Hiking Skyline Loop Trail: Can't-Miss Hike in Mount Rainier National Park

Although Mount Rainier National Park has hundreds of miles of beautiful trails, the Skyline Loop Trail is one of the best! The Skyline Loop Trail offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, and on a clear day, you can see as far south as Mount Hood. Although it is a challenging hike, it is worth it for the breathtaking views.

If you want to hike the Skyline Loop Trail when you visit Mount Rainier National Park, you are in the right place! I fell in love when I hiked it, so I am excited to share the details with you! This guide has everything you need to know about hiking the Skyline Loop Trail.

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Skyline Loop Trail Overview

Skyline Loop Trail Length and Difficulty

The Skyline Loop Trail is about 5.7 miles and gains 1,800 feet of elevation. Because of the length and elevation gain, it is challenging. But the trail is well-maintained, making the steep sections easier to ascend.

Skyline Loop Trail Parking

The trailhead for the Skyline Loop Trail is near the Paradise Visitor Center in Mount Rainier National Park. The visitor center has a large parking lot where many trails begin in the Paradise section of the national park. I will provide more details about the exact trails to follow later!

Note: Mount Rainier National Park now has a timed entry reservation system for entering the park between 7 AM to 3 PM during May through September for Paradise and July through September for Sunrise. You should get these as far in advance as possible since Mount Rainier National Park is a busy park. If you do not have a permit, you can still enter the park before 7 AM and after 3 PM.

Is Skyline Loop Trail Dog-friendly?

No, dogs are not allowed on trails in Mount Rainier National Park.

Best Time to Hike Skyline Loop Trail

Summer and fall are the best times to hike the Skyline Loop Trail because the weather is beautiful, and the trails are usually snow-free. But snow can sometimes linger in the early summer.

Although winter in Mount Rainier National Park is beautiful, many roads and areas are closed. The National Park Service has a great resource about how to visit Mount Rainier National Park in the winter.

What to Pack for the Hike

Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.

views from panorama point on the skyline loop trail in mount rainier national park

Where to Stay Near Skyline Loop Trail

Since the Skyline Loop Trail is in the Paradise section of Mount Rainier National Park, I recommend staying on the south side of the national park. A few towns near Mount Rainier National Park near the park have accommodations, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations.

If you have or can rent camping gear or a campervan, I highly recommend it because there are campgrounds close to Mount Rainier National Park. If you are interested in renting a campervan, I highly recommend renting from Escape Campervans.

Hotels:

Campgrounds

Cougar Rock Campground(near Paradise)
Ohanapecosh Campground(near Ohanapecosh)

Skyline Loop Trail Guide

**Always remember to leave no trace. It is crucial to pack out what you pack in and throw away your trash properly. Also, stay on designated trails. This area has fragile vegetation.

The Skyline Loop Trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Paradise section of Mount Rainier National Park. It is stunning and has some of the best views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains! Although the trail is strenuous, making you work for its views, the effort is worth it!

The Skyline Loop Trail begins near the Paradise Visitor Center. Many trails start at the main parking lot, but the Skyline Loop Trail follows the paved trail right behind the visitor center. The trailhead has a small sign pointing to Skyline Trail, so you know you are on the right path when you see that.

The trail immediately begins to gain elevation and is a steady incline to the highest point on the hike. The beginning section of Skyline Loop Trail travels through stunning wildflower fields that will leave you in awe of their beauty. This section is also paved and easy to follow. But it intersects with many other trails, so it is crucial to make sure you follow the signs for the Skyline Trail.

After about half a mile, the Skyline Loop Trail comes to a major intersection with many other trails, including the Alta Vista Trail. The Skyline Loop Trail continues straight and ascends towards the first major viewpoint. Although the rest of the trail is unpaved, it is well-maintained and easy to follow.

Around 1.3 miles on the Skyline Loop Trail, the trail has a short spur to Glacier Viewpoint. This viewpoint offers stunning views of Mount Rainier and its glaciers. It is a popular viewpoint on the trail, and many people turn around here, but if you want to hike the entire loop, you will continue back onto Skyline Loop Trail.

The next mile ascends steadily, providing beautiful views of Mount Rainier. This section was one of my favorites on the trail because I felt so close to Mount Rainier. It was truly incredible! And before you know it, the trail turns onto a beautiful ridge towards the best lookout on the entire hike, Panorama Point.

Panorama Point has breathtaking views looking south over Paradise Valley, and on a clear day, you can see Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood. Panorama is the perfect place for a snack before continuing the loop.

If you do not want to continue the loop, you can turn around at Panorama Point and descend the way you came. But I recommend continuing the loop because the views of Mount Rainier will blow you away!

The Skyline Loop Trail continues ascending towards the highest point at almost 7,000 feet, and the views of Mount Rainier are unmatched! You feel so close to it, and it will quickly become one of your favorite parts of the hike.

views along the skyline loop trail in mount rainier national park

The trail then begins to descend the ridge, and after about a mile, you have two options. You can continue on the Skyline Loop Trail for another 2.5 hours or turn right onto the Golden Gate Trail and cut a mile off the hike. Both trails are beautiful and pass several small cascading waterfalls, so you really cannot go wrong with either!

Once you are near the end, the trail passes by Myrtle Falls, which is one of the most photographed waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park. Although the waterfall is not the tallest in the park, standing at 72 feet tall, it is the most picturesque because it has Mount Rainier in the background. The short side trail to Myrtle Falls is worth hiking for the views!

The rest of the Skyline Loop Trail is paved and easy to follow back to the parking lot. The trail passes behind the Paradise Inn before finally connecting to the Paradise Visitor Center.

If you want to hike one of the most beautiful trails in Mount Rainier National Park, the Skyline Trail Loop is perfect. This guide has everything you need to know about the Skyline Loop Trail!