High Skyline Loop Trail

Amazing day up at Paradise in Mt Rainier National Park. I did an expanded version of the High Skyline Loop Trail, starting at 4th Crossing Trailhead, adding on a portion of the Paradise Glacier Trail, and part of the Deadhorse Trail. Lots of wildflowers in bloom, lovely views and seeing marmots, a black bear, a mountain goat and a bobcat among others. Fabulous! about 7 miles and 2,000 ft of overall gain. Wildflowers at the parking area for 4th Crossing Trailhead

Cascades along the Paradise River and some of the wildflowers along the short 4th Crossing Trail to the Skyline Trail

On the Skyline Trail I went counterclockwise. Views going up Mazama Ridge, including a small waterfall on the Paradise River, flowers and squirrels

I took the side Paradise Glacier Trail up to a lovely partially melting tarn, views and marmots seen here

Returned to the Skyline Trail, soon there was a vewpoint looking over to Sluiskin Falls and beyond in the shady meadow was a black bear (2nd photo blurry zoom of the bear,, more views from the trail and another marmot

Views from the top of the HIgh Skyline Trail

Going down the west side below Panorama Point, we saw a mountain goat not far off the trail. There was a bobcat watching the mountain goat that I was unable to get a photo of, but one was shared with me by another hiker (2nd photo)

Views continuing down the Skyline Trail

Decided to hike down the Deadhorse Trail when I reached that junction, views and a grouse along this trail

Views along the Waterfall Trail and back on the Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls and Edith Creek

Views along the rest of the Skyline Trail back to the 4th Corner Trail

some of the wildflowers seen along the trail today: