John Muir once famously said, “Of all the fire mountains which like beacons, once blazed along the Pacific Coast — from Mexico’s boundary to the snowy dome of Mount Tacoma (Rainier) — there was none more majestically beautiful. Having spent a decade traipsing around what is probably the most famous National Park, I can vouch for this assessment. In this post, I thought I would share some of my favorite things to do if you only have a day in Mount Rainier National Park.
Important Information Before You Visit Mount Rainier National Park
- Park admission requires advance reservations, so please prepare ahead of time.
- No cell service, so get the book.
- Tip: Fill up before you get here, as it’s more than three hours by car between Barrancas and the park.
- And, because we are at a high altitude higher than most of the rest of Canada and America too so don’t forget your eco-friendly sunscreen. Don’t let those clouds overhead fool you there is still plenty of sun coming through to burn! Here is a better choice of sunscreen.
Bear these guidelines in mind and then you are all up to enjoy your Mount Rainier!! Because sooner or later there will be an adventure for you, whether it is a leisurely ride with the wind in your hair.
Top Experiences in Mount Rainier National Park
1. Conquer the Skyline Trail
Location: Paradise
The Paradise area near Mount Rainier is famous for its beauty, and with good reason—it should be at the top of everyone’s national park bucket list when visiting during wildflower season in late July/early August. These alpine gardens were once lauded by John Muir as being “the most luxuriant,” and indeed, they come alive with plant life in the summer months.
Paradiseplnet: The most famous trail in Paradise is the Skyline Trail. That said, while there is a decent incline along much of the route most of it is on paved ground so you should be okay – and really, does this look too bad? but you gotta get up early to see the sunrise and also less traffic in those category areas. That will include a 5.4 mile round-trip hike with an elevation gain of 1,700 feet: Just enough steps to give your legs the work they crave and fire off plenty endorphins, potentially blunting its own edge in that respect when you pour down those tendon-tensing descents on winding cliff-side park trails looking at views like this.
Your other main trail connecting to the Skyline Trail is Alta Vista Trail. This 1.8 mile loop with 600 feet of elevation gain offers a shorter but equally impressive alternative to the other trails in this area. The Skyline Trail will get you up close and personal with Mount Rainier before descending on the Alta Vista trail offering panoramic views of Mt Tatoosh.
A stay at the Paradise Inn, situated toward the end of Paradise Road makes for an unforgettable night. From $230 per night, rooms Area 4–occupy a comfortable pedestal that invites guests to lose themselves and soak in the beauty of their surroundings.
2. Take in the Breathtaking Views from Pinnacle Peak
Location: Paradise
A great hike in Mount Rainier National Park, Pinnacle Peak rewards hikers with an unlikely experience. Wildflowers line the trail, making it a colorful hike in summer. With some of the best panoramic views that exist, they create an amazing backdrop providence to gawk at Mount Rainier.
The top of the mountain opens up to a glorious view of Mount Rainier in all its majesty, you can see clear over Paradise Vista below and even as far down south as Mt. Adams. The trail is also a wildlife sanctuary and it’s not unusual to see spirited marmots throughout the hike.
And no wonder, with a relatively short length of 2.5 miles round trip and an elevation gain of 1,000 feet to the top Pinnacle Peak is the ideal hike for those looking for something challenging but manageable in distance. Stunning landscapes, a variety of animals and the fact that it is very accessible are what make this one of Mount Rainier’s best activities.
3. Journey to the Mt. Fremont Fire Lookout
Location: Sunrise
One of my all time favourite things to do in Mount Rainier NP is hike the Mt. Fremont Trail – it provides some amazing scenery! It’s like a scene out of some better world, with constant views along the way over not just Mount Rainer but also to surrounding slopes and rocks of alpine land.
As you hike the trail, part of it goes by Frozen Lake that will literally have floating ice in it even during summer months. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including mountain goats you will often see alongside these roads.
Stargazing from the Mt. Fremont Lookout is another memorable experience for those not satisfied with simply a daytime hike. I watched the Perseid meteor shower from here and it was nothing short of magical.
Trail: Roundtrip nearly 6 miles; elevation gain of approximately 1,200 feetSunrise parking lot From day hiking to overnight star-gazing, Mt. Fremont is an adventure that will reward your work with elegance and grace.
4. Witness a Sunrise at Sunrise
Location: Sunrise
If you’re a morning person who enjoys the early hours, Sunrise in Mount Rainier National Park lives up to its name when it comes to sunrises. This place may sound like a no brainer, but it’s sunrise views are something else entirely.
The reasons for Sunrise being so great are two– One, being on the east side of Mount Rainier it gets some of that first light. And two; at 6,400 feet high Sunrise is actually the highest point in Mt Rainier National Park you can drive to directly (though protruding peaks like Chinook and Cayuse are higher).
Especially in the summer, it is fascinating to see first light from here. The mountain is a softly glowing reddish-orange, all the way from mute red to brash salmon; it changes as though of course -the sun moves higher up. Gradually, the peak shifts to a deep red and rolls down its sides until crimson bleeds over it entirely. Definitely worth the early rise (even if it was cloudy) an unforgettable part of any trip to Mount Rainier.
5. Marvel at Reflection Lakes
Location: Paradise
Reflection Lakes is one of the most iconic destinations, both for first time Mount Rainier visitors and photographers. Most of it looks like the Piaget’s lakes, a bunch of smaller pools with an increased circle pool (like around a huge hot tub), plus one about koi-pond dimension.
The reflection lake mirrored levels provide some of the best images at Mount Rainier National Park and being one large sheet, no beautiful picture will be missed on this photographic trek through magnolia trees lining both sides alongside falls that go to lower expanse dandelions tucked away undisturbed oak forest mount ridge lines sapling giants sunlight paths azure calm perfect panoramas pastoral meadows algae covered beardstongues close shield bug spiraea thistle bloom.
The good thing about Reflection Lakes is how accessible they are. Just a bit off Stevens Canyon Road, not far from Paradise proper and great for those who want to take in the beauty of he park with as little effort as possible. Tips for Visiting Reflection Lakes While your stay might be brief, a visit to the photogenic and aptly-named Reflection Lakes on Mount Rainier is de rigueur.
6. Explore the Hidden Beauty of Van Trump Park
Location: Paradise
There is no shortage of exciting activities to do in Mount Rainier National Park, and if you are looking for something with a little more edge Van Trump Park may just be up your alley. It makes that one of a kind image where you feel like Mount Rainier is right there as if you can reach out and touch it’s towering peak;
Van Trump Park was named after Philemon Beecher Van Trump, who along with Hazard Stevens and the aid of a native guide, Sluiskin made first successfully recorded ascent Mount Rainier. He is left with a waterfall named in his account (Sluiskin Falls at Paradise). The story of seeing the peak with a combination of feeling as though they were on top of Parker Mountain and yet isolated, according to Van Trump.
Heavenly meadows of wildflowers in the alpine air on Van Trump Park trail. It was great because, when we arrived that day last time a mountain goat watched us from up higher as added wildlife to our visit.
It also takes you to 380-foot Comet Falls — the park’s third-tallest waterfall. Although a lot of hikers turn back once they reach the falls, going on to Van Trump will guarantee you some quiet time as few head past this point. Only 7 miles round trip with a manageable (albeit challenging) elevation gain of just over 2,000 feet along the way to those epic panoramic views.
7. Take in the Beauty of Christine Falls
Location: Paradise
Christine Falls’s cascade pours water over an 87 foot drop in the Nisqually River. This waterfall, seen below the historic Christine Falls Bridge, is a classic example of human made beauty mixed with natural wonder. The falls were the easiest to reach in Glacier, right off of a road and with their own observation deck only steps from the parking lot.
It can always very year-round though, assuming the Paradise Road is open — and it usually will be except for during major closures due to weather. On your adventure through Mount Rainier, this water drop is one that dedicated waterfall chasers should not miss as well those wanting a quick and easy scenic stop.
8. Wander Through the Grove of the Patriarchs
Location: Ohanepecosh
Grove of the Patriarchs, An easy family-friendly hike, this is a great spot. This short 1.5-mile trail is great for all ages, as it has some of the least elevation gain in Redwood National Park and winds through towering trees on boardwalks meeting ADA standards. The mammoth-sized Douglas-fir and silver fir, along with hemlocks and Western red cedars in the hundreds of years old are truly awe-inspiring.
The trail is a great option for families and those wanting do an easy hike in Mount Rainier. What makes the grove so distinct is that due to its lower altitude it gets even warmer in this secluded part of the park, a lovely little advantage when days are a bit chilly. The peaceful, towering redwoods make this short hike one of our favorite points in the park.
9. Stop by Tipsoo Lake
The showstopper view of Mount Rainier from the road above Tipsoo Lake is one of the best in any national park. While it may not be a “must watch” program, for those with some free time it’s worth checking out. Tipso Lake- Located just 25 minutes off the main road way between Paradise and Sunrise, Tipsoo lake a great little detour for those wanting to make this day last longer!
Tipsoo Lake — With some of the best shown out there for frogs and tadpoles, this is especially popular with junior herpers everywhere. There is also a nice picnic site in this area, so it’s perfect for stopping during the lunch break and enjoy being surrounded by views.
If you do arrive, I would recommend that you take the short loop hike around hidden lake. While Tipsoo is more of a big pond, it makes for good pondsmeandering. For the more stunning views of Mount Rainier, heading over to Naches Peak Loop Trail is sure one where some jaw-dropping angles are a guarantee.
10. Wildlife Watching
Pass time watching area wildlife at Mount Rainier National Park. The park features an assortment of animals that may surprise you — and seeing them in the wild is a pleasure. Few other species provide the same iconic image of life in Denali as do hoary marmots, mountain goats, elk and black bear.
Apart from these favourites, there are plenty more interesting residents of the park. Less probably observed is some of these rare species:
- Pacific Fisher
- American Marten
- Black-Tailed Deer
- Coyote
- Cascade Red Fox
- Bobcat
- Mountain Lion
- Eagles, Hawks, and Owls
From passionate wildlife enthusiast to just someone hoping for a brief glimpse of the diverse animals that call this place home, you will find there are plenty of ways to experience them in and around Mount Rainier National Park. The longer you look the more beautiful scenes and animals appear!
11. Hike the Sourdough Ridge Trail
Location: Sunrise
I first saw the spectacular vistas of Sourdough Ridge Trail as a screensaver on my TV. When we eventually made the trek during a visit to Mount Rainier, I instantly knew why it had struck such a nerve. Views from Sourdough Ridge are some of the best in the park and a bit easier to get to with just a little climbing effort.
The trail is overall very flat with just the few minor humps to it. My parents are in their 60s and here is how quickly they got to the viewpoint (below) from the parking lot. For such an easy hike with stupendous views, it is definitely worth fitting it into your Mount Rainier itinerary if you will be anywhere near the Sunrise area.
If you want a quick, rewarding hike with great views and minimal effort, the Sourdough Ridge Trail is ideal.
12. Tackle the Wonderland Trail
Location: Throughout the Park
The Wonderland Trail is the big kahuna of all treks in North America’s 4th highest peak and at 93 miles long circling around the entire mountain. The Wonderland Trail is a dream hike for backcountry lovers around the world, but doing it requires an insane amount of preparation.
Hiking the entire trail requires a wilderness permit obtained through the National Park ServicOpening and Closing Dates for Sections of PCT e. It is an absolutely hardcore endeavour that takes around 5-8 days, usually depending on the size of your testicles. But for the prepared, it provides some of most immersive and rewarding experiences in Mount Rainier National Park.
Whether you plan on doing it for the thrill or simply to take in its breathtaking vistas, here’s why a visit to Wonderland should be at the top of your Mount Rainier bucket list.
13. Camping at Cougar Rock
Locations: White River, Ohanepecosh, Paradise, Mowich Lake, Cougar Rock
Sunrise has two sites available, one back country and the other front county; Longmire has 79 front campsites while Ohanapecosh holds 188. While 1,000 people might sound like a lot, look at how many go there in any given year: almost 2 million. This can make snagging a campsite competitive.
My favorite campground in this bunch is Cougar Rock, which lies within the Paradise area. Beyond the basic pit toilets, fire pits and picnic tables it delivers a good level of seclusion. Its main attraction is its location: an ideal base to explore all the glorious attractions found snuggled within the region of Paradise a fact that makes Cougar Rock stand out. If camping is more your style, then Cougar Rock should be a must-do on you list of Mt Rainier to-dos.
Mount Rainier Campgrounds:
- Cougar Rock Campground (Paradise) – 179 reservable sites
- Ohanepecosh Campground (Ohanepecosh) – 179 sites
- White River Campground (Sunrise/White River) – 88 sites
- Mowich Lake Campground (Mowich Lake) – 13 primitive walk-in tent sites
For those seeking more remote experiences, Mount Rainier also offers numerous backcountry camping options. Check the National Park Service website for further details on how to plan your backcountry adventure.
14. Hike to the Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout
Location: Mowich Lake / Carbon River
The piercing assault of mosquitoes which swarmed and feasted on my flesh during the July day hike to Tolmie Peak Trail remains firmly etched in memory. I hiked the rest of my journey with over 200 bites under my long-sleeved shirt but it was almost worth every itch. You simply cannot beat the views of Mount Rainier from Tolmie Peak on a nice day. Even with a few clouds, the views certainly did not disappoint!
This trail is approximately 5.5 miles round trip with a climb of about 1,100 feet and takes around three hours to hike from start to finish. Tolmie Peak- A Must-See on Your Mount Rainier ItineraryIf you’re a blossoming fan of hiking who can deal with being eaten alive by mosquitos, then TolmiePeak deserves to be one of the destinations within your itinerary.
Mosquito pro tip: Be on the lookout for bear grass (those white, fluffy things in my pictures) as it is a sure sign mosquitoes are hatching and at their peak populus.
DEAR NOTE: The Tolmie Peak road to the Mowich Lake trailhead is a gravel route for several miles. This is an easy 2WD road (I drove my Prius down here) that closes for the winter.
15. Stargazing at Mount Rainier
Being a night-sky enthusiast, one of my favorite things to do at Mount Rainier National Park is viewing the stars. These are definitely dark enough skies to provide great stargazing, and while not quite as stunning as the darkest night sky with officially-sanctioned International Dark Sky status (which can’t really be achieved due to Seattle being so close) it’s still one of the top 5 ways you will get nature in your soul!
Mount Rainier under the stars provides an amazing landscape for night photography. Sunrise is a hot spot during the summer for astrophotographers to see and shoot when the Milky Way lines up with bird mountain that makes an erupting volcano of cosmic wonders. The alignement usualyl took place in July and August making it the optimal time for all star watchers around, to click pictures.
The National Park Service also offers an interesting stargazing program in the summer, which both children and adults will enjoy. And if you happen to visit during the Perseid Meteor Shower, it is possible for see some stunning green and blue meteors streaking across the sky, as well as a sprinkle of them lighting up Mount Rainier.
16. Discover Longmire
Location: Longmire
Since I live in Portland OR, Longmire is usually the first place of Mount Rainier National Park most visitors to this park hear about when they find it on a map. This landmark grounds gives guests the history of more established times there, and for any individual who adores investigating Washington geological narratives as much however me tales are likely to want halt over toward Longmire Museum will be a must-visit.
At a lower elevation, Longmire is home primarily to Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock conifers draped in moss which stand out from the alpine environment at higher elevations throughout the park.
That includes the quaint National Park Inn in Longmire, available for those looking to lodge. I’ve not hiked this trail, but if you’re looking for a more tranquil hike I recommend the Trail of the Shadows. A peaceful trail that is not quite as busy as other locations (since it’s at a less popular site) will bring you to the steaming thermal pool, bringing one more layer of distinctiveness to your mountain experience.
17. Experience Narada Falls
Location: Paradise
At Mount Rainier National Park, Narada Falls is the object of desire for waterfall lovers. This 188-foot waterfall is one of the largest and most visited in the park, showcasing nature at its grandest.
To get to Narada Falls is not very difficult. Well, the lower viewpoint is so close to the main park road it would be easy for visitors not on foot. If you prefer a less crowded view hike the short (1.8 mile round trip) trail to Vista II for an unobstructed vista of North and Middle IronForge Falls, gratitude flows as they show it all off.
A snowy wonderland in the winter, visitors brave snowshoes to access this partially frozen falls. In contrast, the trail is often snow-covered during winter months providing a serene walk through Narada Falls’ green summer beauty while remaining one of Mount Rainier National Park’s most popular hikes.
18. Visit Sunbeam Falls
Location: Paradise
Located close to Reflection Lakes and just off of Stevens Canyon Road, Sunbeam Falls is a site that many visitors end up driving right past. I must confess have passed by these falls for a few times I think before realizing they existed ha but you guys are in good hands 🙂 Especially since it’s such cool spot to go if Reflection Lakes the area too .
Starting on the south side of Mount Rainier N.P., you can park at Reflection Lakes parking area and hike a few hundred feet SE to Sunbeam Falls. Perfect and easy from Lake Louise pullouts, just be sure to look for it fpuser Beautiful as well as being easily accessible make Sunbeam Falls a strong front runner on your bucket list.
19. Enjoy Wildflower Viewing
Location: Paradise
Despite it’s nearness to Reflection Lakes and location on Stevens Canyon Road, Sunbeam Falls is often overlooked by park visitors. Confession, I must have hiked by these falls a few times before realizing they were even there but oh my are you in for a treat. Especially if Reflections Lakes is also on your bucket-list (highly recommended indeed).
From the south entrance of Mount Rainier N.P., stop at Reflection Lakes parking lot, and walk a few hundred feet southeast to Sunbeam Falls. Near Lake Louise they are found at any of the pullouts near Sunbeam Falls fpuser — Both beautiful and easily accessed, it is no wonder that this item made our top list. When you are lucky enough to come in the right season, a special treat is enjoying meadows covered with wildflowers as far as your can see. World-famous for its magnificent floral offerings, Mount Rainier has some of the most beautiful wildflowers you may have seen. Just like everyone else, I thought the photos were overdone until I saw it in person.
Wildflowers in Mount Rainier
Paradise is the number one place for wildflowers, and hikes such as Skyline Trail and Alta Vista offer great views. Pinnacle Peak and Van Trump Park are also great spots to check out, along with the trails that lead up here. The Mowich Lake area offers another top-notch wildflower hike at Spray Park, one where you’ll want to keep an eye out for black bears.
20. Discover the White River Area
Location: Sunrise/White River
Hiking in the White River area is one of Mount Rainier’s hidden gems. Although overlooked by the majority of visitors, who typically blow past it en route to better-known Sunrise section (connected via closed gate in winter), White River is a quieter and more serene experience.
However, two exceptional trails in this region include the Glacier Basin Trail and The Emmons Moraine trail that provides a unique cache of mountain charm. I remember hiking the Emmons Moraine Trail with headlamps in both directions one midnight, watching climbers’ flashlights snaking up their nighttime ascent. This White River region is a great place to go if you are looking for unique and different peaceful adventure.
Mount Rainier National Park Map & Regions to Explore
Mount Rainier National Park is divided into five distinct regions, each offering its own unique landscapes and experiences. Despite their proximity on a map, travel times between these areas can be substantial due to the absence of a road crossing the top of the mountain. You’ll need to drive around the mountain, which can significantly extend travel time.
The 5 Regions of Mount Rainier National Park
- Mowich Lake / Carbon River (Northwest)
- Longmire (Southwest)
- Paradise (South)
- Ohanepecosh (Southeast)
- Sunrise/White River (Northeast)
Approximate Drive Times Between Key Areas:
- Sunrise to Mowich Lake: 2.5 hours
- Paradise to Sunrise: 1.5 hours
- Paradise to Tipsoo Lake: 1 hour
- Tipsoo Lake to Sunrise: 45 minutes
- Longmire to Paradise: 20 minutes
- Longmire to Mowich Lake: 2.5 hours
Where to Stay in Mount Rainier National Park
There are two lodges within the park:
- Paradise Inn (Paradise)
- National Park Inn (Longmire)
For those looking to stay just outside the park, the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort Complex is an excellent option, along with other nearby accommodations.
Campgrounds at Mount Rainier
- Cougar Rock Campground (Paradise) – 179 reservable sites
- Ohanepecosh Campground (Ohanepecosh) – 179 sites
- White River Campground (Sunrise/White River) – 88 sites
- Mowich Lake Campground (Carbon River/Mowich Lake) – 13 primitive walk-in tent sites
Overview of Top Activities in Mount Rainier National Park
- Explore Paradise
- Hike to Pinnacle Peak
- Visit the Fremont Lookout
- Watch the Sunrise at Sunrise
- Admire Reflection Lakes
- Trek to Van Trump Park
- Stop by Christine Falls
- Visit the Grove of Patriarchs
- Relax at Tipsoo Lake
- Engage in Wildlife Viewing
- Take a hike on the Sourdough Ridge trail
- Take on the Wonderland Trail
- Go Camping
- Tolmie Peak Lookout394 — Climb it
- Enjoy Stargazing
- Visit Longmire
- Marvel at Narada Falls
- See Sunbeam Falls
- Stay at Paradise Inn
- Explore the White River area
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