Mount Rainier National Park

When visiting the Seattle area, few experiences rival a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park.

At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is one of the top 10 highest peaks in the continental United States and an iconic sight in Washington. Fortunately, you don't have to scale the peak to appreciate the alpine meadows, waterfalls, and old-growth forests. There are plenty of approachable hiking trails and viewpoints for all ages to enjoy.

Plan Your Trip
Longmire
Paradise
Activities Near the Park
Post-Hike Fun
Mt. Rainier Webcams

Planning a Day Trip to Mt. Rainier

Mount Rainier National Park is located about two hours south of downtown Seattle, and just over an hour and a half from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Pick Your Season

The national park is stunning year-round, but you'll have very different experiences depending on when you go. Winter offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowy sightseeing; spring brings a mix of snow and early blooms; and wildflowers peak in mid- to late summer. If you wait until mid-October, fall foliage will be on full display.

Plan Your Visit

If you're visiting from out of town, one of the best ways to make the most of your adventure is to stay in Seattle Southside near the airport. Cities like SeaTac, Tukwila, and Des Moines offer convenient accommodations and easy access to major highways, and you'll be closer to the national park than you would be in downtown Seattle. There are also tour groups that pick up visitors at local hotels for guided tours of Rainier.

Plan Your Day

Before you go, you'll want to plan which part of the national park you're visiting, as it's very large and features several distinct regions. For a single-day visit, most travelers focus on the Paradise and Longmire areas, which offer some of the park's most accessible scenery and trails.

Be sure to:

  • Check road and weather conditions before leaving.
  • Arrive early (before 9:00 a.m. if you can), especially during summer weekends, and consider going on a weekday for fewer crowds.
  • Bring layers, as mountain weather can change quickly.
  • Carry water, snacks, and comfortable hiking shoes.
  • Purchase a national park pass or pay the entrance fee at the gate.

Choose Your Adventure

Mount Rainier National Park contains several distinct sections, each popular for different reasons.

  • Paradise and Longmire are two of the most popular among visitors for their relatively approachable trails, views, and amenities. To visit them, enter the Nisqually: Southwest Entrance via SR 706, which is open year-round. Note: Be sure to use the address 39000 State Route 706 E, Ashford, WA 98304, NOT the street address for Mount Rainier National Park (55210 238th Avenue East), which leads to the Mount Rainier Administration Building in Ashford.
  • Sunrise includes the highest point in the park accessible by car and an excellent trail system. To visit this area, arrive at the White River / Sunrise: Northeast Entrance, located just off SR 410, the Chinook Scenic Byway. Stop at the Sunrise Visitor Center and Day Lodge to start your journey. Note that the road to Sunrise is closed from mid-October to late June/early July, pending snowfall.
  • The Ohanapecosh area and Carbon River and Mowich areas are currently closed.

NOTE: If you're using GPS to navigate, know that much of the park does not have cell coverage.

A rustic building in Longmire, within Mount Rainier National Park

Longmire: Gateway to the Mountain

Longmire is often the first major destination visitors encounter after entering Mount Rainier National Park. Located on the southwest side of the park, just over six miles east of the Nisqually Entrance, this designated national historic district is home to a visitor center, a museum, and dozens of rustic buildings that will appeal to history nerds as much as nature lovers. Stop by the Longmire Museum (open year-round) to learn about the mountain's volcanic origins and the area's early tourism development. At the Longmire Wilderness Information Center (usually open May-October), you can obtain hiking and camping information and wilderness permits.

Narada Falls in Mount Rainier National Park

Best Trails at Longmire

There are several very easy, kid-friendly trails to explore near Longmire. Remember to stay on the trails and avoid picking flowers.

Easy: Trail of the Shadows

Distance: 0.7 miles

This family-friendly trail winds through forested wetlands and natural mineral springs. Interpretive signs share the story of the area's early settlers and the significance of the springs.

Moderate: Carter Falls Trail

Distance: 2 miles

Beginning just below Cougar Rock Campground, this easy forest walk along the Paradise River passes two waterfalls.

More Challenging: Narada Falls Trail

Distance: 9 miles

This forested trail follows the Nisqually River via the Wonderland Trail from Longmire. You'll see multiple falls along the way!

Paradise: Mount Rainier's Crown Jewel

Paradise, the park's most famous destination, is named for its spectacular wildflower displays and breathtaking views. This stunning site attracts visitors from around the world.

First Stop: The Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, where rangers provide current trail conditions and weather updates. You can also view a map of all the trails and check out exhibits about the mountain's glaciers, wildlife, and alpine ecosystems. There's even a short film shown in the theater that you can watch to learn about the landscape. Take your time enjoying the gift shop, snack bar, restrooms, and free public Wi-Fi before setting out on your adventure.

Read on for recommendations of the best hikes at Paradise.

Best Trails in Paradise

Easy: Myrtle Falls Trail

Distance: 1 mile round trip

One of the park's most photographed locations, Myrtle Falls is a beautiful waterfall framed by Mount Rainier in the background. The paved trail makes it accessible for many visitors and is perfect for families.

Easy: Nisqually Vista Trail

Distance: 1.2 miles loop

This relatively easy trail provides panoramic views of the Nisqually Glacier and surrounding valleys. Interpretive signs explain the glacier's history and changing landscape.

Moderate to Hard: Skyline Trail

Distance: Up to 5.5 miles loop

Often considered the signature hike in Mount Rainier National Park, the Skyline Trail delivers incredible scenery with every step. Depending on the season and how far you choose to hike, you may encounter waterfalls, glaciers, wildflowers, and views of Mt. Rainier

Paradise at Mt. Rainier

Paradise is located on the south slope of Mount Rainier, within Mount Rainier National Park.

Our Review

Some members of Explore Seattle Southside took a trip to Paradise to hike the Alta Vista Trail in late June. Here's what they had to say:

"We drove east on 169 (Maple Valley Highway), through Black Diamond. The drive was dramatically scenic and we pulled off the road a few times to take pictures. Once at Paradise, we chose the Alta Vista Trail, where we traversed a lot of snow. It was oftentimes hard to discern where the trail was leading us and where the marmots wanted us to go so that they could steal our snack packs and give us the Ewoks on Endor treatment. We got to the end of the trail and we weren’t ready to head back, so we pressed on. Eventually, we met up with the strenuous Skyline Trail and continued on towards the peak. When we finally stopped, the clouds had cleared over the top of the mountain, giving us a spectacular view of the top and everything below. I can’t tell you how cool, crisp, and fresh the air was up there; the pictures do not do the view justice. But I will tell you this…it was awesome."

Family-Friendly Activities Near Mount Rainier

In addition to the easy hikes mentioned above, there are many kid-friendly activities to check out near Mount Rainier:

  • Hop on a century-old, open-air steam train with the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. Located just south of the park in the foothills, it offers views of forests, meadows, and Mount Rainier. There are also themed rides, including beer-tasting, Christmas, and brunch trains.
  • Visit the Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park on your way to or from the national park, a collection of public sculptures depicting larger-than-life animals.
  • Visit Crystal Mountain Resort, just outside the park, and ride the Mount Rainier Gondola for a bird's eye view of the peak. You can also dine at the restaurant at the top.

Post-Hike Fun: End Your Day in Style

After a day spent chasing waterfalls and mountain trails, you'll likely want to collapse into a comfy hotel bed. There are plenty of accommodations near the park, should you want to make it an overnight. Whether you return on the same day or the next morning, you can head back to Seattle Southside and choose from dozens of hotels. Grab dinner at one of many local restaurants serving every kind of cuisine you can imagine, from New American to East African to Mexican and more. Use our directory to filter by cuisine type.

Some ways to make your day extra special:

  • Schedule a post-hike massage at Cedarbrook Lodge.
  • Get some quality comfort food delivered to your hotel room. May we suggest specialty pizza or a juicy burger?
  • Or, try some quintessentially Northwest fare such as seafood or sushi. Miyabi Sushi
  • Sip craft beer near the Puget Sound waterfront at Quarterdeck, then stroll to Des Moines Beach Park to watch the sunset. From mountains to Sound...can't get more PNW than that.

Mt. Rainier Webcams

Mt. Rainier West

Description: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Mount Rainier from the West Cam. With its snow-capped summit and vast glaciers, Mount Rainier stands as a beacon of natural wonder. Best Time…

Live Cam

Mt. Rainier East

Description: Embark on a virtual journey to the eastern side of Mount Rainier. This live webcam showcases a different perspective of the mountain, offering stunning views of its rugged terrain and dense…

Live Cam

Mount Rainier FAQs

Is Mount Rainier an active volcano?

Yes. Mount Rainier is considered an active volcano and will erupt again sometime in the future. The last major eruption was over 500 years ago. There was a noteworthy eruption in 1894 where witnesses described seeing small explosions at the volcano's summit.

What is special about Mount Rainier?

At a height of 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the highest volcanic peak in the contiguous United States and is the highest mountain in Washington State. Mount Rainier is capped by glaciers and has snow year-round at it's highest elevations.

How did Mount Rainier get its name?

Captain George Vancouver of the British Royal Navy observed the mountain while surveying the Pacific coast in 1792 and decided to name the mountain after his friend, Rear Admiral Peter Rainier.

What is the best time of year to visit Mt. Rainier?

The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is July through August, when wildflowers are blooming in the subalpine meadows. This time of year tends to offer warmer, dryer weather that is optimal for hiking conditions.

What should you see or do at Mt. Rainier in just one day?

While 3 days would be better, the top sites for visitors to see in one day include: Paradise, Skyline Trail, and Myrtle Falls.

What are the best tips for visiting Mt. Rainier?

If at all possible, take 3 days to see as much of the park as you can. Check the weather report and bring proper clothing, get an early start, pack a lunch and take a water bottle, print a map or have a map saved to your phone, take your time and enjoy the experience.

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