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Hike to Panorama Point

Ashford, Washington

4.6/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

5.4 miles

Elevation Gain

1700 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Michael Matti

Hike through fields of wildflowers with amazing views of Mt. Rainier. Reservations are now required to backpack/ stay the night, you can learn more here.

This 5.4 mile loop hike begins at the Paradise Visitors Center in Mount Rainier National Park. You just follow the skyline trail that begins from the steps with the John Muir quote on them. The hike goes up 1700 feet to its highest point at 7100 feet. From this high up you have some amazing views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding land. The view from Panorama point is well worth the effort it takes to reach it. The top is a great place to just relax for awhile, have a snack, and enjoy the view. There is a bathroom up at Panorama Point should you need it.

The hike to and from Panorama Point is beautiful. If it's the right time of year (August), there will be fields of wildflowers that you'll walk through. Keep your eyes open for wildlife, such as deer and marmot.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Family Friendly
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike to Panorama Point Reviews

Gorgeous hike. The first half mile damn near killed me. I don't know if it was the incline or if I didn't think the pavement would ever end and it would never feel like an adventure. Once you get past that section it's a bit surreal. Definitely go during wildflower season. I went earlier but lucked out that they were already in full bloom that year. The views are tough to beat, the weather is excellent, the photo ops are endless. I recommend staying out until sunset.

This beautiful hike convinced my daughter she wanted to climb to the summit. Love this mountain.

This loop is easy enough to do in a few short hours. It provides a lot of diversity in flora and fauna. We went the "opposite way" aka counter clockwise. There were a lot of folks visiting that day so we opted to get away from the crowds in the beginning. Great opportunity to see wildlife as well. We saw marmots, deer, and a few black bears. Rainer received minimal rain so the snow had melted considerably. That allowed us to get to panorama point easier. You might even see backcountry groups heading up to some of the base camps.

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Snowshoe the Skyline Trail

Myrtle Falls Overlook

Ski Tour the Muir Snow Field

Snowshoe or Ski to Mazama Ridge

Mt. Rainier via Disappointment Cleaver

Backpack the Wonderland Trail