OVERVIEW
Mount Rainier National Park is one of Washington’s most awe-inspiring natural treasures, drawing adventurers, nature lovers, and photographers from all around the world. With its towering, snow-capped peak at 14,411 feet, Mount Rainier dominates the landscape and is surrounded by glaciers, alpine meadows, lush forests, and rushing waterfalls.
From the famous wildflower meadows of Paradise to the serene waters of Reflection Lake, the park is a haven of diverse landscapes and vistas. Hikers can take on challenging hikes like the Skyline Trail or the Wonderland Trail, both offering spectacular views of glaciers and panoramic mountain scenes. For those who prefer a more leisurely visit, drives like Cayuse Pass and Chinook Pass provide sweeping views without the effort of a long trek.
In this article, we’ll highlight the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park, ensuring that no matter how much time you have, you’ll make the most of your visit to this Pacific Northwest gem.
BEST THINGS TO DO
Paradise
Paradise, one of the most iconic destinations in Mount Rainier National Park, is a breathtaking alpine area on the southern slopes of Mount Rainier known for its lush meadows, vibrant wildflowers, and panoramic mountain views. Situated at an elevation of approximately 5,400 feet, this area offers some of the best scenery in the park, with Mount Rainier towering above the glaciers, valleys, and evergreen forests below it.
In summer, meadows explode with colorful wildflowers such as lupine, paintbrush, and avalanche lilies, while autumn brings a collage of fiery reds and golds. During winter, Paradise transforms into a snowy wonderland, attracting visitors for snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding.
Numerous trails, including the iconic Skyline Trail, lead hikers through amazing landscapes, offering close-up views of the Nisqually Glacier, Myrtle Falls, and expansive vistas of the Cascade Mountain Range.
Skyline Trail to Panorama Point
As Mount Rainier National Park’s signature day hike, the Skyline Trail provides spectacular views of glaciers, alpine meadows, and the surrounding peaks. Beginning at Paradise, the 5.5-mile loop climbs through wildflower-filled fields in summer and snow-covered terrain in early season.
Panorama Point, a highlight of the trail, provides fantastic vistas of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, and even distant volcanoes on clear days. Wildlife like marmots and mountain goats are frequently seen. The trail’s varied landscapes, from lush valleys to rugged ridges, make it an unforgettable adventure for hikers seeking some of the best scenery in the park.
Myrtle Falls
Myrtle Falls is one of Mount Rainier National Park’s most picturesque waterfalls, located in Paradise along the Skyline Trail. Cascading 72 feet over a rocky ledge, the falls are framed by lush meadows and towering evergreens, with Mount Rainier creating a breathtaking backdrop.
Longmire
Longmire is a historic area in Mount Rainier National Park, offering a peaceful starting point for many visitors. Located at 2,700 feet, it features the charming Longmire Museum, housed in a rustic log cabin, which tells the story of the park’s early history and the surrounding area.
Nearby, the National Park Inn offers cozy accommodations, while the Ohanapecosh River provides a tranquil setting for walks. Longmire is also a gateway to several scenic trails, such as the Rampart Ridge Trail and Trail of the Shadows, where visitors can explore lush forests and enjoy quiet, serene landscapes.
Christine Falls
Impossible to miss while driving along Paradise Valley Road, Christine Falls is a picturesque waterfall framed beautifully by a historic stone bridge. Cascading 69 feet in two tiers, the falls are a popular roadside stop while venturing up to the Paradise corridor. The upper viewpoint offers a classic photo opportunity, while a short trail leads to a lower perspective, showcasing the waterfall’s full beauty.
Surrounded by lush greenery, Christine Falls flows year-round, with peak runoff in spring and early summer. The combination of natural elegance and historic architecture makes it one of the park’s most charming and easily visited waterfalls.
Narada Falls
Arguably Mount Rainier National Park’s most recognizable waterfall, Narada Falls plunges 168 feet over a rugged cliffside and is a must see sight while visiting the park. Easily accessible from Paradise Valley Road, the falls can be viewed from an upper overlook or a short but steep trail leading to a lower viewpoint, where mist creates frequent rainbows.
Fed by the Paradise River, Narada Falls flows powerfully in spring and summer, while winter transforms it into a frozen spectacle. Surrounded by lush forests and moss-covered rocks, the falls provide a stunning photo opportunity in all seasons.
Reflection Lake
Located along Stevens Canyon Road just east of Paradise is Reflection Lake. This is one of Mount Rainier National Park’s most iconic spots, known for its beautiful mirror-like views of Mount Rainier on calm days.
Photographers and nature lovers visit at sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic reflections. We spent hours here exploring the perimeter of the lake and admiring the different vantage points of Mount Rainier. Nearby hiking trails, such as Snow Lake Trail, provide additional opportunities for adventure.
Sunrise
Sunrise, the highest drivable point in Mount Rainier National Park at 6,400 feet, is found in the Northeast quadrant of the park. Similar to Paradise, it offers panoramic views of Mount Rainier, its glaciers, and the surrounding Cascade peaks. As its name suggests, the area is renowned for its stunning sunrises and offers a front-row seat to the mountain glowing in the early morning light.
Popular day hikes, like the Burroughs Mountain Trail and Mount Fremont Lookout Trail, lead to incredible viewpoints. With fewer crowds than Paradise, Sunrise offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience, making it one of the park’s most popular destinations.
Burroughs Mountain Trail
The Burroughs Mountain Trail takes hikers across rugged, high-alpine terrain while providing one of the most dramatic views of Mount Rainier. Starting from Sunrise, this challenging trail ascends through rocky slopes and windswept plateaus, passing First, Second, and Third Burroughs—each offering increasingly stunning vistas of the glaciers and surrounding peaks.
Wildlife sightings, including mountain goats and marmots, are common. The barren, moon-like landscape contrasts sharply with the lush meadows that characterize many of the other trails in the park. On clear days, hikers feel almost within reach of Mount Rainier’s icy slopes. This exhilarating trek is perfect for those seeking a breathtaking, high-elevation adventure in the park.
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail
The Mount Fremont Lookout Trail is a 5.6-mile round-trip hike from Sunrise, leading to one of Mount Rainier National Park’s last remaining fire lookouts. This high-elevation trail traverses rocky ridges, offering sweeping views of Mount Rainier, the Cascades, and even Mount Baker on clear days.
Along the way, hikers pass through alpine meadows and are rewarded with perfect views of the northern face of Mount Rainier. The historic fire lookout, perched at 7,181 feet, provides a stunning vantage point, especially at sunset. With its dramatic scenery and panoramic vistas, this moderately challenging hike was our favorite during our tour of Mount Rainier National Park.
Grove of the Patriarchs
The Grove of the Patriarchs is a serene old-growth forest in Mount Rainier National Park, home to towering ancient trees. Accessible via a 1.5-mile trail, this enchanting grove features massive Douglas firs and western red cedars, some over 1,000 years old.
A suspension bridge crosses the Ohanapecosh River, leading to an island where these giants thrive. The boardwalk trail winds through moss-draped trunks, creating a magical, cathedral-like atmosphere. The Grove of the Patriarchs remains one of the park’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders and is a wonderful place to spend half a day exploring.
Cayuse Pass and Chinook Pass
Cayuse Pass and Chinook Pass are two scenic mountain passes in Mount Rainier National Park that feature spectacular views throughout their route. Cayuse Pass, located at 4,675 feet, is a gateway to the park from the east, with incredible views of the Tatoosh Range and Mount Rainier.
Just south of it, Chinook Pass sits at 5,430 feet and connects the park to the Yakima Valley. The drive between the two passes boasts dramatic vistas of alpine meadows, wildflower fields, and forested slopes. Both passes are popular for hiking, photography, and offering access to various park trails, especially in summer.
Tipsoo Lake
Tipsoo Lake, nestled near Chinook Pass, is another one of Mount Rainier National Park’s most picturesque alpine lakes. Surrounded by lush meadows and framed by towering evergreens, the lake offers incredible scenery year round.
The easy Tipsoo Lake Loop Trail is a short hike encircling the lake while the nearby Naches Peak Loop offers an elevated perspective of the alpine landscape. Whether at sunrise or sunset, Tipsoo Lake is a peaceful and photogenic destination.
Naches Peak Loop
The Naches Peak Loop is one of Mount Rainier National Park’s most scenic trails. This 3.5-mile loop, starting near Tipsoo Lake, gradually ascends through lush terrain, featuring amazing panoramas of the Cascade Mountains.
Hikers often choose the clockwise route for the most dramatic reveal of Mount Rainier. The trail’s gentle elevation gain makes it accessible to many, making it a favorite for those seeking a peaceful yet rewarding hiking experience in the park.
Crystal Mountain Resort and Summit House Restaurant
Crystal Mountain Resort is home to Washington’s largest ski area and a year-round adventure destination. In winter, it offers 2,600 acres of skiable terrain, featuring deep powder, groomed runs, and challenging backcountry trails. During summer, visitors enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding,
The Mount Rainier Gondola takes visitors to the Summit House Restaurant found at the peak of Crystal Mountain, the highest-elevation dining spot in Washington at 6,872 feet. Guests enjoy panoramic views of Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, and surrounding valleys while savoring delicious cuisine.
Wonderland Trail
The Wonderland Trail is a legendary 93-mile loop that encircles Mount Rainier, offering an unforgettable backcountry adventure. This challenging trek crosses diverse landscapes, from dense forests and alpine meadows to glacier-fed rivers and rugged ridgelines.
With over 22,000 feet of elevation gain, hikers experience phenomenal views of Rainier’s glaciers, waterfalls, and valleys. Campsites along the route require permits, and many hikers take 10 to 14 days to complete the journey.
Wildlife sightings, including marmots, elk, and black bears, add to the experience. The Wonderland Trail’s ever-changing scenery and remote beauty make it a bucket-list hike for many seasoned adventurers.
FINAL IMPRESSIONS
Mount Rainier National Park offers an unforgettable mix of adventure, beauty, and serenity. Whether you’re hiking scenic trails, marveling at waterfalls, or simply soaking in the breathtaking alpine views, this park has something for everyone.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot marmots and elk, while photographers will find endless inspiration in the ever-changing landscapes. From the vibrant wildflower meadows of Paradise to the rugged backcountry of Sunrise, every corner of the park showcases nature at its finest.
Mount Rainier’s towering presence and diverse ecosystems make it a must-visit destination. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, Mount Rainier promises an experience that stays with you long after you leave. Lace up your boots, grab your camera, and get ready for an adventure you won’t forget!
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