Skyline Trail Loop — Thursday, Jul. 31, 2025

I knew months ago that family commitments in August/September would mean my last hike of the summer would have to be 7.31. I chose Skyline Trail to mark the (early) end of my season and could not be happier.

I’m also more than satisfied I elected to go clockwise. The climb starts abruptly right out of the gate, but you get the hard part out of the way and for most of the ascent epic views of Tahoma smack you in the face.

Once you get past Panorama Point the climb eventually eases, flattens, and then a more gentle descent takes over. Then there is one last climb near the end of the loop, just before you reach the crowds at Myrtle Falls. Going counterclockwise may feel easier but I think it would be frustrating to constantly be turning around to take in the sights of the mountain you get with a clockwise circuit.

As for wildlife - bugs were relentless in the parking lot and the first portion of the hike and did not care how much Picaridin I’d applied, but they eventually let up. Just be prepared for a bit of an onslaught at certain intervals. Marmots were plentiful, some of them sitting casually within arms reach of the trail and others commuting along the trail just a few steps ahead of hikers. I saw a mother deer and her fawn in the parking lot.

There are indeed crowds and more than any other hike I’ve been on there’s a “tourist” type feel to the TH and surrounding trails. If you’re looking to scratch that “alone in the woods” itch you may be disappointed. But the bodies thin out along the trail the further you get.

I did have some bad luck in that when I returned to the TH the main restrooms at the Ranger Station were being cleaned, leaving the single-occupancy restroom at the Visitor Center to service the masses. I took one look at the 50 person line and hoped in my car for a two minute drive to the Paradise Picnic area, which has its own restroom.

Only complaint would be about the family just past Panorama Point that decided to hand-feed their left over lunch to the resident chipmunks. No wonder they were so bold. Please, do not feed the wildlife.

10/10; look forward to coming back next year.