paradise loop

While most people I met in the park say the mountains constantly have clouds around them, I got lucky and it was clear. It was an overall fantastic drive that did not have a dull spot. While Paradise can be packed with tourists, the route itself is pretty good considering how beautiful it is. the view points were not overly crowded and finding a spot to park was easy. It takes around 90 minutes to drive the whole road, but that is without stopping to soak up the view.traveled in the late afternoon during the last week of June.

Numerous people are getting confused with all this nomenclature of Paradise this and Paradise that. I would like to help out.Paradise Loop is the actual drive. If you go to NPS.GOV website and look for Mount Rainier it is clear what is what. When traveling west, this loop exits off Stevens Canyon Road and loops around Paradise. This loop area consists of Nisqually Vista Trail, Skyline Trail, Golden Gate Trail, Myrtle Falls (half of it can be seen from the road), Paradise Inn, Jackson Visitor Center, Paradise Park (this is encompassed by the Skyline and Golden Gate trails) and then Paradise Valley which is down the hill in back of Paradise Inn. Paradise Valley is another people are getting confused with Paradise Park.Some people have Reflection Lakes posted as a pic here and that is incorrect. Reflection Lakes is before the loop on Stevens Canyon Road.The loop is nice but by no means a destination itself. It simply provides the access to all the beautiful things within it. The total time to drive it (in August high season with no stops) is about 30 minutes to one hour. Parking is horrendous anywhere on the loop so go EARLY or be prepared to drive around a while. It took me 20 minutes to find parking for Paradise Inn where I was staying 2 nights. Ended up parking at the visitor center located next door to the inn.Hope this helps.

Stopped by the park on a Monday in early November. Was informed that chain are required, but I ignored this requirement as I was driving a rental car. The road was closed at the Pardise Visitors center due to snow, so I did not get a chance at seeing the complete loop. If it is at all cloudy, when you can get a glimpse of the mountain, stop and take a picture as you might not get another clear moment later in the day (as my wife reminded me as we missed the one clear view of the mountain). While the roads were mostly clear, we did hit patches of hard packed snow and slush. If you want to hike, make sure you have a warm parka and good boots (our gym shoes did not cut it in the snow). The sceans in winter with the snow on the pines were just beartiful. Note: Pardise Inn closes for the winter season and the visitors center is only open on the weekend, however the National Park Inn was open. Highly recommended.

Even with all of the parking around Paradise Visitor Center, it is hard to get a parking spot on most sunny days. The views from the driving loop are fantastic however it is hard to really appreciate them if you're driving because of all the people. I highly recommend going during the week during the summer because of the people traffic. Views are best in May and early June when the air is clear.

The park map doesn't list a trail called "Paradise Loop" but maybe the name refers to the loop road? Paradise Rd is two-way traffic up to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. Beyond that it becomes a one-way only road which loops around the east side of Paradise River until it becomes two-way road again.BTW -- there is a 5-6 mile loop hike in Paradise area called Skyline Trail. And, as Shakespeare said, "a rose by any other name" aptly applies. All of the roads/trails are lovely.

The parking lot @ Paradise was filled to capacity so you had a little wait to snag a parking space. Worth the wait

If you haven't seen big old growth timber this is an easy stop. The trail is pretty easy for most anyone. There is a suspension bridge crossing a stream that is fun. You can do this in about 1 hour if you wish.

This trail gives hikers a wonderful view of the incredible wildflowers and, on a clear day, unobstructed views of Mt. Rainier.

This is an easy, paved trail that leads from the Paradise Visitor Center. It's an excellent choice if you only have a few hours to spend at the park. It provides stunning views of the mountains, takes you past several waterfalls and through fields full of wildflowers. If you only have a single afternoon to explore or are limited because of kids/elderly, this is the trail to take.

Best loop ever, visited Narada Falls and got amazing photos of the Falls with rainbow across. Reflection Lake was really beautiful, though guess we need to be there at sunrise to get better view. Paradise Inn Cafe has decent platter, if you are hungry. We entered the Loop from 123 and exited from Longmire.

We had a really great hike on Mt. Rainier today. The weather could not have been better and the wildflowers were in full bloom. So breathtaking, I felt like I was in Switzerland! The trails are paved and very easy to navigate.

I'll tell you now, summer crowds are horrible. I didn't even try the food court at the visitor center because of the wait. Parking at Paradise was non existent. But if all you do is go to Paradise (the views never disappoint) you'll still enjoy yourself but go hiking a bit and lose all the crowds.There was a study done (in Yosemite I believe) that 99% of the visitors never go more than 100 yards of the main roads (or even leave their cars). So put on your hiking shoes and grab a hiking staff and daypack and don't forget your camera and have an awesome time exploring all the Mt. Rainier has to offer. p.s.-do not go off the marked trails. besides damaging the native fragile plants it could be damaging to your health

A bit lengthy and a bit strenuous but worth every yard. Rewarding vistas and epic panoramas abound! The track is very nice but there is some snow on the way.

Very popular place. Lots to see. Great lodge and visitor center. Some Mosquitos though . Will return.

Plan to take lot of photos and stop at all the pull-outs because they all are worthwhile. Box canyon is a must-see. All the waterfalls are wonderful. Mt. Rainier may not be visible but the falls and Box Canyon are, even in bad weather. The Reflection Lakes need clear and calm conditions for their attributes.