The big challenge for those wishing to hike the Skyline Loop at Paradise in August is finding a place to park! Here's the way to beat the packed parking lots. Drive straight through the main lot near the visitor center and inn. Continue downhill on the Paradise Valley road - the one-way exit from Paradise. The upper stretch of this road will include a solid line of vehicles parked along the shoulder - go right on by. Cross the Paradise river on a bridge with stonework facing - this is called "Fourth Crossing". Park in the spaces to the right, or in the vicinity. We've never failed to find parking available here.
Start your hike at the TH next to the bridge, continue uphill for 0.3 miles to the junction with the Skyline Trail loop. Choose which way to go; we went clockwise on this hike. The late summer flowers are in full bloom, perfectly lovely. Don't miss the clumps of intense blue Rainier Gentian, known as the last flowers to blossom each summer. We spotted a black bear as we traversed the lower part of the Edith Creek basin.
Expect lots of company on the trail, groups of all sizes enjoy this hike. The Skyline Trail shows the effects of such heavy usage, there are eroded stretches with big steps to negotiate and loose rocks. The good news: Washington's National Park Fund is currently fundraising to support a major rehabilitation of this trail.
We strayed from the main route to follow the alternate trail segment that goes over the summit of Alta Vista, worth the extra effort. There is no remaining snow whatsoever along the entire Skyline loop. The toilet near the Panorama Point is busy but functional. THEM, Olympia.
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