Mt. Rainier National Park — Skyline Trail Guide

The weather that day was absolutely perfect—the snow-capped mountain was clearly visible, with a few clouds drifting nearby, making the view even more stunning. 🚗 I arrived at the park around 11 AM on Friday and waited in line for about 30 minutes to enter. Parking Tip: Ask people leaving if they’re heading out and where they parked. Follow them to their spot—you’ll find parking quickly this way! 🥾 I completed the entire Skyline Trail alone, hiking counterclockwise because I wanted to visit Myrtle Fall first. With stops for photos, the hike took about 3.5 hours. Going counterclockwise is slightly easier than clockwise. Clockwise offers quicker access to the most beautiful mountain views and wildflower fields, but both routes eventually cover the same scenery. I opted for the more relaxed path. ⛰ The upper section of the trail is covered in gravel, making the climb a bit strenuous. I was carefully watching my step, worried about slipping. But when I finally passed the last stretch of gravel and looked up, the mountain was right there—so breathtaking that I almost cried! It’s an experience photos simply can’t capture. 🦫 Along the way, I encountered many adorable marmots and squirrels. Some were shy, but I could observe them quietly up close. A few bold ones even approached and stood up, seemingly begging for food—it was both hilarious and cute ☺️. ⚠️ Reminders: Check the weather in advance, ideally on the same day, for the most accurate forecast. On clear days, the mountain is incredibly majestic and absolutely worth the visit! #MtRainier #MtRainierNationalPark #Seattle #SeattleHiking #SeattleTrave