One more place to enjoy near Mount Rainier National Park in Washington
As you begin your journey on the Skyline Trail, a 5 ½-mile path, you’ll find its starting point near the entrance of the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. Look out for stone steps adorned with a quote from John Muir that describes these alpine gardens as the most lush and stunning he had ever seen in his mountain explorations. Opting to hike clockwise, the trail gradually ascends for 2 miles until you reach Panorama Point. Prepare to be amazed by the awe-inspiring vistas that await you there.
Hikers are advised by the park service to take the High Skyline Trail after this point. This trail is recommended as it avoids a hazardous icy slope that remains frozen throughout the year. The High Skyline Trail connects back to the Skyline trail, just above the junction with the Golden Gate trail, which is an alternative route for a shorter hike. Along the trail, hikers can enjoy beautiful views of subalpine wildflowers, Mount Rainier, and the Nisqually Glacier. On a clear day, they might even spot peaks as far south as Oregon’s Mount Hood.