This Gorgeous Hiking Trail In Washington Might Be Even Better Than Mount Rainier's Skyline

Tucked inside North Cascades National Park in Washington State, the Maple Pass Trail sparkles with wildflower-carpeted meadows, larches ablaze in gold each fall, and panoramic ridge line views that stretch to the horizon. Clocking in at roughly 7.2 miles with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain, it's considered moderately difficult but well worth the effort. Ascend through switchbacks that give way to sweeping vistas crowned by cascading peaks. This trek also highlights some of the North Cascades' beautiful bodies of water, similar to the pristine, turquoise Baker Lake, with panoramic views of Lake Ann and Rainy Lake.

By contrast, the Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier is an undeniably iconic hike. A 5.5-mile loop, with elevation gain of about 1,700 feet, it offers jaw-dropping views of Mount Rainier itself, from Myrtle Falls to Panorama Point and beyond. But while that mountain-framed glory is hard to beat, Maple Pass brings a different kind of magic: intimate, wild, and utterly memorable.

Maple Pass is legendary in fall, and visitors will want to arrive early or midweek to avoid the crowds. Meanwhile, Skyline shines in summer through early fall, but parking fills fast — aim to arrive before 9 a.m. if you want to find a spot. During "larch madness" in late September, Maple Pass explodes in flaming golds and reds, unlike anything you'll see on the Skyline Trail. You'll also find a real sense of wildness and solitude. Though popular, Maple Pass Trail often feels more peaceful — especially if you hike clockwise early in the day, which also eases the steep ascent. 

Maple Pass unfolds like a story with forest switchbacks, airy ridge lines, alpine meadows, and hidden lakes, adding layer upon layer of visual delight. Meanwhile, the Skyline Trail is focused on forests, Myrtle Falls, and the grand finale, Panorama Point, with Rainier rising above. In short, it's stunning, but straightforward. If you're craving a more immersive, nature-rich hiking experience with visual surprises around every bend, Maple Pass Trail may be the better option.

The Maple Pass Trail, being a moderately challenging 7-mile loop with about 2,000 feet of elevation gain, takes 4 to 5 hours to complete if you pause for views — and you will. The Skyline Trail is a bit shorter at 5.5 miles with 1,700 feet of elevation gain and can be done in 4 to 6 hours, depending on pace and stops. You can access Maple Pass via the North Cascades Highway, roughly 3.5 hours from Seattle, though parking may require lining up along the road during peak season. Skyline, starting at Paradise near the Jackson Visitor Center, requires a National Park pass or daily fee to enter and is just over 2.5 hours from Seattle. You'll also need to get to the trailhead early to find parking, as mentioned previously.

Maple Pass Trail may triumph for hikers seeking seasonal drama, a sense of solitude, and varied landscapes. The Skyline Trail delivers awe-inspiring proximity to Mount Rainier and is efficient and iconic. In the end, both hikes offer unforgettable moments, but if you want to wander through wildfire colors, chase endless mountain ridge lines, and feel like you've found a section of the park that's undiscovered, the Maple Pass Trail is the hike for you. After a day of hiking, you can recharge in the nearby tiny mountain town of Winthrop, a place that oozes Old West charm.