Check out this 5.8-mile loop trail near Paradise, Washington. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 32 min to complete. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are June through September. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
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I hiked on 11/9, leaving Paradise at ~9:30 a.m. We did not bring snowshoes, so we did a ton of post-holing. We had great views of the surrounding peaks until the clouds rolled in around noon. Due to the deep snow, we only made it to Glacier Vista for lunch and returned to the car. I am very glad that we brought a GPS because even with a fair amount of traffic, there were enough ski tracks that it was often difficult to determine the actual trail. Overall, I was mostly jealous of not bringing ski touring gear because everyone else seemed to be having a blast.
Really well maintained popular trail! The first mile or so up is paved and full of people. We saw 2 bears on the side of the trail! Ended up doubled back the other way and by the time we’re back down the bears were gone. Beautiful scenery the whole loop. Saw lots of marmots and chipmunks on the trail as well
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 about 0.5 miles clockwise and 1 mile counter-clockwise due to the snow being really loose and not having my snowshoes with me. I used waterproof boots and microspikes instead. I saw lots of people not wearing proper attire or carrying any supplies. I implore everyone to please wear appropriate gear for deep snow and to carry the ten essentials. Even if you're not going far, there's always the risk you could fall or slide off trail this time of year and become stuck.
Oct 27 - super windy, muddy and a little icy. Suggest spikes and poles but manageable without. If you don’t get there early, parking lot would be full. It snowed on our way out but was still a great hike! If you have warm clothes and the gear, definitely do it this time of year! Trail was not super packed.
Talk about breathtaking views! We were fortunate to go in late October and have awesome weather and visibility. The trail was long and rough, but the views were constant & gorgeous for the entire hike! The foot traffic was minimal for the portion after panoramic point, which made for a very peaceful couple of miles. We even got to see Mt Adam’s, Mt Hood, and Mt St Helens from the back portion of the trail. (We went clockwise). Keep in mind this trail is definitely a bear, but it’s so worth it if you’re in the shape to do it.
We did it clockwise. The trail until Panorama point is moderately strenuous and doable without poles or spikes. Lot of slush and ice after that making it extremely difficult without spikes. Overall you’ll have great views for life almost the entire trail. Better to complete it before sunset.
Icy in parts, would definitely recommend micro spikes or at least shoes with great traction. Great views the whole hike. If you start from the parking lot and go up the stairs, you’re in for a pretty hard incline for a few minutes, but it is paved.
Wow, where to begin. This trail was epic from start to finish, and The layout of Paradise trail system is bar none. Skyline, Golden Gate, Panorama Point, Glacier Vista could all be one - off experiences In one’s lifetime. For ones who don’t dare to summit, this is the pinnacle.
Gorgeous! If you are experienced as a hiker, it’s doable without poles currently. Probably won’t be in another week though. Definitely quite a bit of snow/ice. Took us just a tic under 3 hours not including two 10-15 min stops. Couldn’t have asked for a better day. Absolutely gorgeous with views the entire route. Worth doing for sure.
Beautiful, clean and well maintained trail. Very well kept bathroom facilities down by the parking lot. There is another bathroom area before you hit panoramic viewpoint! I saw lots of birds & chipmunks. Stunning views all around. I would recommend packing warm outer wear. I was so hot hiking up but it was super cold and windy at the top!
Well maintained trail though conditions at top, just past Panorama Point, were a bit icy and squally. We went clockwise and I'm glad we did. Its 2.2 miles up that way and 3.3 miles down as we prefer to go up steep and down gradual. No views, too cloudy but the trail is beautiful, except for the ugly bit at the top. On a nice day,I would rate this moderate to hard. The first half mile is paved.
Frequently asked questions about Skyline Loop
What are some of the facilities available for Skyline Loop?
What is the expected weather this week for Skyline Loop?
- Sat, November 23 - 28 degrees/snow
- Sun, November 24 - 30 degrees/snow
- Mon, November 25 - 30 degrees/snow showers
- Tue, November 26 - 30 degrees/partly cloudy
- Wed, November 27 - 28 degrees/partly cloudy
