Paradise Trails Orientation: East Skyline & Guide House Connector Trail Junction

Looking north from the Guide House Connector Trail.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Paradise Area Trails

Amenities

1 listed

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.

At this trail intersection, the Guide House Connector Trail crosses the East Skyline Trail to reach the Guide House, home to the Paradise Wilderness (Climbing) Information Center, and terminates at the upper parking lot near the Paradise Inn. The “Paradise Extreme Snow Exhibit Panel”, which overlooks the Paradise Inn, is located near the trail intersection.

• East Skyline Trail is relatively flat at this location, with an easy climb to the northeast and a gentle downhill slope to the southwest.
• Guide House Connector Trail goes due north towards Mount Rainier and the junction with the Skyline and Alta Vista Trails. To the south the trail connects to the Guide House and upper parking lot, with the Paradise Inn to the east.

How Far Is It?

• Guide House and Paradise Wilderness (Climbing) Information Center: 0.03 miles, average walking time one minute, by following the Guide House Connector Trail downhill to the south, then bear to the right (west) to take the path to the Guide House Entrance. The Paradise Wilderness Information Center is open during the summer and provides maps, information, and climbing permits.
• Paradise Inn: 0.03 miles, average walking time one minute, by following Guide House Connector Trail downhill to the south, then bear to the left (east) to reach the upper parking lot and Paradise Inn. The Paradise Inn has a restaurant, café, gift shop, and a comfortable lobby for those looking to take a break. The Paradise Inn is located on the eastern edge of the upper parking lot.
• Jackson Visitor Center and Upper Parking Lot: 0.09 miles, average walking time 4 minutes, by following East Skyline Trail to the southwest. Restrooms, water, and gift shop are located in the visitor center. You can also follow the Guide House Connector Trail south to the upper parking lot and walk to the western edge of the parking lot to reach the visitor center.
• Myrtle Falls: 0.43 miles, average walking time 17 minutes, by following East Skyline Trail to the northeast.
• Connecting to Alta Vista Trail: 0.16 miles, average walking time 7 minutes, by following the Guide House Connector Trail to the north to the junction of the Skyline and Alta Vista Trail.

For additional information, download the Paradise Area Trails Map.