Trail Information

Topographic Map

Elevation Profile

Hike Location Overview









Email this page to a friend



Reporter

AllTrails Google Printer Friendly Weather MapQuest TopoZone Help

Panorama Point Skyline Loop Mt. Rainier

View this trail on the brand new LocalHikes.com

Highlights:

A high elevation maintained trail, it offers awesome views and a workout.
Near:Ashford, WA
Scenery:
Distance:5.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain:1700 ft
Hike Time:3.5 hours
Difficulty:Moderate
Trail Condition:Well maintained trail
HikeType:Loop



Summary: This hike will take you on a short but wonderful adventure. Once you clear the trees and pause to look back at the lodge below, you will begin to see that the Cascade Range is rising up to meet you. Views looking up to the top of Rainier are spectacular when the sun is shining and non existent when cloudy. Well you can still enjoy this hike on a cloudy day as it is very rewarding just to see the mountain up close. Some added bonuses along the way include, Alta Vista, Glacier Vista, and Golden Gate. These are just a few of the high points that help create the surrounding landscape. Take a snack and a sweater as it can turn cold while lounging at Panorama Point.
Trailhead: Directions: Take I-5 to SR 512 (exit 127), then East on SR 512 to SR 7.
South on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. Continue East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance of MT. Rainier Nat'l Park, continue to Longmire and then follow the one and only road to Paradise. Once you reach Paradise, park in the immense lot and try to remember where your car will be when you return, as it fills up in the summer. The trailhead is located to the left of the ranger station. (Lat:46.78664 Lon:-121.73445)

Trail Guides for Panorama Point Skyline Loop Mt. Rainier :
50 Hikes in Mt. Rainier National Park
by Ira Spring & Harvey Manning (The Mountaineers)

Day Hike Mt. Rainier
by Ron C. Judd (Sasquatch Books)

Best Seasons: Year-Round
User Groups: Hikers,
Ranger Contact: Mt Rainier Nat'l Park, Paradise Ranger Station, 360 569-2211 ext. 2314
Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Drew Furnia, who has posted  23 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here.
Trail Reviews  Page 1 of 2   Submit your own review
Reviewed by SS on 11/11/2011
This an incredibly picturesque trail. Amazing photos from September 2011 here: http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/skyline-trail-panorama-point-mount-rainier-hike/ along with GPS google map and directions

Reviewed by K. on 9/11/2011
Hiked today with my 6 year old, well 7 next week, and she flew up this trail! I am not very athletic or the best of shape and after some motivation we made it to Panorama. Very beautiful and doable trail with a clean toilet on top. We did not bring food and were quite hungry when we got to the bottom and definitely needed more than just a bottle each of water, 2 each would have been well. Just that and our camera and sunglasses is all we needed. Crossed 2 short snow trails. I don't think I would hike with my child if it were more snowy tho. If you go slow and steady anyone can make it up!

Reviewed by RH on 7/28/2011
Just hiked this trail on Saturday (7/23/11). Entire trail still covered in snow. Made for some interesting treking, especially at the higher elevations, and added quite a bit of time/effort to the trip. But the sun was out, and not a cloud in the sky. Brilliant views of Mts. Ranier, St. Helens, and Adams. Did not wear enough sunscreen, and consequently am sporting a great suntan (burn).

Reviewed by DJR on 7/28/2010
Great Hike to Panorama Point via the Skyline trail on Monday July 26, 2010. Clear and cloudless day with views to Mt. Hood. The trail was marked but needs some marker maintenence, probably from heavy use lately. Occasional snow cover and a few tight spots where caution was needed but the rest of the trail was in good shape. We took five hours, including a spur on the Golden Gate trail, and stopped to enjoy the view at numerous locations. A few wildlife sightings, particularly in the lower portions not far from the lodge. One of the best hikes I have taken.

Reviewed by Viewer on 7/10/2010
Difficult for the novice hiker and dangerous in places today. the trail was slippery and markers were down in places making it more difficult to stay on the trail. Plan to make it an all-day adventure with breathetaking sites.

Reviewed by CTM on 8/16/2009
Trails were great but crowded. There are no pets allowed, something that is not advertised online anywhere. So when we arrived with our dogs we were given the evil eye. Upon leaving we were pulled over by the Park Rangers, two of them and thoroughly harassed for an hour because of this. They took all of us out of my truck and seperated us to get our stories like we were murder suspects. Then they made us sit on the rocks for an hour while they checked, rechecked, and double checked everyone's IDs. They were very rude and made us all feel like we were criminals. Upon finding nothing wrong they became very polire, wrote me a citation and let us go. Screw Rainier...

Reviewed by Sarah on 7/12/2009
I've done this hike 3 times and it is my favorite hike from Paradise. On a super clear day you can see as far as Mt. Hood. Once when I hiked it there was some snow (wear sunscreen!), but the other times- no snow. HIGHLY recommend this hike. I live out of state now (sadly) and this is the hike I take visitors on when we are back in the NW. They always love it.

Reviewed by Dave on 4/18/2009
I hiked on, or nearly on this trail last July (and I say "nearly on" as the entire trail was covered with snow of unknown depth and true trail location was a mystery to most of the time). It was a strenuous hike due to trudging through the snow at every step, but it was an absolutely superb day. I'm going back this August, and perhaps I'll see the trail and all the wildflowers it seems to be famous for this time out.


Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site.
Keys: Washington Hiking, Washington Trails, Washington Hikes, Pierce County Hiking, Pierce County Trails, Pierce County Hikes


About Us    Help    Contact Us
Site Map Of Available Hikes
Copyright © 2003-2010 AllTrails, Inc.
Member of the AllTrails Network.