Paradise Trails Orientation: Alta Vista & East Alta Vista Trail Junction

A boulder between the Alta Vista Trails points north, with Mount Rainier to the northwest.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Paradise Area Trails

Amenities

2 listed

Benches/Seating, 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 lower junction of the Alta Vista and East Alta Vista Trails. Both trails combine on the other side of Alta Vista peak just before reaching the junction with the Skyline Trail at a flat rest area known as the Dancefloor. North is between the two trails, marked by a pointed boulder.

• Alta Vista Trail climbs to the northwest towards the top of Alta Vista peak (elevation 5,940 feet), and in the direction of the summit of Mount Rainier. The main trail goes steeply downhill to the south, with views of the Tatoosh Range.
• East Alta Vista Trail curves around Alta Vista Peak to the northeast uphill.

How Far Is It?

• Alta Vista Peak: 0.2 miles, average walking time 8 minutes, northwest (uphill) on the Alta Vista Trail. The viewpoint at the peak has excellent views of the surrounding Paradise area, Mount Rainier to the northwest, and the Tatoosh Range and Mount Adams to the south.
• Connecting to Skyline Trail/Dancefloor: 0.27 miles, average walking time 11 minutes, northeast on the East Alta Vista Trail (uphill). You can also take the main Alta Vista Trail, which descends on the far side of Alta Vista peak to reach the Dancefloor, 0.35 miles, average walking time 14 minutes.
• Jackson Visitor Center and Upper Parking Lot: 0.33 miles, average walking time 13 minutes, by following the Alta Vista Trail downhill via the Skyline Trail to the upper parking lot. Restrooms, information, food, and gifts available at the visitor center.

For additional information, download the Paradise Area Trails Map.