Paradise Glacier for first-timers?

We are considering trying the Paradise Glacier for the first time tomorrow or this weekend. I have been reading recent trip reports and consulting books for routes, but I'm not sure where (and when) to start, where to stop, what to avoid, etc. Are ropes, ice axes, and glacier permits needed? We've been skiing on the Muir Snowfield a few times this summer but are fairly new to touring, so any advice would be very much appreciated.

Follow the Muir route to about 9000 feet , then head east over the low rocky ridge below Anvil Rock onto the Paradise glacier.

Safest route is likely to ski South-Southeast keeping close to the skiers right side of the glacier until the slope steepens at around 7500ft.

Watch for surface indications of old ski tracks -- which have caused uneven melt patterns on the surface.

Glacier ski descents while roped up is not a common practice. Many folks ski with a Whippet -- so that they can more quickly stop a slide after a fall.

Advisable to ski more slowly than you would typically and one at a time -- so if someone does fall into a crevasse -- at least you know where!

When high up before you go in do a good recon below. Look at how the drainage goes where don't want to go if you don't exit and head back toward the parking lot in time. Hopefully there'll be tracks to follow.

Have a good map to identify features and know where you are.

The picture is below Anvil looking at Paradise glacier last saturday so look for the tracks Randy mentioned. Be safe.

I think Jackal's photo is actually of the upper Cowlitz Glacier. 

Technically, the Paradise Glacier is a stagnant lobe of the Cowlitz, much as the Muir Snowfield is a stagnant lobe of the Nisqually.  Randy's suggestions are good; the easiest access from the Muir track is just below the steeper slope leading to Anvil Rock.  The safest line stays skier's right (south) of a fairly large, rubbly 'island' protruding from the shallow ice.  At the subtle rollover below those rocks are a few persistant small crevasses angling down & right.  There are more small holes hidden just below the rollovers about 7500'.  The entire lower Paradise Glacier as shown on the topos in upper Stevens Creek no longer exists, but there will be hazards from stream melt tunnels.

If visibility may be questionable when you try it, consider starting from 4th Crossing on the Valley Road (shorter/fewer carries) and climbing Paradise Glacier from below via the large saddle west of Cowlitz rock.  Probably an hour longer, but you can wand the holy parts and perhaps breathe a bit easier.

I personally would claim to be lost in the unlikely event I was asked to present a climbing permit. 

Or, go up the Paradise instead of up the Muir Snowfield. Shadier, smoother, quieter.  You can start from 4th Crossing Trail at Paradise Road below Paradise, go to the Van Trump Memorial and head up from there and see what you are getting into as you go up, maybe stop before you get all the way to the big cracks below Anvil, and have your own tracks to follow out.  May go on Saturday to Paradise or Frying Pan. Send a PM if you want company of two.

I think Jackal's photo is actually of the upper Cowlitz Glacier.

Gary is correct and wins a free glaciercicle.

for a good veiw Try looking at" Fred Beckys Alpine Guide "
Volume 1 Columbia River to Stevens pass
second edition  page 96

My veiw on skiing from the top down this late in the season would be wear harnesses have crevasse rescue gear and know how to use it. From the bottom up rope up.
Earlier in the year it is possible to free ski it from the top ,we do it all the time.