I’m a sucker for snowy mountains and Mt. Rainer does not disappoint. Rainier is renowned for its extensive glacier system, wildflowers, alpine lakes, and forest hikes.
Located in the Cascade Range, Mount Rainier stands at 14,411 feet (4,392 meters) above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Washington and the highest volcano in the Cascades.
Rainier is an active stratovolcano, which means it has the potential for explosive eruptions. It has not erupted in recent history, it is considered a potentially hazardous volcano.
–How to Get to Mt. Rainer –
Driving is the best and honestly only option. This national park is about 59 miles (95 kilometers) southeast of Seattle, Washington and the nearest bigger city is Ashford which is still down the mountain about 35 miles.
– Where to Stay –
Air Bnb are a really good option when staying in Rainer. They are easily the most affordable and closest option to the park. There are some smaller local hotels around as well like The National Park Inn and Paradise Inn.
– How to Get into the Park –
Mount Rainier National Park has several entrances.
The most commonly used entrances are the Nisqually Entrance (southwest side) and the White River Entrance (northeast side). The Entrance you pick will obviously depend on where you stay and what you want to see. The entrance fee for Mount Rainier National Park is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. This fee covers all occupants in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. You can also use a valid National Park Pass, such as the ‘America the Beautiful National Parks’ and Federal Recreational Lands Pass’ if you have one. These passes provide access to multiple national parks.
If you don’t already have a valid pass, you will have to purchase one at the entrance station. They typically accept credit cards and cash.Once inside you can stop at the visitor’s center or head straight to a viewpoint or destination.
– Popular Hikes –
Skyline Trail: This iconic trail begins at Paradise and offers stunning panoramic views of Mount Rainier, the Tatoosh Range, and the surrounding meadows. It’s a popular choice for wildflower viewing in the summer. We went in the summer however during the supposed wildflower season and a section of the trail was closed due to snow. The trail itself was covered in snow and was difficult to follow.
Wonderland Trail: A challenging 93-mile (150-kilometer) loop around Mount Rainier, the Wonderland Trail offers a variety of landscapes and is often completed in sections.
Comet Falls: A moderately difficult hike leads to the impressive Comet Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the park. The trail continues to Van Trump Park, where you can see glaciers and the mountain up close.
Grove of the Patriarchs: This easy hike takes you through an ancient forest with towering trees, including Douglas firs and western red cedars. A suspension bridge crosses the Ohanapecosh River to reach the grove.
Naches Peak Loop: Located near the eastern side of the park, this 3.4-mile (5.5-kilometer) loop trail offers views of the Moutian, Tipsoo Lake, and the surrounding valleys. It’s particularly beautiful in late summer when wildflowers are in bloom.
– Popular View Points –
Sunrise Visitor Center: Sunrise is the highest point in the park that you can reach by vehicle. The visitor center provides panoramic views of the mountain, Emmons Glacier, and the surrounding peaks. Numerous hiking trails also start from this area.
Reflection Lakes: These pristine alpine lakes are known for their mirror-like reflections of Mount Rainier. They’re easily accessible by car and a short walk from the parking area.
Tipsoo Lake: Located along the Chinook Pass Scenic Byway on the park’s eastern side, Tipsoo Lake offers beautiful views of the mountain, especially at sunrise and sunset. It also is filled with wildflowers during the right seasons.
Paradise: The Paradise area is a hub for visitors and offers some of the most iconic views of Mount Rainier. The Jackson Visitor Center provides exhibits, and the Paradise Inn is a considered historic landmark.
Ricksecker Point: A short hike from the Ricksecker Point Loop Trail leads to a viewpoint with spectacular views of the Cowlitz Valley and Mount Rainier.
Sunset Park: This viewpoint, accessible via a short hike from the trailhead near the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, offers a peaceful place to enjoy sunset views of the mountain.
That’s all for now!
I’ll see you
