Skyline Trail Loop — Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2013

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

Perfect trip for a weekday to avoid crowds. Started from Seattle so arrived around 9:00 after showing friends the falls on the way up to Paradise. Skyline Loop is a nice sampling of flowers, alpine meadows, wildlife snow, waterfalls, with great views from Panorama Point. 6 miles with mild gain makes for a good trip with non hikers. Snow after Panorama point, especially a steep bit. Bring poles unless you want to ski down on your backside. I watched a parent hiking with a small child slide down with the child in his arms. It worked. Flowers are currently stunning. No bug issues which was unusual. Bring sunscreen, that snow can burn you very quickly.