Hiking/
United States/
Washington/
Ashford/
Golden Gate Falls

Best trails near Golden Gate Falls

4.8(30,400 reviews)

·Mount Rainier National Park

Want to check out Golden Gate Falls from the trail? Good news: 8 trails will you get you there, including hiking trails. Whether you're looking to hike, bike, run, or explore the outdoors in other ways, AllTrails has 16 scenic trails in the Golden Gate Falls area. Plan your trip with hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Looking for a challenge? Choose from 8 moderate or hard routes. No matter how you like to get out in nature, the trails through Golden Gate Falls are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.

Top trails

The Skyline Trail is the most popular route out of Paradise on the southern side of Mount Rainier. This loop has something for everyone: lush vegetation, glacier views, rivers, waterfalls, and incredible views of the surrounding area. This “choose your own adventure” hike can be done in several ways. The loop can be done in either direction, but many people choose the clockwise route. If you’re not interested in doing the full loop, many hikers make it to Panorama Point before turning around...

#2 - Skyline, Glacier Vista, Upper Skyline and Golden Gate Loop

The Skyline Trail is one of the most popular trails on the southern side of Mount Rainier. The trail climbs a ridge line to Glacier Vista and Panorama Point, two viewpoints that offer beautiful views of glaciers, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding mountain landscape. These are great spots to stop for a break, take in the scenery, and have a snack. The trail continues along the Upper Skyline Trail before joining the Golden Gate Trail, and takes you past Golden Gate and Myrtle Falls. Rejoin the...

#3 - Skyline and Golden Gate Loop

This loop follows two popular trails in Mount Rainier National Park. Begin by hiking up the Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls, and connect with the Golden Gates Trail to Golden Gates Falls. Rejoin the Skyline Trail and follow it as it loops back to the trailhead. This route features beautiful views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape.

#4 - Dead Horse Creek and Golden Gate Trail Loop

This is a beautiful looped trail that is similar to the famous Skyline Trail, but it's a shorter route that uses the Golden Gate Trail. Start from Paradise Inn and go either clockwise or counter-clockwise. You first witness the picturesque Myrtle Falls, walk through gorgeous meadows with wildflowers and the incredible Mount Rainier in the backdrop. After the paved paths, the trail will get drastically more challenging, taking you through some steep switchbacks, up to some rocky cliffs at...

#5 - Camp Muir via Skyline Loop

Camp Muir is a climber's base camp for those attempting to summit Mount Rainier. This is a challenging hike with steep terrain, possible snow travel, and often unpredictable weather. Plan accordingly and come prepared with appropriate gear and the knowledge of how to use it, as well and plenty of food and water for a full day's adventure. This is one of Mount Rainier National Park's many backpacking routes. A wilderness permit is required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. A...

#6 - Lower Lakes, Wonderland, Mazama, Skyline, and Dead Horse Creek Loop

This trail leaves from the popular Paradise Inn. This is a busy trailhead, so be sure to arrive early, especially on summer weekends. Begin by following the Skyline and Dead Horse Creek Trail to Glacier Vista and Panorama Point, two viewpoints providing interesting and beautiful views. Continue along the Skyline Trail to the Mazama Trail. Ascend the Mazama Ridge Trail to the top of Faraway Rock. This is a great vantage point and offers beautiful views on clear days. Descend down to Reflection...

#7 - Reflection Lakes via Mazama Ridge Loop

This trail begins from the Paradise Inn area and follows the Skyline, Golden Gate, Mazama Ridge, Wonderland, and Lower Lakes Trail to create a beautiful loop. Views include waterfalls, meadows, wildflowers, lakes, and peaks in the distance. On a clear day, Mount Rainier is towering above everything else, creating a breathtaking backdrop.

#8 - Narada Falls to Mazama Ridge Loop

This hike takes you along some popular trails in Mount Rainier National Park. Begin at Paradise Inn and follow the Lower Lakes Trail past Narada Falls and up to Reflection Lakes. Join the Wonderland Trail until you reach the Mazama Ridge Trail. Follow this trail to the top of Faraway Rock and along Mazama Ridge. Join the Skyline Trail and loop back around to your starting point. Enjoy beautiful views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape. This trail has it all, from waterfalls,...

Explore more trails

Trail reviews for Golden Gate Falls

Joseph Martin

Jun 10, 2025•Running

Bathrooms availableGreat views

Wonderful views and had an epic day. The trail pretty much entirely snow covered and we really needed Alltrails to stay on course although there were times that we had to pivot and go off trail for a bit. Micro spikes and poles helped but we did see some do it without them. Bring plenty of sunscreen and be ready for the epic views from Panorama Point. Beyond Panorama, if doing it clockwise, is where the trail is less traveled and a little sketchier so be careful. Met up with a wonderful group from Florida which made the hike even better. Shout out to Marshall for being our scout.

Difficulty: Strenuous

Skyline Loop

Katie White

Jun 6, 2025•Hiking

June 2025: a lot of snow coverage but the whole loop was super doable. There was enough foot traffic to know where to go but would def recommend downloading the map/GPS. Cramp ons would have been helpful but we did it without. 10/10 recommend!! Beautiful hike

Skyline, Glacier Vista, Upper Skyline and Golden Gate Loop

Tim Reardon

Jun 9, 2025•Hiking

Not crowdedGreat views

Great day. I should not have hiked this trail. I fudged in some spots and some stuff was almost impassible even with snow shoes. I couldn’t find the trail and basically just followed the gps. Not a great idea. Otherwise the trail is gorgeous and would imagine a wonderful stroll in better conditions. I would wait until the snow melts.

Conditions: Snow

Skyline and Golden Gate Loop

Martina Morris

Jan 19, 2025•Hiking

Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

Great snowshoe loop counterclockwise with enough elevation gain to make a newbie feel like you’ve earned the views but not so much that you’re too tired to enjoy them

Conditions: Snow

Dead Horse Creek and Golden Gate Trail Loop

Ben M

Oct 7, 2024•Hiking

Bathrooms availableGreat conditionsGreat views

The views really are worth it - spectacular hike. The first mile is crowded enough to feel a bit of an amusement park, but it thins out quite a bit after that. If you’re an experienced hiker, push past Panorama Point to Pebble Creek and the first third of the Camp Muir trail. You quickly get to a very different and equally beautiful terrain of glaciers and harsh rock, and you get a bit of a workout in! I waited about an hour at the park gate, on a sunny October Monday - so the crowds are real

Difficulty: Moderate

Camp Muir via Skyline Loop

Ameel Mirza

Oct 11, 2024•Hiking

Great views

Started at sunrise. The views were spectacular. Definitely worth going down to the reflection lakes as well.

Difficulty: Moderate

Lower Lakes, Wonderland, Mazama, Skyline, and Dead Horse Creek Loop

Mark Pigman

Apr 20, 2025•Snowshoeing

Not crowded

Still 5+ feet of snow on most of the area. The road by reflection lakes has been fully plowed now. Note that this map does not have the best routing for winter.

Conditions: Snow, Icy

Parking: Entry fee, Free, Large lot

Difficulty: Strenuous

Reflection Lakes via Mazama Ridge Loop

Hyeonmi Shin

Oct 13, 2024•Hiking

Started from Narada Falls and went around counterclockwise. Faraway rock was great spot to feel high up view from easy and short walk from reflection lakes. I took golden gate trail as detour instead of typical skyline trail since I’ve done skyline before, I did not regret it!!! Add more miles and getting up that stiff switch backs we’re challenging but definitely worth to do it. Highest point of skyline had soooooo many people and panorama point never disappoints anyone and cool breeze with perfect view!!! that’s all we needed! Coming down on skyline was just like walking in heaven and once I passed visitor center and got into lower part of lakes trail, I could definitely feel wet trail and saw unique mushrooms and beautiful water falls. How dynamic experience of 11miles of trail! Definitely will do it again !

Narada Falls to Mazama Ridge Loop

Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of hiking trails near Golden Gate Falls?

There are plenty of things to do on hiking trails near Golden Gate Falls. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 8 hiking trails, 8 running trails, and more.

Where is the best place to hike near Golden Gate Falls?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike near Golden Gate Falls is Skyline Loop, which has a 4.9 star rating from 21,098 reviews. This trail is 5.6 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,778 ft.

What is the longest trail near Golden Gate Falls?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail near Golden Gate Falls is Camp Muir via Skyline Loop. This trail is estimated to be 10.1 mi long.

Which trail has the most elevation gain near Golden Gate Falls?

Golden Gate Falls: With an ascent of 4,845 ft, Camp Muir via Skyline Loop has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Lower Lakes, Wonderland, Mazama, Skyline, and Dead Horse Creek Loop with 2,431 ft of elevation gain.