Pros & cons
PROS
- Quieter alternative steps from bustling Paradise and the Skyline Trail
- Excellent moraine and glacier overlook in a short round trip
CONS
- Maintained trail ends early; user paths continue across fragile terrain
- Short season—snow lingers, and winter road closures limit access
Park at the Paradise/Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center lots; start up the Skyline Trail stairs and follow the signed spur to the Moraine Trail.
The maintained trail ends about 0.5 miles in—beyond this point footing is rough and fragile meadows are easily damaged. Snow can linger into summer; weather shifts quickly. No dogs.
Overview
This is the Moraine Trail from Paradise—the one that peels off the busy, paved Skyline Trail near the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center and heads toward the Nisqually Glacier’s rocky moraine. It’s a short, satisfying out‑and‑back with classic Rainier scenery and fewer people than the main loop. Expect 2.2 miles total (round trip) with about 400 feet of gain, topping out near 5,850 feet.
What You’ll See
Right out of Paradise you’ll climb a handsome stone staircase etched with a John Muir quote, then leave the pavement and crowds. The singletrack wanders through subalpine meadows and small groves of evergreens—wildflowers light up late summer with asters and gentians, and morning dew often makes the grasses and sedges sparkle. Keep an eye out for mule deer grazing. The payoff is a dramatic perch above the Nisqually Glacier’s moraine, with a rare look down into the broad, boulder‑choked Nisqually River Valley and, on clear days, up to the ice and flanks of Mount Rainier.
Trail Feel
It’s moderate overall—short climbs, gentle descents, and increasingly rocky, uneven tread as you approach the moraine overlook. About a half mile in, a sign marks the end of the maintained trail; beyond that, tread lightly and be mindful of fragile alpine vegetation and looser footing.
Best Time to Hike
June through September is prime for snow‑free travel, wildflowers, and the best glacier visibility. Snow can linger into early summer and return early in fall, and the Paradise Valley Road closes to vehicles in winter. For softer light, calmer winds, and fewer people, start early—sunrise through mid‑morning is ideal for photography and solitude.
Tips & Essentials
Bring layers—weather changes quickly at this elevation. There are no facilities on the trail, so carry water and snacks. No dogs are allowed, and a park entrance fee is required. If you want a longer, comparable moraine viewpoint elsewhere in the park, consider the Emmons Moraine Trail near White River; just don’t confuse the two—they’re on opposite sides of Rainier and visit different glaciers.
Elevation
2.2 mi · 1.6 hrWhere it starts
46.7859, -121.7368Wildlife on this trail
Near Moraine Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayPanorama Point via Skyline TrailFront row Rainier views on a stout, spectacular loop from ParadiseChallenging · 5.5 mi · 4 hr
0 mi awayDeadhorse Creek TrailQuieter Paradise path to Glacier Vista and Nisqually Glacier viewsEasy · 2.2 mi · 1.8 hr
0 mi awayParadise Visitor Center EV ChargingHidden EV charge spot below Paradise, steps from trails and deliTrailhead · Parking
0 mi awayMyrtle FallsShort walk to a postcard waterfall with Rainier perfectly framedTrailhead · Parking
0 mi awayJackson Visitor CenterParadise hub for exhibits, ranger help, quick bites, and big viewsVisitor Center · Restroom
0 mi awaySkyline TrailParadise’s crown‑jewel loop of meadows, glaciers, and big viewsChallenging · 5.5 mi · 4 hr
0 mi awayUpper Skyline TrailRainier’s classic high route: wildflowers, glaciers, and big viewsChallenging · 5.5 mi · 4 hr
0.1 mi awayParadise Valley Snowplay AreaThe park’s only legal sledding hill with huge mountain viewsParking · Restroom
