Mount Rainier National Park is a testament to the natural wonders of Washington State. Towering over the surrounding landscape at 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier dominates the skyline with its snow-capped peak, drawing visitors from around the globe. Within the park’s boundaries lie vast expanses of old-growth forests, alpine meadows, and glaciers that cascade down the mountain’s slopes. Hikers can explore over 260 miles of trails, ranging from easy strolls to challenging alpine routes, while adventurers can partake in mountaineering, skiing, and snowboarding. The park is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, mountain goats, elk, deer, marmots, and much more. With its awe-inspiring landscapes and abundant recreational opportunities, Mount Rainier National Park beckons travelers to immerse themselves in the splendor of the natural world.
Fun Facts about Mount Rainier National Park
- On March 2, 1899, President William McKinley signed legislation establishing Mount Rainier National Park.
- The park has many historic landmarks, including the Paradise Inn, a rustic lodge built in 1916, and several historic fire lookout towers that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
- Mount Rainier holds cultural significance for Native American tribes, including the Puyallup, Nisqually, and Yakama peoples, who consider the mountain sacred and have inhabited the region for thousands of years.
- Mount Rainier is the tallest volcano in the Cascade Range, towering at 14,410 feet above sea level. It is also the most prominent peak in the contiguous United States.
- The park is home to over 25 named glaciers, which cover about 35 square miles of the mountain’s surface.
- During the summer months, the subalpine meadows of Mount Rainier burst into a vibrant display of wildflowers, including lupine, Indian paintbrush, and avalanche lilies. The park boasts one of the most extensive wildflower displays in North America.
- Mount Rainier holds the record for the largest amount of snowfall ever recorded in the United States in a single year. In the winter of 1971-1972, the Paradise Ranger Station recorded a staggering 1,122 inches (93.5 feet) of snowfall.
A Quick Look at Mount Rainier National Park
- Best time of year to visit. Because of the amount of snow this park gets, July through September is the best time to take a trip here.
- How long to stay. I recommend between three and five days in the park to get a good experience of what the park has to offer.
- How to get there. The closest airport to the park is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). There are four entrances to the park, including Nisqually in the southwest, Carbon River in the northwest, White River/Sunrise in the northeast, and Stevens Canyon in the southeast.
- Places to stay. There are two inns located inside, including National Park Inn and Paradise Inn. Additionally, there are four campsites,including Cougar Rock in the southwest, Ohanapecosh in the southeast, White River in the northeast, and Mowich Lake in the Northwest.
Things to Know Before Going to Mount Rainier National Park
- Mount Rainier National Park is in bear country. Carrying bear spray is highly recommended when hiking or staying in any areas that are homes to potentially dangerous wildlife. Bear spray is a specialized type of pepper spray that is proven to be effective in deterring aggressive wildlife in the event of close encounters. In addition to being effective, bear spray is also a non-lethal option, is quick and easy to use, provides safety for both humans and wildlife, and creates peace of mind while in the wilderness.
- Cell phone reception is limited in most of the park. Before you head to the park, I highly recommend that you download and have offline copies of any reservation details, directions, or permits. In my earlier days of traveling, there have been many times where I found myself driving unnecessary distances to areas with service just so I could access information that I should have already had saved.
- Have offline access to hiking trails maps Unless you are skilled in using topographical maps, I highly recommend that you have downloaded versions of any trail that you plan on hiking. If you do not have access to a fancy GPS with tracking and SOS messaging in the case of an emergency, you should download the AllTrails app and upgrade to AllTrails+ for $35.99 a year. This upgrade lets you download topographical, satellite, and other varieties of offline trails, shows you where you are, how far you have gone, and how much longer you must go, as well as your elevation gain, speed, and estimated burned calories. I use it for every non-overnight hike that I do.
- Pack essential items and proper clothing. Some very basic, but essential items that should always be carried while hiking include a navigation system, a flashlight or headlamp, sun protection, a first aid kit, insect repellent, a knife, matches, a lighter, or a fire started, extra food and water beyond the minimum expectation, and extra clothes such as a rain jacket, wind breaker, and warmer layers. Some of these items may feel unnecessary at first glance but it is better to have something and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
- Mount Rainier National Park charges an entry fee. These fees usually cost $35 and grant you a week of additional access to over 425 sites that are also run by the National Park Service. If you plan on visiting three or more parks within a year, then I recommend you purchase the America the Beautiful annual pass. This pass will make entering parks a bit quicker, much easier, and provides you with access to the same number of parks that the week-long pass does, but for an entire year.
Thirteen of the Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
1. Narada Falls
- Length: 0.2 miles
- Elevation: 59 feet
Narada Falls, a breathtaking cascade within Mount Rainier National Park, plunges over a 188-foot drop, sending misty spray into the air. Carved out by the powerful forces of glaciers, this iconic waterfall offers a mesmerizing display of nature’s raw beauty as it tumbles down the rugged cliffs amidst a backdrop of lush greenery and towering evergreens.
2. Skyline and Alta Vista Trail
- Length: 1.6 miles
- Elevation: 567 feet
The Skyline and Alta Vista Trails offer an exhilarating journey through alpine meadows and subalpine forests with stunning panoramic views of Mount Rainier and its surrounding peaks. As you ascend, you are greeted by an array of wildflowers in bloom during the summer months, while the crisp mountain air fills your lungs. These trails provide an immersive experience in the park’s diverse ecosystem, making them a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
3. Panorama Point via Skyline Trail
- Length: 3.8 miles
- Elevation: 1,322 feet
Taking the Skyline Trail to Panorama Point rewards you with an awe-inspiring vista spanning the Cascade Range and the sprawling valleys below. As you ascend through alpine meadows, the majestic presence of Mount Rainier looms closer, offering a breathtaking backdrop to the panoramic scenery. This vantage point serves as a perfect spot for a restful pause, allowing you to soak in the unparalleled beauty of the surrounding landscape.
4. Mount Fremont Lookout Trail via Sourdough Ridge Trail
- Length: 5.7 miles
- Elevation: 1,108 feet
The Mount Fremont Lookout Trail, accessed by the Sourdough Ridge Trail, provides you with a captivating journey through subalpine terrain and sweeping vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Ascending towards the historic fire lookout perched atop Mount Fremont, you are treated to breathtaking views of Mount Rainier’s glaciated slopes and the vast expanse of the surrounding wilderness. This scenic trail provides an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of the park while experiencing the rich history of fire detection in the Pacific Northwest.
5. Tolmie Peak Trail
- Length: 5.6 miles
- Elevation: 1,555 feet
The Tolmie Peak Trail leads you through dense forests and alpine meadows to the iconic Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout. Along the way, you are treated to stunning views of the surrounding peaks, including Mount Rainier itself reflected in the waters of Eunice Lake. This moderately challenging trail offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and panoramic vistas, making it a favorite among visitors seeking an unforgettable wilderness experience.
6. Skyline Trail Loop
- Length: 5.7 miles
- Elevation: 1,768 feet
The Skyline Trail Loop provides you with a comprehensive exploration of the park’s diverse ecosystems, including lush forests, alpine meadows, and breathtaking vistas of towering peaks. As you traverse this iconic trail, you encounter a symphony of wildflowers during the summer months and can potentially spot wildlife such as mountain goats and marmots. With its varied terrain and unparalleled scenic beauty, the Skyline Trail Loop offers an unforgettable hiking experience for hikers of all levels.
7. Reflection Lake via Mazama Ridge Loop
- Length: 6.5 miles
- Elevation: 1,768 feet
Seeing Reflection Lake along the Mazama Ridge Loop will captivate you with its mirror-like surface reflecting the towering peak of Mount Rainier on calm days. This serene alpine lake, nestled in subalpine meadows and surrounded by fir and hemlock forests, offers a peaceful setting. The Mazama Ridge Loop provides a picturesque pathway for you to appreciate the beauty of Reflection Lake and its stunning mountain backdrop from various angles.
8. Glacier Basin Trail
- Length: 8.1 miles
- Elevation: 2,345 feet
This trail offers a scenic journey through old-growth forests and subalpine meadows, culminating in panoramic views of massive glaciers clinging to the slopes of Mount Rainier. As you ascend this moderately challenging trail, you are treated to the sight of cascading waterfalls, colorful wildflowers, and potential glimpses of wildlife. This trail provides an immersive experience in the park’s rugged beauty, making it a popular choice if you are seeking adventure and awe-inspiring vistas.
9. Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail
- Length: 8.9 miles
- Elevation: 2,437 feet
The Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail is an exhilarating trek through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, with unparalleled views of Mount Rainier’s glaciated slopes. As you continue along the trail, you ascend to the expansive vistas of the Burroughs Mountain, where you can witness the grandeur of the surrounding Cascade Range and the network of glaciers that in the landscape. This challenging yet rewarding hike provides an immersive experience in the park’s alpine environment, showcasing the rugged beauty and pristine wilderness of Mount Rainier.
10. Camp Summerland via Wonderland Trail
- Length: 9.9 miles
- Elevation: 2,555 feet
Taking the Wonderland Trail to Camp Summerland offers both an exhilarating hike for those out for the day and rest for hikers completing the entire trail and its roughly 86 miles. Surrounded by towering evergreens and picturesque meadows, this backcountry experience provides a tranquil setting to witness beauty of the park’s wilderness. The hike to Camp Summerland serves as a welcome oasis for those exploring the diverse landscapes and breathtaking vistas of Mount Rainier.
11. Panhandle Gap and Sarvant Glacier via Wonderland Trail
- Length: 13.8 miles
- Elevation: 3,877 feet
Panhandle Gap, also along the Wonderland Trail, offers an exhilarating passage through a high alpine pass with panoramic views of rugged peaks and sweeping valleys below. As you traverse this iconic section of the trail, you are treated to breathtaking vistas of Sarvant Glacier, a massive ice field clinging to the slopes of Mount Rainier. This awe-inspiring landscape showcases the park’s alpine grandeur and provides a memorable experience for those seeking adventure in the heart of the Cascade Range.
12. Little Tahoma
- Length: 14.5 miles
- Elevation: 7,250 feet
The hike to Little Tahoma offers a challenging and rewarding journey through rugged terrain and alpine landscapes. As you ascend towards the base of the iconic volcanic peak, you are treated to breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and surrounding glaciers, while navigating steep slopes and rocky terrain. This expedition provides an opportunity to experience the park’s remote wilderness and explore the lesser known but equally impressive features of the Cascade Range.
13. The Wonderland Trail
If you’re more ambitious than me and want an extended backcountry experience, you may want to complete the entirety of this legendary loop that circumnavigates the peak of Mount Rainier. For now, I’ll just have to settle for the smaller sections of the trail that I did. Wherever you end up on The Wonderland Trail, you will be treated to an immersive journey through old-growth forests, alpine meadows, glaciated valleys, and awe-inspiring beauty of the Cascade Range.
- Length: 85.8 miles
- Elevation: 24,547 feet