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Paradise sits at 5,400 ft on the south side of the mountain, 19 miles from the Nisqually Entrance. From its upper parking lot a web of trails climbs into the meadows, and the Skyline Trail is the one that links them into a full loop.
This guide covers the loop and its figures, where to start, the shorter walks you can do on the same trail, when the snow clears, the rules in the meadows, and which Seattle day tours give you time to walk at Paradise.
The quick answer
The Skyline Trail loop is 5.5 miles round trip with about 1,700 ft of gain, and the NPS says it takes about 4.5 hours. It starts at the stone steps by the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. Panorama Point is about 2 miles up if you hike clockwise; the out-and-back via the Golden Gate is about 4 miles. Snow can stay into July. There is no timed entry in 2026, but parking fills, so arrive before 7 AM or after 4 PM.
What is the Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier?
The signature day hike at Paradise: a 5.5-mile loop with about 1,700 ft of gain that takes about 4.5 hours, per the NPS.
The loop climbs from the Paradise meadows past Myrtle Falls and up open ridges to Panorama Point, then comes back down on the other side. Along the way you look straight up at the glaciers of the upper mountain. It is a real hike rather than a stroll: steady climbing and, early in summer, snow.
Where does the Skyline Trail start?
At the stone steps on the north side of the upper Paradise parking lot, next to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center.
The steps are known as the John Muir steps. Paradise is reached from the Nisqually Entrance in the southwest, which is open all year, and the NPS gives about two hours from Seattle to that entrance. Gas is not available inside the park, so fill up before you go.
Every visitor needs an entrance pass, and the park takes cards only at its entrances. There is no timed entry anywhere in the park in 2026, but the park manages parking instead and advises arriving before 7 AM or after 4 PM, or coming on a weekday.
No car? The customized tour stops at Christine Falls and Narada Falls on the way up and plans two hours of free time at Paradise.
Book thisHow long is the Skyline Trail, and which way should you hike it?
The full loop is 5.5 miles and about 4.5 hours. Hiking clockwise, Panorama Point comes after about 2 miles, per the NPS.
If you only want the view from Panorama Point, you can turn around there: the NPS gives about 4 miles round trip and 1,700 ft of gain for Panorama Point via the Skyline and Golden Gate trails. Allow extra time for photos and snow patches.
How do the Paradise trails compare?
The Skyline loop is the longest and hardest of the classic Paradise walks; Myrtle Falls and Nisqually Vista are the easy ones.
Round-trip figures from the NPS Paradise trail map:
| Trail | Distance | Gain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyline Trail loop | 5.5 mi | 1,700 ft | About 4.5 hours; the full circuit |
| Panorama Point | 4 mi | 1,700 ft | Skyline and Golden Gate trails |
| Myrtle Falls | 1 mi | 100 ft | Paved section of the Skyline Trail |
| Nisqually Vista | 1.2 mi | 200 ft | Glacier view, from the lower lot |
| Alta Vista | 1.75 mi | 600 ft | Short, steep meadow viewpoint |
| Lakes Trail loop | 5 mi | 1,300 ft | Via Reflection Lakes |
| Pinnacle Peak saddle | 2.5-3 mi | 1,050-1,150 ft | From Reflection Lakes; St. Helens view |
Can you walk just part of the Skyline Trail?
Yes. Myrtle Falls is a 1-mile round trip on the paved start of the Skyline Trail, and Alta Vista or Panorama Point make good turnaround points.
Myrtle Falls is a 60 ft waterfall below the mountain, about 100 ft of gain from the trailhead. Alta Vista is a short, steeper climb of about 1.75 miles round trip. With two hours or less, one of these is a better plan than the full loop.
More short walks, at Paradise and elsewhere in the park, are in easy hikes at Mount Rainier.
When is the Skyline Trail free of snow?
Often not before mid-July. The NPS says snow can stay in the meadows well into June or July, and at 5,000 to 8,000 ft through mid-July.
Wildflowers follow the melt. In most years many flowers are blooming by mid-July, and by early August the meadows should be very impressive, according to the NPS. July and August are the driest months, with summer highs in the 60s and 70s.
Paradise is reachable in winter through the Nisqually Entrance, but the trail is buried under snow; Paradise averages about 640 inches of snowfall a year. From November 1 to May 1 every vehicle must carry tire chains. See the best time to hike Mount Rainier.
What rules apply on the Skyline Trail?
Stay on the trail to protect the meadows. Pets and bicycles are not allowed on park trails, and feeding wildlife is prohibited.
- Stay on the trail: the meadows are fragile, and the park asks everyone to keep to the paths.
- No pets: leashed pets are allowed in parking lots and on roads, not on the trails.
- Keep your distance from wildlife: the NPS wildlife page asks for at least 50 yards from any animal and about 300 ft from bears. Marmots that get used to human food can bite.
- No drones: they are not allowed anywhere in the park.
- Carry the Ten Essentials: weather changes fast above Paradise. The list is in what to bring.
Which tours give you time to hike at Paradise?
The customized tour lists two hours of free time at Paradise, the light-walking day tour lists 1.5 hours, and the all-inclusive small-group tour plans two guided hikes.
Two hours of free time is not enough for the full 4.5-hour loop, but it is enough for Myrtle Falls or Alta Vista. The customized tour lists 2 hours of free time at Paradise with optional self-guided hiking, plus Myrtle Falls and Reflection Lake. The light-walking day tour lists 1.5 hours at Paradise for lunch or a walk. The in-depth small-group tour visits the Paradise Visitor Center on its summer route.
If you want a guide on the trail, the listing for the all-inclusive small-group tour plans a two-hour guided hike through meadows and alpine views and a second of about 2.5 hours, and the 14-person guided day lists about three hours of guided park highlights.
The customized tour plans two hours of free time at Paradise, enough for Myrtle Falls or Alta Vista, with waterfall stops on the way up.
Book thisFrequently asked questions
How long does the Skyline Trail take?
About 4.5 hours for the full 5.5-mile loop, according to the NPS. The out-and-back to Panorama Point is about 4 miles.
Is the Skyline Trail hard?
It is a real hike: about 1,700 ft of gain over 5.5 miles, and snow can stay into July. Myrtle Falls, on the same trail, is an easy 1-mile round trip.
Do I need a reservation for Paradise in 2026?
No. There is no timed entry at Mount Rainier in 2026. You still need an entrance pass, and the park advises arriving before 7 AM or after 4 PM because parking fills.
Can I bring my dog on the Skyline Trail?
No. Pets are not allowed on park trails. Leashed pets are allowed in parking lots, campgrounds, picnic areas and on roads open to vehicles.
Ready to book
Choose your day
Each listing states free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Details come from the listing and can change.
Customized Mount Rainier Tour
Free time at Paradise to walk at your own pace, guided in English, Russian or Persian
Mount Rainier All-Inclusive Small Group Tour
- Pickup and drop-off from downtown Seattle hotels (per the listing)
- Naturalist guide, all park entry fees, snowshoes in winter if needed
- Seasonal picnic lunch, coffee or tea, snacks and refreshments
Mount Rainier Small-Group Day Tour
A sightseeing day with a guided forest walk at Longmire, not a hike
