Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls
This 5.5-mile loop trail, one of the most popular within the park, offers breathtaking close-up views of Mount Rainier.
Plan Around Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls
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Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls Details
This 5.5-mile loop trail, one of the most popular within the park, offers breathtaking close-up views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, waterfalls, and wildflowers (look for scarlet paintbrush, mountain heather, and lupines), and a look at far-away peaks, such as Oregon's Mount Hood. The trail begins behind the Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise and climbs steeply for two miles before hitting a set of switchbacks and ascending up to Panorama Point. A photo display shows many of the peaks in the Tatoosh Range and other mountains within view. Continue on the High Skyline Trail and eventually begin a steep descent on switchbacks before arriving at the junction of the Golden Gate Trail. Take the Golden Gate if you'd like to cut about 1.5 miles off the hike and head directly back to Paradise. Otherwise, continue on the Skyline Trail, passing by the Stevens-Van Trump Historical Monument, a stone bench above Sluiskin Falls that commemorates the first summit of Mount Rainier by Hazard Stevens and P.B. Van Trump. After descending on another series of switchbacks, take a quick side trip to see 72-foot Myrtle Falls, which cascades into a deep gorge carved out by Edith Creek. Deer and marmots are plentiful on this path, despite the abundance of hikers, so keep your eyes open. Trail stats: 5.5 miles roundtrip; 1,700 feet; 4.5 hours.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
5.5 miles
Estimated time
4.5 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls
Compare nearby parks around Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls while the map context is still fresh.
0.0 mi away
Paradise Inn
The historic Paradise Inn has welcomed visitors since 1916.
0.1 mi away
Mount Rainier National Park
Contrasting glittering glaciers and underground steam caves, Mount Rainer is a 14,410-foot monster looking over the state of Washington and easily visible from Seattle and Tacoma, little more than 50 miles away.
0.1 mi away
Paradise Climbing Information Center
The Paradise Climbing Information Center/Guide House offers climbing and backcountry wilderness permits in the summertime.
0.1 mi away
Paradise
Paradise is an open area at about 5,400 feet on Mount Rainier's southern flank.
0.2 mi away
Alta Vista Trail
This moderate hike follows a steep, paved trail up to a viewpoint.
