Skyline Loop in Mt. Rainier NP

Ashford, Washington

4.8/5

based on 4 reviews

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Distance

5.65 miles

Elevation Gain

1722 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Jared Blitz

The draw is pretty self-explanatory the moment you get there. Nisqually Glacier towering above, wildflowers in full bloom surrounding you, tremendous viewpoints, cool air-- there isn't a much better place to be during the summer.

The trailhead to Skyline Trail is located at the north side of the upper parking lot near the Visitor Center and Paradise Inn. You'll see that it breaks off into many other small trails if you want, as well. However, this 5.5 mile hike alongside Nisqually Glacier is classified by the rangers at Mt. Rainier as strenuous. I would say for the first 1/2 mile or so that rings true. It almost feels like a vertical climb at times, but the trail is asphalt for this part so footing isn't an issue. Once you're past this point the trail becomes a lot more tolerable if you're in decent shape.

Your goal should be to get to Panorama Point at 6800ft. From here you get to see anything and everything in the park as well as a good look at the trail loop (also a pit toilet up here). Even a mediocre sunset makes you feel like you don't want to be anywhere else in the world if you're there for wildflower season. I'm not a botanist, so I can only tell you there were a variety of plants and flowers in yellow, green, pink, blue, purple, red, white, beige...it's a spectacular sight. You certainly won't have to look too hard for whistling marmots either. They're everywhere!

TIMED ENTRY + FEES
Depending on when you choose to visit Mount Rainier NP, you may need to have a timed entry reservation, especially during prime months. You can learn more about requirements at NPS.gov.
There is also a fee to enter the park, which can be avoided if you have an America the Beautiful pass or annual pass. Learn more at NPS.gov.

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Skyline Loop in Mt. Rainier NP Reviews

Anant Shergill

Wanderer

Skyline Loop in Mt. Rainier NP

11/12/25

Get here early - especially in summer. Its a very popular and busy trail and for good reason. There are bathrooms available before you start your hike and its a long one so it is recommended. There were a lot of creature sightings - Marmot who were unbothered by us, chipmunks looking for snacks, deer, mountain goats, and lots of hikers of course. There was a aection in July that still had quite a bit of snow and a few of us slid down but it was marked well with lots of people around for moral support. Mt. Rainier played hide and seek so there was a lot of time we weren’t seeing much mountain even at Panorama Point but we were lucky enough to get quite the show at the top of the trail just by resting and waiting it out. Check the weather if you need some mountain virws to make it worth it for you. The wildflowers and changes in scenery were worth it on their own for me. Bring water and take your time. Enjoy!

5.0

Hassan McClary

Seeker

Skyline Loop in Mt. Rainier NP

10/11/25

Great hike with plenty of parking. The lodge was open and had good food.

5.0

Explorer

Jess Fischer

Explorer

Skyline Loop in Mt. Rainier NP

08/16/20

An absolutely stunning hike with sweeping views of Mount Rainier and the Cascade Range to the south, including the dramatic Tatoosh Wilderness Peaks. We hiked this on August 15 (Saturday) and the wildflowers were in full bloom. We arrived to the trailhead at 6:45am and the parking lot was almost full. There were TONS of people on the trail up to Panorama Point but after that we had some more solitude. There were still some sections of trail still covered in snow, but we were able to handle them without poles. Highly recommend this hike, but get there early to beat the crowds!

5.0

Clayton Lukens

Explorer

Skyline Loop in Mt. Rainier NP

07/01/20

That elevation gain takes you by SURPRISE! Bring your poles, I’m glad my dad and I did. The view is worth it!!

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Skyline Loop in Mt. Rainier NP

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Skyline Loop in Mt. Rainier NP Reviews

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Panorama Point

Glacier Vista via Skyline Trailhead

Skyline Trail and 4th Crossing Trail Loop

Myrtle Falls Overlook

Panorama Point and Alta Vista Loop

Camp Muir via Skyline Trailhead

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