Pebble Creek

From the Paradise parking lot, find the large stone steps and follow the Skyline Trail. Pass Glacier Vista and a notable switchback with tremendous views before coming upon the trail to Pebble Creek on your left at 1.6 miles, 6,650 feet, at another large stone staircase.

Up until this point, the verdant meadows have been teeming with marmots, deer, ptarmigan and other fauna. Tourists in flip-flops tread carefully along the wet and stony walkways. But now begins a trail of another character. Proceed with caution as signs indicate the perils of traveling unprepared in the alpine zone.

Upon the first steps of the Pebble Creek Trail, the hiker will notice the rougher and steeper grade. This allows for greater elevation gain, which will be noticeable as breathing gets more difficult. Water runs along and over the path at times, creating a somewhat muddy situation, with rocks and loose dirt composing the trail.

Everything above is white, and the meltwater from these snowfields creates Pebble Creek, which is still to the north at this point. A long staircase winds up to a point where a sign warns about the "Danger Zone" you are now entering. To travel here requires more risk due to inclement weather and hazardous conditions.

By this point, the trail is likely snow-covered or running with snowmelt. Stay straight at a junction surrounded by slate. To the right is Panorama Point, a worthy destination and possible addition to your return journey. In late summer, the point is swarming with tourists trying to see as many volcanoes as they can at once.

After a steep climb, the way suddenly tops out on a lateral moraine in a world of snow and ice. For a short window during late summer, the scene may be an arid wasteland with the sound of falling water coming from all around. The maintained trail ends at Pebble Creek, 7,180 feet high, 2.2 miles from the trailhead.

Traveling higher than Pebble Creek is not recommended for casual hikers; the way is snow-covered and steep. Although it is possible to day hike to Camp Muir, it is an arduous affair, to say the least. Knowledge of snow travel, including self-arrest, is advised. A sign by the creek mentions crevasses and ice falls.

As an alternate return option, descend back to the Skyline Trail and continue the clockwise loop to Paradise. Or return via the same direction and find the Deadhorse Trail, which traverses near the edge of the meadows and offers excellent views over the Nisqually Glacier. Elevation gain is minimal in both instances.