Paradise Trails Orientation: Skyline-Waterfall-Guide House Trail Junction

The Waterfall-Skyline Trail crossing, with the peak of Mount Rainier barely visible to the north.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Paradise Area Trails

Amenities

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Information

Season: Summer
Paradise is open year-round, but this orientation guide is designed for the summer season when trails are snow-free. In spring and fall, there may be patches of snow covering sections of trail. Please stay on trails, even if it means crossing snow, to avoid trampling delicate meadow plants. Pets are not allowed on trails.

This location is the junction of Skyline Trail, Waterfall Trail, and Guide House Connector Trail. This can be a confusing intersection. The Guide House Connector trail intersects with the Skyline Trail a short distance downhill from the intersection of the Waterfall Trail, resulting in a junction with trails leading in five directions.

• Skyline Trail goes downhill to the south while the uphill trail angles steeply to the west.
• Waterfall Trail is less steep and goes uphill to the southwest, while the downhill trail goes to the east.
• Guide House Connector Trail branches off the downhill portion of the Skyline Trail to the southeast.

How Far Is It?

• Lower Parking Lot: 0.39 miles, average walking time 15 minutes, southwest on Waterfall Trail to connect to the Alta Vista Trail, then follow the Alta Vista Trail downhill. The Nisqually Vista Trailhead is located on the western end of the lower parking lot. There are no restrooms in the lower parking lot, but restrooms are available in the Paradise Picnic Area, downhill from the lower parking lot.
• Jackson Visitor Center and Upper Parking Lot: 0.13 miles, average walking time 5 minutes, by following the Skyline Trail downhill to the upper parking lot. Restrooms, water, and gift shop are located in the visitor center.
• Connecting to Deadhorse Creek Trail: 0.23 miles, average walking time 9 minutes, southwest on Waterfall Trail. Deadhorse Creek trail parallels Skyline Trail and reconnects to the Skyline Trail higher up in the meadows. Or, follow Deadhorse Creek Trail downhill to connect to the Nisqually Vista Trail.
• Myrtle Falls: 0.44 miles, average walking time 17 minutes, by following Waterfall Trail east. The Waterfall Trail terminates at the junction with the eastern branch of the Skyline Trail. Follow the Skyline Trail north (left) to Myrtle Falls.
• Guide House & Climbing Information Center: 0.11 miles, average walking time 4 minutes, by following the Guide House Connector Trail downhill. The entrance to the Climbing Information Center is on the east side of the Guide House (side facing the Paradise Inn).
• Paradise Inn: 0.34 miles, average walking time 13 minutes, by following Waterfall Trail east then turning southwest (right) on the eastern Skyline Trail. Or, follow the Guide House Connector Trail, 0.14 miles/6 minutes, southeast to the upper parking lot. The Paradise Inn is on the east side of the parking lot and has a restaurant, café, gift shop, and a comfortable lobby for those looking to take a break.

For additional information, download the Paradise Area Trails Map.