Panorama Point Hike
Table of contents
The hike from Paradise Inn to Panorama Point is a popular choice in Mount Rainier National Park, and this moderately challenging hike is a favourite year-round for hikers and snowshoers alike. With a great view of Rainier and plenty of wildflowers lining the trail in the summertime, Panorama Points ends up on the to-do list of many hikers visiting Washington. If you only have a few hours to spare but you want to enjoy classic Rainier views without any technical challenge, this hike is the one.
Route Description for Panorama Point Hike
The Panorama Point hike is a naturally beautiful hike that offers enough of a physical challenge to feel rewarding, but without any technical challenges. This trail is lined by wildflowers and has great views of Rainier, but this means it can get very busy. We recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the heaviest crowds.
The trail starts from Paradise Inn. Take the trail that goes left from the inn past the parking lot. Walk past and behind the climbing information center, joining the Skyline Trail to head north. You’ll pass junctions with the Alta Vista Trail and the Waterfall Trail, and another arm of the Skyline Trail also veers right (northeast) in a loop. Pay attention to signage or a map.
The trail comes next to Dead Horse Creek, but stay right and do not cross the creek. Alta Vista stretches above to your right here. Further on, you’ll pass a junction with Dead Horse Creek Trail. Continue straight on. To more junctions come along, stay right at both, unless you want to make a quick detour to Glacier Vista, in which case you’ll take a left turn at the second junction and then rejoin the trail by retracing your steps.
The trail hairpins to head south. Keep right at the junction that comes next. When approaching Panorama Point, you first come to a viewpoint to hiker’s right. Feel free to stop here to admire Panorama Point, then continue up the trail through three switchbacks to the peak. From the summit, you’ll be able to see McClure Peak to the northeast, Mount Rainier and Anvil Rocks to the northwest, and Faraway Rock to the south.
From the peak, you can either retrace your steps or follow the trail that branches off to the north and then eventually east (hiker’s left) to hike Skyline in a loop. If you loop down Skyline, you can take Golden Gate Trail to see Golden Gate Falls, a nice extension.
Insider Hints for Panorama Point Hike
- This trail is subject to heavy traffic, so we recommend hiking in off-peak hours.
- Stay on the path and resist the urge to pick the lovely wildflowers to help protect the delicate ecosystem here.
Getting to the Panorama Point Hike Trailhead
To get to the trailhead for the Panorama Point hike from the Nisqually entrance to the park, drive 27.4 km on State Route 706. Park at the lower lot at Paradise. If the lower lot is full, you can continue to the upper lot.
Route Information
Backcountry Campground:
No
When to do:
June-September
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Older Children only
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Out and back
Panorama Point Hike Elevation Graph
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