Paradise Trails Orientation: Paradise Picnic Area Trailhead

A trail connecting to the Paradise Picnic Area starts from the lower parking lot.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Paradise Area Trails

Amenities

2 listed

Information, Parking - Auto

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.

The Paradise Picnic Area Trailhead is located in the lower parking lot at Paradise. The lower lot has a single loop, with the trailhead located at the downhill side of the loop. From this trailhead, there are excellent views of the Tatoosh Range to the southeast and the summit of Mount Rainier to the north.

• Paradise Picnic Area Connector Trail is on the south side of the parking lot where there is a break in a low rock wall. The trail immediately turns west to go along the wall before turning south to go downhill to the picnic area.

How Far Is It?

• Paradise Picnic Area: 0.1 miles, average walking time 4 minutes, by following the connector trail downhill. Restrooms and picnic tables are available in the picnic area.
• Connecting to Nisqually Vista Trail: 0.1 miles, average walking time 4 minutes, by taking the crosswalk to the northeast through the lower parking lot. At the top of the lower parking lot, turn left (west) and follow the sidewalk to the Nisqually Vista Trailhead at the end of the parking lot.
• Connecting to Alta Vista Trail: 0.05 miles (300 feet), average walking time 2 minutes, by taking the crosswalk to the northeast through the lower parking lot. Keep going straight to connect to the Alta Vista Trailhead.
• Jackson Visitor Center and Upper Parking Lot: 0.3 miles, average walking time 12 minutes, by taking the crosswalk to the northeast through the lower parking lot. Keep following the sidewalk to the right along the road uphill to the visitor center. Restrooms, water, and gift shop are located in the visitor center. You can also follow the Alta Vista Trail north to the Avalanche Lily Trail to connect to the visitor center, 0.29 miles, average walking time 11 minutes.

For additional information, download the Paradise Area Trails Map.