The hike passed Myrtle falls and across Edith Creek basin was mostly snow-free. One bridge was broken, but easily crossed. The assent up the east side of the basin was almost completely in snow, some spots steep and some slick. once on top of Mazama Ridge It was almost completely snow covered, and occasional wand to mark the trail. Snow covered out the Paradise glacier trail except for a couple of knobs and rock ribs. We doubled back from there to the skyline trail. The bridge above Sluskin Falls is in and melted out. The Skyline trail from there past the Golden Gate turn off alternates snow, mu and batter trail. We turned around before the final assent to the high traverse, and headed out the Golden Gate trail. The top switch back was snow free, and the rest of the route was in snow until getting most of the way across the basin.

Avalanche lily, Marsh marigold, western anemone were all in bloom. Saw mountain goats and marmot.

The gate to Paradise opened a little after 9:30am and I headed up with the others who had been anxiously waiting in the parking lot at Longmire.  I had to put on traction devices (auto socks) because I have FWD, the road was a mix of bare pavement and snow/ice.

The upper parking lot at Paradise was about half full when I arrived and I headed up with snowshoes on. I have not visited here much (crowds) and opted to go right along the Waterfall Trail towards Edith Creek and the Myrtle Falls Viewpoint.  Again, the avalanche forecast was considerable, and I am still working on knee rehab so I didn't want anything too steep.

There were a couple folks ahead of me so I didn't have to break trail but the snow was deep and powdery, yes!  A few skiers but most of us had snowshoes on.

I crossed over the marked bridge over Edith Creek and followed the Golden Gate Trail mostly up to a high point at about 5950 feet.  Tahoma played peekaboo and the sun created moody shadows on the landscape.  Those coming up behind me mostly turned left here and climbed up through the basin towards Glacier Vista and one guy looked to be attempting the Golden Gate Trail to hit the Skyline but turned back about half way up.  Not sure if anyone was factoring in the avalanche forecast but I would not have attempted either route myself.

After eating a snack and taking in the views I slowly retraced my steps back down to the parking lot, stopping several times as Tahoma made an appearance.  Overall, a wonderful time in the "touristy" section of the mountain.

PSA: if you do not have snowshoes and your steps are making deep holes where snowshoers and skiers have created a trail, the etiquette is to NOT continue making the holes. They are hazardous to those of us with snowshoes and skies. Sorry, you get to posthole in the unbroken snow or go back to compact snow.

Another PSA:  please do not feed the birds.  Even if your littles look cute with trail mix on their hands and birds swooping overhead.  Leave No Trace, you can google it.

We watched as the sunrise cast a golden glow on the mountain before heading to Skyline by way of Glacier Vista.  In the distance we could hear the periodic crash of ice falling on the glacier.  At Pan Point conditions were clear enough that we could see Mt Adams, Mt St Helens and even Mt Hood.  This despite the forest fire haze (mostly settled in the foothills). Swaths of red visible along Alta Vista trail far below.

There are a few pink monkeyflower and aster clumps on Upper Skyline but otherwise all the wildflowers have faded.  Despite our early start we only saw one marmot (at Upper Skyline trail) our entire hike.  We overheard someone saying they had spotted a mama bear and 2 cubs.

We descended by way of Golden Gate. Fall color is also starting to peak in the meadows there.  Always a glorious sight!

It was a fee-free day so the trail was quite crowded by the time we finished the hike.  Logged 4.75 miles altogether.  

Hiked up to Panorama Point on the Skyline trail and descended via the Golden Gate trail. Trail is in perfect condition. No smoke in the air. Small patch of snow off the trail near Panorama Point. 

A superb hike this Wednesday morning! The road leading to the Nisqually entrance has some road construction right now, so for about 12 miles there is loose gravel, speed restrictions with intermittent sections down to 1 lane so depending on your time entering/leaving the park you may have some delay here, onto the hike….

We did the Skyline Loop, to the Golden Gate Trail and back to the Paradise visitor center. I recommend doing this clockwise as the steepest sections are in the first 2 miles but you have the mountain right in front of you so the stunning view straight ahead will keep you distracted and heading up and even closer to the mountain! The mountain has so much to offer and the scenery changes with almost every step, revealing more in depth views of glaciers, waterfalls whose sheer size are hard to comprehend. 

There were bugs that would swarm you if you stood still, when moving they weren’t too bad but definitely bring bug spray and sunscreen. Wildflowers are past their best but still add color to the meadows. Trails are dry but so well maintained and no snow. There is no reason for you to step off trail. 

Lots of wildlife today. Chipmunks and Marmot sightings were plentiful. We saw a Grouse with 4 chicks walking across the trail. Butterflies, caterpillars and ravens too. The highlight though was Mama Bear and her 2 cubs that were hanging out by Myrtle Falls, it’s always such a delight to see them. 

Today was sunny and 80+ degrees, my wife wore hiking sandals and I wore boots. Both were fine on these dry trails. Just note that there are some rocky sections so you may want to opt for something with good grip. 

To top off an already great morning, we stopped in at the Paradise Inn cafe and to our surprise they offer a vegan breakfast sandwich, perfect end to an amazing hike. Enjoy!