July 21, 2025 - Driving from Alaska to Maryland
Skyline Trial, Paradise, Mount Ranier NP
Part One
To get into the Park early so we could get a parking spot, we got up early this morning and drove back into the Park.   It was overcasty so I wondered if we would even be able to see Ranier.
   
But as the car climbed up the mountain, we came out of the low overcast and soon were looking down on it!
   
It was very pretty.
   
Because we were early, between 7-8, we had no problem parking.
 
Here we are looking at the Paradise Inn, near the Visitor Center.
   
Can you imagine?
   

Today we would be hiking the Skyline Trail which starts at the Visitor Center/Paradise Inn and makes a big loop.  Looks nice on a map but if you look at the description it is considered a Strenuous Trail.  We'll give it a try.  We can always turn back if it is too strenuous.

We are taking the Skyline Trail counter-clockwise.
   
The first part of the trail was flat, through pretty wildflower meadows again.
   
Then the trail started climbing ...
   
A grouse in the wildflower meadow.  I couldn't get over how green the meadows were, highlighted by the color of the wildflowers.
   
 
   
 
   
A little waterfall.
   
See that ridge up ahead?  We're going to have to hike up to it.
   
 
   
The Tatoosh Range.
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
You can see the road to Paradise at right.
   
 
   
We're steadily climbing now.  Eventually we'll be on top of that ridge.
   
Looking over our shoulder at Rnier.
   
That's the Visitor Center down below.
   
Still seeing wildflower meadows.
   
 
   
The Visitor Center is visible through the trees.  We're on top of the clouds!
   
Still climbing.  Starting to see some snow.
   
Looking down the ridge.
   
Looking back the way we have come, with the Tatoosh ridge in the background.
   
Initially the Skyline trail headed away from Ranier but now it is heading toward it.
   
We're getting away from the meadows now and into alpine country.
   
Alpine wildlife!
   
It was wet and treacherous in this area because of all the snowmelt.
   
 
   
Lots more snow now.
   
Lynnette still going strong;  no talk of turning back.
   
Way above Paradise now.
   
We're both getting tired of the constant uphill.
   
 
   
 
   
A clear look at Paradise, the road and the Tatoosh Range.
   
Now we're walking on ice.
   
At this point, you can bug out and take the Golden Gate trail back to Paradise.  But we keep going on the Skyline Trail.
   
We're headed for Panorama Point.
   
Still climbing!
   
What a view!
   
 
   
Will we ever reach the top?
   
 
   
A tunnel under the snow.
   
Pink rocks make their appearance.
   
Looking east.
   
Ranier is temporarily obscured by a cloud.
   
Some blue sky appears.
   
More pink rocks.
   
 
   
 
   
Notice the subdued color of the wildflowers at bottom.
   
Looking back the way we just came.
   
 
   
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