Paradise Trails Orientation: East Skyline & Lower Goldengate Trail Junction

The Goldengate Trail climbs north towards Mount Rainier off of the Skyline Trail.

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 lower junction of East Skyline Trail and the Goldengate Trail. The Goldengate Trail climbs steeply to connect to the East Skyline Trail at the upper junction, creating a shortcut for those who don’t want to hike the full Skyline loop trail. The Goldengate Trail cuts a mile off of the total trail length. The Goldengate Trail switchbacks through a section of subalpine meadow with excellent views of Mount Rainier to the north, Tatoosh Range to the south, and Alta Vista to the west. Please stay on trail to protect the wildflowers.

• East Skyline Trail goes uphill to the northeast and downhill to the south, where it crosses over Edith Creek just above Myrtle Falls.
• Goldengate Trail climbs steeply to the north towards Mount Rainier.

How Far Is It?

• Paradise Inn: 0.40 miles, average walking time 16 minutes, by following East Skyline Trail downhill to the south. The Paradise Inn will be visible on the left. It has a restaurant, café, gift shop, and a comfortable lobby for those looking to take a break.
• Jackson Visitor Center and Upper Parking Lot: 0.46 miles, average walking time 18 minutes, by following East Skyline Trail downhill to the south. Restrooms, water, and gift shop are located in the visitor center.
• Connecting to upper East Skyline Trail: 1 mile, average walking time 39 minutes, north on the Goldengate Trail. This route is steep, climbing 800 feet through a subalpine meadow. Or, stay on the Skyline Trail to take the longer route, 2 miles, average walking time 1 hour, 17 minutes. The full Skyline Trail loop is 5.5 miles long.
• Connecting to 4^th Crossing & Paradise Valley Road: 0.8 miles, average walking time 31 minutes, heading northeast on the East Skyline Trail. The 4^th Crossing Trail then drops down to the south to connect to the Paradise Valley Road.

For additional information, download the Paradise Area Trails Map.