Take A Hike

Panorama Point

SCOTT HARDER  Scott Harder is an avid hiker, rock climber, mountaineer and backcountry skier from Mill Creek. Feel free to e-mail Scott at scott@climbwashington.com.

The first half-mile of this hike climbs steeply around the west side of Alta Vista. Keep in mind that many trails lead out from the parking lot and not many of them are marked due to the large amount of snowfall at Paradise. But as long as you follow the snowshoe and ski tracks, you’re probably on the right path.

Follow the path past the Glacier Vista trail at 1.2 miles. Once you’re near Alta Vista, continue following the main path and head toward the highest point, Panorama Point, due northeast. Before you forget and concentrate too hard on the target at hand, take a quick look behind you. This view reveals the Tatoosh Range of peaks. Unicorn Peak, The Castle, Pinnacle Peak and Plummer Peak all stand at around 6,000 feet and are a nice foreground to the lofty Mount Adams due southeast of the Tatoosh as well as Mount St. Helens to the southwest.

The trail up Panorama Point takes on many different characteristics during the winter season. Some people head straight up the steep hill, which is easy to follow in boot tracks or snowshoe tracks, or they follow the switchbacks other hikers make. Do take care and be aware of avalanche danger. Check in with the rangers beforehand to see what the avalanche forecast is and follow their suggestions.

The Skyline Trail can be quite safe during the winter, but Panorama Point has been known to avalanche at times. You can always take a detour and follow the trail to Glacier Vista and get great views of the lower Nisqually Glacier to the west and then head back to the newly renovated Paradise Lodge and get a nice cup of hot chocolate in a relaxing atmosphere.

Fees
The entrance fee is $15 per vehicle or $5 for each visitor 16 and older entering by motorcycle,  bicycle,  horseback,   on foot,  or for individuals traveling together as a non-commercial,   organized group. You also can purchase an annual pass for $30. All these fees can be paid at the Nisqually entrance gate.

Access
Paradise road is plowed year-round but can have significant delays in the mornings. It is gated at Longmire after snowstorms or inclement weather,   but the Longmire Inn can provide a relaxing atmosphere for a cup of coffee or a breakfast that can satisfy even the most savage beast.

Permits
Fires are prohibited. No pets on trails or in the park. See the rangers for more access and backcountry camping information.

Gear
Don’t forget to rent or bring snowshoes if snow is forecast or snowshoes are recommended. There also are a few places to rent them in Ashford (10 minutes from the Nisqually entrance) if you need them last-minute.

Where is it?
Region: Mount Rainier
National Park
Length: 5 miles roundtrip
Difficulty: moderate
Beginning elevation: 5,200 feet
Highest elevation: 6,900 feet
Elevation gain (total): 1,700 feet

Map it!
Green Trails: #270S, Paradise
USGS Quad: Mount Rainier East
GPS: 46° 47 13.4 N & 121° 44 03.0 W

Getting There
Head south on I-5 to State Route 512 (Exit 127). Follow 512 east to State Route 7. Take 7 south to State Route 706 in Elbe. Follow 706 east through Ashford to the Nisqually Entrance. Follow the road for 18 miles past Longmire to the end at the Paradise parking lot. The trailhead is located to the left of the Ranger station in the large parking lot at Paradise.

 

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