Skyline Trail Loop — Monday, Oct. 14, 2024

Rating:  4 of 5 stars (5 of 5 when sunny!)
My opinions:  Beautiful fall colors.  We could not see very many mountains.  We could initially see Mt Rainier, However, when we went towards the top of the trail, we were in clouds.
Nice leaves changing! 
This is a nice hike in the clouds.  It is nowhere near as pretty as in the sunshine. 
In the medium to hard category (about 1450 ft in about 5.5 miles), this hike gave me a workout. 
The views of Mount Rainier were incredible until they were covered in clouds.
Start by going counter-clockwise by Myrtle Falls—the gains don’t seem to be as bad because of the many switchbacks. 
Watch when hikers are grouped and ask them what they are looking at…my last time at Mt Rainer, that’s when we found out about bears near by.
I highly recommend the Paradise Glacier Trail, which has great views of Mt Adams and Mt St Helens.  Interesting trail, pretty easy too.  It’s worth the detour.
Not too crowded on a Monday, even though it was a holiday.
Parking & Road Conditions:  For any car. Easy to get to.  Lots of parking on a Monday.
Snow:  None.
Trail & trail conditions:  Very good.  Not too many rocky areas.  Nicely maintained trail. 
NOTE:  It’s worth walking down to Myrtle Falls.  Pretty views of the falls & Mt Rainier.
Bugs:  None.
Time: The longer outside loop trail took us (one 66 and one 31 years old) about 5.5 hours.
Views:  Not many today.
Flowers/Trees:  Leaves were brilliant!  Awesome!!!!