Skyline Trail Loop
Mount Rainier Area
As of June 26, 2026, significant snow persists on the Skyline Trail Loop, particularly on the eastern section towards Panorama Point. Multiple reports from mid-June indicate the need for traction devices like microspikes or at least sturdy hiking shoes and poles to navigate icy and slushy snowfields, some with steep drop-offs. Rangers have advised against proceeding past Panorama Point due to heavy snow.
Parking at Paradise is extremely limited and fills early; expect significant crowds. While some find the snow manageable for sliding, others have encountered slippery conditions causing falls. Snow is melting quickly once the sun hits, leading to slushy and potentially hazardous surfaces. Conditions are expected to improve, but traction is still highly recommended.
generated from 50 reports
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Snow on east skyline loop. Shoe traction and hiking poles needed. People are getting confused in the trail because of winter routes. People sliding and falling on black ice and snow.
Here's my fun little quiz to help you decide if you want to do this hike in the next few days:Do you want to see mountain goats, marmots, the most beautiful snow tipped mountains, and enjoy perfect we...
Did the full Skyline Loop trail clockwise on Friday, June 19. Trail is in good condition. There are a few snowfields that can be navigated with hiking shoes and trekking poles. Microspikes would be he...
We went to Panorama Point and back down the same way on the advice of the rangers at the visitor center. They informed us that the trail past the point was even more snow-covered and they didn't recom...
Great temperature/time of year for this hike, not too hot. Would recommend shoe spikes or walking sticks because of the amount of snow. I got super sun burnt so remember to reapply sunscreen!!
Beautiful day! However, if you don’t have traction spikes for your shoes, be careful. We slipped several times and ultimately had to turn around because the steep hill was covered in snow.
Yeesh, with how popular this trail is I would have expected a few more recent trip reports!I was up at Paradise for an Intro to Mountaineering course. We arrived early in the morning, and there was st...
After Alta Vista, the gear you’ll need really depends on your start time. Once the sun hits, the snow softens quickly and gets slushy. If you’re just staying near the trailhead, the path is pretty wel...
Monday was my first day back on something with elevation gain but I was huffing and puffing so I had to try again. I'm happy to report the huffing and puffing was much better. The snow was not. It's c...
Did skyline trail and oopsied to mazama ridge today. Used microspikes most of the way and switched to snowshoes once we started postholing - about the connection to the mazama ridge trail / 1pm when i...
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