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and even Mount Hood on clearer days, alongside the rocky Tatoosh Range and Pinnacle Peak closer in.
At around 1.2 miles, there is a nice small flat area with perfect rocks for sitting, where we stopped to snack and hydrate with a view. There is a brief detour nearby to get a good look at the Nisqually Glacier, which adds a negligible amount of hiking.
From that point, the section that often retains snow until August would be covered before the trail turns right and initiates the final climb to Panorama Point. Attention shifts from views of Rainier towards the south, with the perspectives continuously improving the farther up the ascent.
At 1.8 miles, you’ll reach a viewpoint called Panorama Point, where you’ll find a portable toilet (summers only) and what most consider the best views along the hike. Our opinion differs.
Panorama Point to the Wooden Footbridge Over the Paradise River
Distance: 1.9 miles // Elevation Change: 250 feet elevation gain & 1,000 feet of elevation loss
After taking in the view at Panorama Point and facing Rainier, see that large rocky formation behind you between you and the Mountain?
The most amazing panoramic perspective along the entire trail, at least according to our assessment, awaits you at the highest point of that ascent.
You’ll have a superb view to the south – better than Panorama Point – and a truly incredible close up view of Rainier.
From there, it`s all downhill! Well, with the exception of the brief ascent right before arriving back at the trailhead, but that climb need not be contemplated just yet.
From here, you’ll follow the High Skyline Trail as it winds downwards, passing through rocky high altitude terrain (prime mountain goat habitat – keep your eyes open because we spotted a few relaxing in the sunshine).
The sun will be directly ahead of you if traversing this section around midday, so sunglasses and reapplying sunscreen are recommended.
You may wonder why we chose this specific pedestrian bridge as a turning point in our trail report. It’s because above that footbridge, you’re hiking through the high mountain terrain, which is noticeably more rocky and less lush than the lower elevation sections of the trail.
Wooden Footbridge to the Trailhead (and Myrtle Falls)
Distance: 1.9 miles // Elevation Change: 200 feet elevation gain & 500 feet of elevation loss
As soon as you cross the river and continue the descent, it gets noticeably more lush, and it feels like a whole new trail.
This section of trail is characterized by a steep drop down a brief series of switchbacks, and then a short, gradual climb back up to the trailhead. Who doesn`t enjoy hiking down only to hike right back up again?
As you walk towards the parking area, you`ll cross a footbridge with an excellent view of Rainier and Myrtle Falls, creating a nice photograph with the waterfall foreground and the snowcapped peak of Mount Rainier in the background.
