Last updated: October 7, 2022
Thing to Do
Family-Friendly Paradise Activities
NPS/B. Burnett
Family outings can be tricky to coordinate if each person has different interests and abilities. Thankfully, Paradise is a place for your family to explore and discover together. Choose from a variety of hikes and scenic viewpoints, opportunities for learning, and places to sit back and relax with one another.
Hiking
Paradise offers a wide variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. With the help of a Paradise Area Trails Map, you can make a loop of your choice with meadows and mountain views. Wherever you decide to go, remember to stay on the trail at all times to avoid trampling wildflowers. Don't be a meadow stomper!
There are plenty of ways for you to either extend hikes or meander along less-busy trails through the meadows. Take special note of the Waterfall Trail and Avalanche Lily Trail. These connect several of the other trails in the area and provide excellent opportunities to continue exploring without gaining much elevation and remaining in stroller-friendly terrain.
The two most popular hikes for families are the Nisqually Vista Trail and the Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls. Each of these trails are about a mile long and paved with less than 200 feet of elevation gain. Both are suitable for strollers, and Myrtle Falls can be traveled in a wheelchair with assistance.
Learning Activities
Most learning opportunities are self-guided with the use of free activities and guides. The Jackson Visitor Center is the best place to get started. You can connect with rangers here to get Junior Ranger books, Citizen Ranger Quests, brochures and information, watch the park film, and maybe even participate in a ranger-led activity during your visit.
Junior Ranger book – Kids three years and up can enjoy and learn from the activities in the Junior Ranger book. Participants earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Citizen Ranger Quests – The whole family can solve problems and explore together by completing Quests. Get a stamp and certificate for each Quest and receive a special patch if you finish all four.
Historic Buildings – The Paradise Inn and the Guide House are both historic buildings in the Paradise area that are open to the public. While both are still in use for providing services, you are welcome to visit and admire the history these buildings share.
Eating and Relaxing
When it’s time for a break, there are several options for food and places to rest. Be sure to check current hours of operation. Some locations are closed seasonally and hours can vary.
Paradise Picnic Area – A large picnic area with tables and restrooms. This is often used as overflow parking for Paradise, so you may choose to park here initially, or walk here from one of the other parking lots. Please use sidewalks, crosswalks, and designated walking paths.
Paradise Camp Deli & Gift Shop in the Jackson Visitor Center – Stop here for cold and packaged items like sandwiches, chips, and soft drinks. There are a few tables outside the visitor center, although they tend to fill more quickly than the Paradise Picnic Area.
Paradise Inn – The Paradise Inn has both a café and a restaurant. The restaurant is full-service while the café serves food-to-go. If the family needs a warm, dry place to relax, all are welcome to enjoy the inn lobby.
Roadside Activities
Want to explore without hiking? These scenic viewpoints can be reached by car and require little to no walking to take in the beauty of the Paradise area.
Paradise Valley Loop Road – Take the drive along the one-way Paradise Valley Loop Road for meadow and mountain views. The shoulder of the road may also be used as a wheelchair-, stroller-, and dog-friendly walk. Dogs must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
Inspiration Point – After driving the Paradise Valley Loop Road, turn left and drive to the first large pullout on your right. Enjoy spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the Tatoosh Range.
Reflection Lakes – Continue past Inspiration Point for a mile to Reflection Lakes on your left. The flat, paved sidewalk is ideal for viewing. Parking may be limited. Please stay on trail if leaving the sidewalk. No designated trail approaches the water’s edge. Fishing and wading are not permitted in the Reflection Lakes.
Night Sky Viewing – If your family enjoys stargazing together, the Paradise Plaza and parking lot make excellent viewing areas of the night sky. Bring layers as even summer nights can get chilly, and there are no fires allowed in the area.
Details
Duration
2-6 Hours
Duration varies widely depending on the combination of activities.
Activity
Hiking
Hiking, sightseeing, learning, and other activties for suitable for families with small children.
Age(s)
Suitable for all ages.
Pets Allowed
No
Pets on a leash are allowed at the Paradise Picnic Area and along the Paradise Valley Loop Road. Pets are not allowed on any trails.
Activity Fee
Yes
Park entrance fee required. No fees for the activities.
Location
Paradise Area
Paradise is located 19 miles (30 km) east of the Nisqually Entrance and 12 miles (19 km) east of Longmire.
Reservations
No
Season
Summer, Fall
While Paradise remains open throughout the winter, there is often deep snow and limited services well into spring. These activites are best suited for snow-free conditions from June to October.
Time of Day
Any Time
Paradise can be enjoyed any time of day from June to October, including for night sky viewing. However, overnight camping in Paradise is not permitted. The closest campground is Cougar Rock Campground.
Accessibility Information
Park roads are often narrow, steep, and winding. Most roads do not have shoulders and road edges may be abrupt. Pullouts are usually paved. ADA accessible restrooms and facilities are available in the Paradise area. Service animals are allowed on trails and in buildings.
The paved trails in Paradise are approximately 6-8 feet across. Edges of the trails can be rough with some short drops due to erosion and trails are often bordered by a low rope to discourage off-trail hiking during the summer. Trails are completely snow-covered in winter, with patches of snow and ice lingering into June or July. As the trails climb in elevation, paved trails give way to narrower dirt trails often broken by rock steps and uneven terrain.
There is a ramp to access the trails in the upper parking lot. The portion of the Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls and most of the Nisqually Vista Trail have a medium-to-gentle slope.