I want to talk about my favorite trail so far here in Washington, the Skyline Trail! The Skyline Trail is a 6 mile, moderately rated (on the AllTrails app) trail on the Paradise side of Mount Rainier. It is a loop style trail that starts at the John Muir quote stairs behind the visitor center. The elevation gain is about 1800 feet. Cody and I hiked this trail on July 27th (so long ago!!), and we absolutely loved it. We took the trail clockwise.
The last time we attempted this trail, it was completely covered in snow. We didn’t get very far, and you couldn’t even see the steps under all the snow!
The first time… 
…and this time!
Hold on a sec while I climb the Mountain 
It was a gorgeous, clear day and we were able to see Mt. Adams, Mt. Hood, and Mt. St. Helens in the distance at Panorama Point. We had a small snack once we got there, then continued on.
Hello, little friend 
Mount Adams, I believe. 
Mount Saint Helens in the distance. No cap.
We brought our microspikes with us, because we had read that there was some snow on the trail and I didn’t want to be caught flat on my butt on an uphill. We only had to use the spikes one time, and only for a short time, but I felt so much more confident when I was wearing them on the steep, slick uphill. Also, huge shoutout to trekking poles for making my life so much easier. Seriously. I haven’t sung the praises of trekking poles yet on this blog, but they’re A M A Z I N G. In my last post about Rainier, I complained about my poor, old lady knees. With trekking poles, there is so much less pressure on them. Mine are from Black Diamond, they’re solid, they’re comfy, and I trust them, which is the most important thing.
But back to the hiking, though! It was an absolutely gorgeous day. We got to hike on the snow, which is fun and difficult. I got to glissade down the glacier, which is basically sliding on the snow. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend it. 😀 We stopped for a break at a stream and refilled our water bottles. Bring lots of water, or a water filtration system on this hike. You’ll need it.
This bridge is fine. It’s fine. It’s not scary at all.
As far as people on the trail, there really weren’t that many once we got past Panorama Point. The people we did see, however, were good about keeping their distance as much as they could, and pulling their mask or buff over their face. The amount of people increased again as we got closer to the end, because of Myrtle Falls.
This trail was amazing. I got to hike above the tree line for the first time, there were gorgeous wildflowers and waterfalls, and the views were fantastic. This trail was a long time coming and it was everything I wanted it to be! Add this hike to your list if you come out to Washington in the summer!
I hope everyone is staying safe and healthy! Cheers, friends! 🙂
If you’re interested in trekking poles or microspikes, these are the ones that I bought!
ShutterbugRN Travels 
Love reading about your adventures! The pictures are amazing, and that good looking red head, wow!
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He is pretty cute, huh? 😉🥰
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