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Skyline Trail / Panorama Point Snowshoe

Parent Category: Snowshoeing
Created: 06 January 2015
Trailhead address:

52415 Paradise-Longmire Road, Mount Rainier National Park, Packwood, WA 98361

Distance: 5.4 mile loop trail
Hiking Time: 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet
Trailhead Pass: National Park Pass Required
GPS Waypoints:

Trailhead: N46 47.162, W121 44.099

 

Photo from Mount Rainier National Park, Panorama Point

Pictures below will take you on a virtual tour along a popular trail with perfect views of Mt. Rainier and winter scenery!!!

Description

Photo from Mount Rainier National Park, Panorama Point

Mount Rainier is called by Native Americans Tahoma, meaning “the great mountain” and it is really great! This gorgeous and active volcano, with an elevation over 16,000 feet, was formed half a million years ago out of lava and ash. It is also known for 25 majestic glaciers that cover the summit.

Every season in Mount Rainier National Park is special: beautiful waterfalls and wildflowers in summer are gorgeous, but winter offers even more spectacular views of the snow-covered valleys and mountains.

Photo from Mount Rainier National Park, Panorama Point

There are more than 16 trails that are perfect for snowshoe lovers. Are you ready for an unforgettable winter hike with us?

The Paradise Area in winter is a huge snow blanket that offers superb views and scenery. This area was named by a member of Longmire family who visited it and enjoyed wildflower meadows in 1885. Paradise Area attracts millions of tourists, hikers and nature lovers. In 1917, the most famous Paradise Inn was opened and since then it hosted a great number of hikers. A new Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center was opened in 2008. To cut a long story short, this is one of the most popular places for year-round recreation not only in Washington State, but also in United States.

Photo from Mount Rainier National Park, Panorama Point

Skyline Trail can be called the main trail in the area. It is also known as the best winter hike in Mount Rainier National Park. Skyline Trail loops up to Panorama Point, the most gorgeous and stunning viewpoint where visitors enjoy the closeness of Mount Rainier. Enjoy panoramic views of the mountains, frozen waterfalls, brilliant snowfields and sparkling glaciers along this trail. While snowshoeing, please, pay attention to rock outcroppings and tree tops that are covered with snow.

Photo from Mount Rainier National Park, Panorama Point

This trail is easy to follow; it is well-marked and snowshoe tracks will show you the way to Panorama Point. The length of the entire trail loop is 5.4 miles with elevation gain of 1,300 feet. Visitors may also shorten the distance to 4.5 miles by taking Golden Gate Trail shortcut. The views from Panorama Point are impossible to describe with words, they are heavenly beautiful. Check our latest pictures that depict these beautiful crystal clear mountain peaks. Panorama Point is a wonderful place to rest before going back. Be sure you will need strength. Descending the slopes is more difficult and challenging, be very attentive.

These pictures were taken on January 01, 2014

Directions:

From Seattle

South on I-5 to SR 512 - Exit 127. East on SR 512 to SR 7. South on SR 7 to SR 706 in Elbe. East on SR 706 through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance. Drive to Paradise Area.

To get the directions click on the link below:


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Photo: Roman Khomlyak

Photo Editing: Alex Mandryko

Information: Marina Petrova