Skyline Trail
Skyline Trail
5
About
With an elevation gain of 1,400 fee, this five-mile hiking trail starts from Paradise to Panorama Point, Stevens-Van Trump Memorial with a final descent into Paradise Valley and Myrtle Falls.
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  • Chad M
    Dayton, Ohio63 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Solo hiking…
    Went for a walk and saw some amazing things. Maybe I should have carried bear spray yet ended up not needing it. The views and scenery are breathtaking. Worth a trip. Take a snack or sandwich and find a place to soak it all in.
    Visited September 2022
    Traveled solo
    Written March 31, 2023
  • John S
    Altoona, Pennsylvania275 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing views but hard work
    We were here in June and a lot of this trail was still covered in snow. It is worth every second of work you will put in to get the the highest viewpoint. You will also need to be able to navigate being off trail, because of the snow. Be sure to have micro spikes for your shoes and also hiking poles.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 25, 2023
  • Brendan S
    Arlington, Virginia1,688 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Experience winter in June
    Skyline Trail would not be an especially challenging trail but for the fact that it is covered in snow, even in late June. And since the trail traverses steep hills and cliffs, a slip or a misstep can be a big problem. Hiking boots were barely sufficient and I wished I had poles or spiked shoes. The trail itself provides magnificent views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding mountain ranges, picturesque Myrtle Falls, and wildlife viewing (I saw mountain goats and marmots). This is Mt. Rainier's most popular trail for a reason, and it's highly advisable to get there to start before 10 am when the crowds arrive.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 28, 2023
  • cohoman
    Sammamish, Washington2,071 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Difficult Trail to Hike to the top
    The National Park itself was a beautiful site. We were there during October and we could see all the wonderful changing colors of the trees and shrubs moving into fall. The view of Mount Rainier was breathtaking, and it contrasted well with the colorful foliage. We hiked the Skyline Trail, and I have to say it should be rated as "difficult", as it was over 8 miles long. If you go in the clockwise direction on the trail, you'll immediately begin with a very steep trail which will go on for about 4 miles. The trail starts off as a asphalt paved path, then turns into crush gravel and later into granite steps. Eventually, you're walking on small rocks and dirt/sand, and through small streams. I saw people hiking the trail wearing sneakers, sandals, and I saw one woman wearing Ugg boots. I would recommend you wear hiking boots if you plan to hike the entire trail. This trail was very challenging to myself, wife, and teenage son, mainly because of high vertical distance gain (and the mile high altitude didn't help). Note, that if you start off going counterclockwise on the Skyline Trail and on your way back decide you're too tired and want to take a shortcut back to the parking lot, You can divert off to the Golden Gate trail which is a 1 mile hike back to the visitor center. Also, the famous vault toilet at Panorama Point that is mentioned in the NPS website was closed when we hiked in October, and it looked like it was closed for a while. So, there is no restroom facilities on the Skyline trail once you leave the visitor center. Note, that the parking lot at the visitor center fills up very fast, so plan to arrive at 7 am to beat the crowd.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written October 8, 2023
  • Grover R
    Pensacola, Florida18,062 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    One of the Best Hikes in the NPS
    This is the number 1 rated hike in the state of Washington by AllTrails and one of the most amazing hikes in the NPS. We woke up early on our second day at the park after spending the night at Paradise Inn and hiked this trail. The weather was great and we could see the peak the entire time. By the end of the trail, the sun had come out and the meadows were magical. Whether looking out at 3 other volcanic Cascades, Adams, Hood (in Oregon) and St. Helen's, from Panorama Point or viewing the glaciers and peak from below, this hike is amazing. At 5.7 miles and 1,700 vertical feet, we were able to hike it in the morning and still return and shower before check out at Paradise Inn. In addition to the views, we also had numerous wildlife experiences, both deer and marmot within feet of the trail. Again this is an amazing trail that you must make a priority for your visit. The only tip I will give you is to plan flexibility in your visit so you can hike this trail with your best weather. You really want to be able to see the mountain and the views when you hike here.
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 30, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Grover R
Pensacola, FL18,062 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is the number 1 rated hike in the state of Washington by AllTrails and one of the most amazing hikes in the NPS. We woke up early on our second day at the park after spending the night at Paradise Inn and hiked this trail. The weather was great and we could see the peak the entire time. By the end of the trail, the sun had come out and the meadows were magical. Whether looking out at 3 other volcanic Cascades, Adams, Hood (in Oregon) and St. Helen's, from Panorama Point or viewing the glaciers and peak from below, this hike is amazing.

At 5.7 miles and 1,700 vertical feet, we were able to hike it in the morning and still return and shower before check out at Paradise Inn. In addition to the views, we also had numerous wildlife experiences, both deer and marmot within feet of the trail. Again this is an amazing trail that you must make a priority for your visit. The only tip I will give you is to plan flexibility in your visit so you can hike this trail with your best weather. You really want to be able to see the mountain and the views when you hike here.
Written December 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Portobello B
Seattle521 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2022
This is one of our favorite hikes on Mt. Rainier except this year there was 85% snow on the trail when we hiked on July 22. The ranger told us that Mt. Rainier had 130 inches more snow than last year so lots of snow on this trail. We had hiking boots, trekking poles and our micro spikes. Several tourists were in sneakers and slipping and sliding along the way. I'm sure their feet got wet from the slushy snow. Please consult Mt. Rainier's website to check on snow levels so you can be prepare to hike on this trail. It isn't an easy hike. The clouds were covering Mt. Rainier in the morning but cleared up by the time we reach McCure rock. You could see Mt. Adams also. Stunning views of the mountain and waterfall. We like to start at the end of the trail (near Paradise Lodge) by going down the trail instead of going up. There is less people this direction. When we were coming down from Panoramic Point there was a bottleneck along one narrow section of the trail as many tourists are coming up this way.
Written July 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lori G
Lumberton, TX419 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
We started at the visitors center but it doesn’t show here because we accidentally ended the hike on the app. Tips first: Get there early. We arrived at 7:30 and the parking lot was packed. It was a Sunday and the weather was perfect. That could’ve had something to do with it. Starting early will also keep you more in the shade and cooler. Go clockwise. Use your sunscreen! The sun can be brutal. Walking poles are a plus too. Bugs weren’t bad at all. Slow and steady is the way to go. It’s a tough incline at the start and the finish. It took us 4 hrs 9 min and we did lots of stops just to soak in the beauty. Plenty of snow can be seen still but very little on the trail. The snow that is on the trail is super slushy and slippery. We slid down with garbage bags which was a hoot! Trail is well marked. There’s plenty of wildlife and we saw a sooty grouse, lots of marmots and chipmunks too. There was a lot of wildflowers too.
Written August 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

StrategicFamPlanner
Richmond, VA73 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021 • Family
We have hiked many NP trails and this one gets into the top three trails of all time (so far!). If you are only going to do one thing at Mt. Rainier, this is it. It IS strenuous but little kids and adults in their 70s were doing it—just at a slower pace. It is so beautiful you will forget all about the effort to get to the top once you are there.
Written August 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tumbleweedchris
Richland, WA973 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
I visited on a clear Sunday at about 7:30am. The main lot was almost full and the overflow was about half full. The hike is not terribly challenging. It gets labeled as strenuous, but that's probably due to its popularity and wanting to instill some kind of caution in the crowds. Clockwise is the way to go on this one. If you go on a clear day, you will have view of Rainier for almost the entire hike. You will also spot glacial falls, wildflowers, marmots, chipmunks, Myrtle Falls, Mt Adams and St Helens in the distance, and probably snow in spots. It's a great overview hike that gets the best of Rainier, but the crowds would likely steer me away on subsequent trips. Most high elevation hikes will get you views of Rainier if the weather cooperates. On the way back, there were several parking spots open around 11:30am. It seems like 8-10 or 11 is probably the worst time to arrive, but otherwise I think you are fine. Definitely one to do for the highlights of the park, but you may want to venture off the beaten path on future visits.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

DutchTX
The Woodlands, TX694 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
This is a great trail; definitely need to be able to climb, and have good hiking shoes etc. We did the hike clockwise (recommended), as you have great view of Mt. Rainier. This trail is very crowded be early (before 8 am) to get a parking spot. We made a short side trail ( out and back 2 mile extra) to Paradise Glacier Trail; that is fun as where the maintained path ends, the glacier starts and you can walk (safely) on it.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Brendan S
Arlington, VA1,688 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
Skyline Trail would not be an especially challenging trail but for the fact that it is covered in snow, even in late June. And since the trail traverses steep hills and cliffs, a slip or a misstep can be a big problem. Hiking boots were barely sufficient and I wished I had poles or spiked shoes. The trail itself provides magnificent views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding mountain ranges, picturesque Myrtle Falls, and wildlife viewing (I saw mountain goats and marmots). This is Mt. Rainier's most popular trail for a reason, and it's highly advisable to get there to start before 10 am when the crowds arrive.
Written June 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John S
Altoona, PA275 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Couples
We were here in June and a lot of this trail was still covered in snow. It is worth every second of work you will put in to get the the highest viewpoint. You will also need to be able to navigate being off trail, because of the snow. Be sure to have micro spikes for your shoes and also hiking poles.
Written June 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Teammilitello
Des Moines, IA741 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022 • Family
My 4 teenage sons & I wore tennis shoes, shorts, & sweatshirts. We were totally fine without hiking gear. We were a bit chilly near the peak, but it felt refreshing. There were actually toilets (outhouses) near Panorama Point.
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chad M
Dayton, OH63 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2022 • Solo
Went for a walk and saw some amazing things. Maybe I should have carried bear spray yet ended up not needing it.

The views and scenery are breathtaking. Worth a trip. Take a snack or sandwich and find a place to soak it all in.
Written March 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Skyline Trail - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Frequently Asked Questions about Skyline Trail