Skyline Trail Loop
Mount Rainier Area
As of April 26, 2026, the Skyline Trail Loop near Paradise is still largely snow-covered. Traction devices like microspikes are recommended, especially near the trailhead. For higher elevations like Panorama Point, crampons and an ice axe were used on April 26th due to firm snow conditions in the morning, which quickly turned slushy as the sun rose.
Snow conditions vary greatly depending on the time of day and sun exposure, becoming choppy, soupy, and slippery after 9 AM according to an April 8th report. Earlier in March, snowshoes were needed for postholing, and glissading was common. There are reports of potentially unstable snow bridges. The road access to Paradise is generally fine, though watch for icy patches from overnight freezing. The bridge connection to Mazama Ridge over Paradise River is unsafe; use Ruby Falls for crossing.
generated from 43 reports
Sources
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...
Paradise Lodge parking lot full at 1130. Parked just down the road. Weather misty, foggy, and drizzly at the start. Ripe blueberries immediately. Delicious. Rain, wind, and fog increased with ele...
NOTE: As of 9/13, the bathrooms at Paradise are closed due to a water shortage. Volunteers mentioned the possibility of Port-a-Potties in the near future, but I didn't see any as of this afternoon. Th...
Hiked counterclockwise on a smoky morning. Very busy trail. As an intermediate hiker, I'd call this trail moderate with some technically difficult sections, especially closer to the peak where loose s...
Hiked the Skyline Trail clockwise from the Paradise parking lot.On the way out we stopped briefly at Myrtle Falls.The trail was very busy. Also very warm and dusty. Recommend carrying plenty of water.
We arrived around 8am and there were still several parking spots available in the main lot by the visitors center. Weather was overcast which made for a cool hiking temp to start. Clouds obscured the ...
Bottom Line:Amazing day of low-density snow, sunshine, wind-swept features and pillowy snowshoeing up from Paradise via the Skyline trail, looping around after reaching a high point just above Glacier...
Hiked around a bit on 11/6 mid-day. Lots of people down at the start at Paradise, not many people on the trail. Lots of deep snow right now and not much is packed down. I was only was able to hike in ...
Want to ask something specific about Skyline Trail Loop?
Use AI-powered search to dig into trip reports for this trail.
Search Skyline Trail Loop