The Skyline trail drops down to the Stevens Van Trump Memorial, continuing to Myrtle Falls (5,600 feet) before it descends to Paradise. You can also continue on the Skyline Trail this adds about a mile to your hike. For a shorter route follow the Golden Gate trail through Edith Basin back to Paradise. When you get to the junction (N 46° 47′ 56″, W 121° 43′ 22″ elevation 6,400 feet) for the Golden Gate trail, there are more options. As we descended the world of rock and snow gradually gave way to tender meadows and moss-bordered rivulets. We continued on the High Skyline Trail as the trail dropped down to the moonscape rubble of an ancient moraine interspersed with snow patches. At Panorama Point there are options: hike back the way you came or extend your hike by making a loop as we did. The High Skyline continues, climbing above Panorama Point to a high point (N 46° 48′ 20″, W 121° 43′ 39″ elevation 7,051 feet) where you can look down on the Point. Turning away from Rainier the peaks of the Tatoosh range poked through like islands in a sea of clouds. Crevasses and rocks on the flanks of Rainier appeared and dissolved again as mist teasingly rolled back and forth across the skyline. The persistent fog began to lift as we approached Panorama Point Mount Rainier materialized slowly through the mist. Instead, we found the Lower Skyline closed due to snow and ice hikers were directed to take the High Skyline Trail instead. We had planned to hike the Lower Skyline Trail back to Paradise. In mid-July, we found snow patches at higher elevations where park rangers had marked a safe route across the snow. Rosy spirea, lupine and bright yellow cinquefoil added splashes of color to the green meadows. In late July, Western pasque flowers were in transition some still blooming, others gone to seed. En route, we enjoyed graceful groves of subalpine trees placed in meadows sparkling with avalanche lilies and bright patches of pink heather. Our hike to Panorama Point fell on what we affectionately call a “transitional” day where fog and clouds gradually give way to the sun (or sadly, vice versa). This main trail also provides access to Alta Vista, the Glacier Vista trail and other Paradise “flower” trails or viewpoints. Turn right at the main junction follow the signs to Panorama Point on the Skyline Trail. The hike to Panorama Point via the Skyline Trail starts out on stone steps near the Visitor Center and climbs briefly uphill to a series of trail junctions. Luckily, the trail is so lavishly bordered with wildflowers you needn’t leave the trail at all. Park rangers and signs remind us that trampled flowers may not recover from human impact for decades, if at all. Jackson Visitor Center.īe sure you stay on designated trails despite the temptation of avalanche lily-dotted meadows that invite one to stray. A first-time visitor may find the intricate maze of trails near Paradise initially confusing but trail junctions are well signed and you can get advice from the visitor-friendly Wilderness Information Center at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center so you can plan your route. Forgot your boots? You can still safely experience the wonders of Paradise by strolling the shorter trails at Paradise with views accessible to all, including the Glacier Vista and Alta Vista Trails. Not only are there views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually glacier on clear days there are views of the rugged Tatoosh Peaks, Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens, and Mount Hood.īe prepared for a variety of terrain on the Skyline Trail sturdy boots are recommended. The hike from Paradise to Panorama Point is world-class tourists come from afar to experience the wildflower displays for which Paradise is famous. You’ll hike through a variety of terrain ranging from sweetly scented meadows with wildflower displays to snowfields and the rubble of glaciers. Which trail should I hike?Ī: If your schedule allows you time to hike only one trail at Mount Rainier National Park, we recommend the Skyline Trail, especially on a sunny day. Q: I have time to hike one trail at Mount Rainier National Park this summer. Road Conditions Get the latest updates on road conditions throughout the Mt.NOAA Weather Forecast for Mount Rainier.This Quest will help you experience the wonder and pristine scenery of this snowy world. Kids’ Quest for Snow Mount Rainier offers easy access to snow for much of the year.Experienced skiers are drawn to the expert runs comprising nearly half of the terrain and the 1,000 acres of skiable backcountry areas. Skiing at Crystal Mountain Crystal Mountain is a world class ski resort, rated by SKIING magazine as the #7 ski resort in North America.
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