Wildflower hikes
Panorama Point
Perhaps the quintessential Rainier wildflower hike. Here are the incredible Paradise flower fields that John Muir so admired. But there’s more! The 4.25 mile loop route on the Skyline and Golden Gate trails takes you to the amazing Panorama Point with ‘too close to be true’ views of the mountain and an awesome panorama southward of the Cascade peaks.
Starting point: Paradise
Area map number: 4
It’s called Paradise for a reason; and when you can drive to it you have to expect company – lots of it! This is the primary visitor center in the park and buses bring thousands of tourists here every season. The parking lot next to the visitor center fills up early and overflow parking is along the Paradise Valley Road which can turn out to be a long way from the trailhead. To have any chance of parking in the lot it’s critical to arrive early. The experience of this hike is also enhanced with an early start and if the weekends are avoided.
As always, check conditions before setting out.
Get more important wildflower hiking information
Read about being prepared for Mount Rainier Hiking
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