seattle day trips to mount rainier

The Perfect Seattle to Mt Rainier Day Trip Itinerary

Last Updated on January 15, 2024

by Kate Daniel

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Seattle has plenty of landmarks, from Pike Place Market to the Space Needle. But the most marvellous and recognizable is Mt. Rainier, the highest peak in the Cascade Mountain Range , a glacier-capped monolith towering over the city. Whether you are in the area for a weekend or a few weeks, a Mt Rainier day trip from Seattle is an absolute must while in Western Washington. 

Mount Rainier National Park is easily one of the nation’s most beautiful (I’m not at all biased), containing a virtual cornucopia of natural wonders, including brilliant wildflower meadows, sparkling alpine lakes, imposing old-growth forests, and, of course, the majestic mountain itself. 

Encompassing 369.3 square miles, wandering into the Park without a plan would likely be intimidating for even the most spontaneous seat-of-the-pants traveler. To ensure you hit all the most noteworthy (and Instagrammable) sights, use this Mount Rainier National Park itinerary. 

Table of Contents

How to Get From Seattle to Mount Rainier

The distance from Seattle to Mt. Rainier’s summit is 60 miles as the crow flies. But assuming you’re driving and not helming a private helicopter, you’ll traverse a little over 80 miles.

The trip from downtown Seattle to the Park takes about two hours, depending on which route you take. As with any Seattle-based adventure, avoid rush hour if possible, and get there early (like, really early). The Park (and car parks) fill up fast, especially in summer. 

The Nisqually entrance is the most popular of the four and the only one open year-round to vehicles and is easily accessible from the Seattle area.

To get there, you’ll take Interstate 5 South toward Portland and Sea-Tac airport. Then merge onto Highway WA-512 E. After exiting on Steele Street, you’ll continue on Spanaway Loop Road to WA-704 E. Follow the highway to WA-706 E and continue on this road to the park entrance. This route takes about two hours. 

Alternatively, you can take I-5 S to exit 127, then turn onto WA-512 E. Proceed to the Steele Street Exit and Spanaway Loop Road, which will take you to WA-704 E and WA-7 S. Continue on WA-706 to Paradise Road E.

This trip, which encompasses about two-and-a-half hours, will take you to the Longmire entrance, which is typically a bit less crowded. If you’re making your day trip to Mt. Rainier in peak season and don’t care for crowds, going the long way could be worthwhile. 

If you need to rent a car, then browsing on Rentalcars.com will show you great deals across major providers. Alternatively, if you’re visiting Mt. Rainier as part of a longer road trip such as from Seattle to Portland or even to Glacier National Park , you also can rent an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy .

If you don’t have your own transport or prefer not to make your day trip solo, you can join a tour group.

One option is this small group tour that is led by an award-winning naturalist tour guide who will guide you through the Park, providing commentary and discussion.

Depending on the season, you’ll hike or snowshoe (gear provided). The tour takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes, and they will pick you up from your Seattle accommodation.

One cool thing about this small-group tour is they are permitted to venture one mile off the main hiking trails (thanks to the guide’s credentials), whereas most tour companies must stick to the primary pathways.

Another option is this small group guided day tour that spans 10 to 12 hours and includes pick-up from select Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport hotels. The tour’s Mt. Rainier itinerary begins at Alder Lake Park and Eatonville before heading into the Park for a day of hiking or snowshoeing if visiting Washington in winter.

Like the tour mentioned above, this one hits all the highlights, including Narada Falls, Paradise Valley, and Reflection Lakes. You will also visit a panorama point where you can get incredible mountain views on a clear day.

You can also organise a private tour if you have a large group or prefer travelling in privacy.

Unfortunately, it is not really possible to get to the Park by bus (yet). The only way would be to take a bus to Enumclaw, then take a taxi or rideshare 20 miles to the Park.

That would take a few hours and, with taxi fare, could be pretty expensive. While walking is the best (and only) way to access many parts of the Park, you will need a vehicle to get from one region to the next, unless you plan to spend several days hiking. 

Mount Rainier Day Trip Itinerary

Mt. Rainier has something for everyone from the minute you enter the park, from mountaineers to photographers and families to solo adventurers. Depending on the season, you can hike, swim, snowshoe and sled. If you’re really adventurous (and fit), you can even summit the mountain, ascending more than 9,000 feet over eight-plus miles.

Whatever your style, here are a few stops you won’t want to skip a trip from Seattle to Mt. Rainier. 

Longmire Museum

If you’re starting at the Nisqually entrance, stop by the Longmire Museum to learn about the area’s Native American inhabitants, European expeditions, and natural history. 

Across from the nearby National Park Inn is the trailhead for Trail of the Shadows. Like many other places in Washington state , its sinister name belies its beauty. It’s a brief 0.7-mile trek that passes old-growth spruce trees to a replica of the Longmire’s 1888 cabin.

You’ll also pass the mineral springs once touted for their healing properties. 

Paradise Valley

The aptly named Paradise Valley is one of the most picturesque and magical areas of the Park. Scottish-American naturalist John Muir said the meadows were “the most luxuriant and the most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens I ever beheld in all my mountaintop wanderings,” and surely few would disagree. 

In the summer, the valley is a sea of stunning, sweet-smelling wildflower meadows with the glacier-capped mountain in view on the horizon and wild animals hopping about feasting on wild berries. There are even cascades at Myrtle Falls.

It is truly like something out of a fairytale. While Pacific Northwesterners talk a lot about Bigfoot (aka Sassy), I’m genuinely surprised there’s not more talk of wood nymphs and elves around here. 

There are a few hiking trails to choose from, depending on your fitness level and how much time you want to spend. But the Skyline Trail is one of the best for moderately fit trekkers. This is a 5.5-mile loop that ascends to 1,450 feet above sea level and takes about four hours without stopping. You can make the entire loop or stop at Glacier Vista 3.5 miles in. 

While in the Paradise region of the Park, stop by the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, where you’ll find interpretive exhibits explaining various aspects of the Park. 

Reflection Lakes 

Reflection Lakes is another stop no visitor should miss on their day trip to Mount Rainier. It is easily one of the most stunning areas of the Park, which is saying a lot considering the place is overwhelmingly gorgeous.

From the lakeshore, you’ll have an unobstructed view of the mountain as well as its glistening reflection in the crystalline lake. The view is one of the most recognizable depictions of Mt. Rainier, one you’ve probably seen at least a dozen times on Instagram. 

From the Paradise Valley, you can reach Reflection Lakes via Stevens Canyon Road. Again, try to get there early if you don’t want to be boxed in by crowds. Head down to the lake and hike the trail loop in either direction.

In warmer months, you’ll find wildflowers like rose spirea and lupine lining the shores, while in autumn, the deciduous trees are cloaked in leaves of various shades of red, yellow, and orange. 

Narada Falls  

You will likely see a lot of waterfalls on your day trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle (such as Christine Falls). But Narada Falls is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular. Cascading 176 feet down a mossy cliffside, these falls are viewable from the parking lot. But you don’t have to walk far to get a better view.

Bear in mind the trail down to the falls connects with the Wonderland Trail, so head back once you’ve seen the falls unless you want to continue. 

Nisqually Glacier 

The Nisqually Glacier is one of the mountain’s largest (there are 25!) and the source of the Nisqually River. From the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, you can take a 1.2-mile trek on the Nisqually Vista Trail to get a closer look.

Be sure to stay on the trail to protect the ecosystem and keep an eye out for deer, chipmunks, and deer between the stalks of evergreen. 

Bench Lake & Snow Lake 

A short drive from Reflection Lakes is another pair of lakes with fewer crowds but competitively lovely views and an equally magical atmosphere. Bench Lake is the first you’ll come upon. Hike down the trails from the parking area to get to the shore for a lovely view of the peaks reflected in the water. 

Not far from Bench Lake is Snow Lake, which is a bit bluer, fed by a massive glacier. From the shore, you’ll see jagged mountaintops, including that of Unicorn Peak (I told you this place was fantastical). The 2.5-mile hike here is a bit more strenuous and often snowy, as the name implies, even in summer. 

Note: these trails are less well-kept compared to some of the more popular ones, so be prepared to catch a few snagging branches. 

Grove of the Patriarchs 

On a small island in the Ohanapecosh River lies the Grove of the Patriarchs, a 1,200 old-growth forest with mammoth Douglas firs and western red cedars. The island, on the east side of the mountain off the Stevens Canyon Road, is only accessible by a bridge in summer. But if you can get there, you’ll take an easy 1.3-mile hike through this otherworldly wonderland. 

Sunrise 

The next stop is Sunrise. At 6,400 feet above sea level, it’s the highest point in the Park that is accessible by car. And the views and atmosphere are just as phenomenal as you’d expect, including nearly 360-degree views of Mt. Rainier, the Emmons glacier, Mt. Adams, and surrounding valleys teeming with lush, colorful flora or, in winter, boundless snow. 

If you have time, take the Sunrise Nature Trail, which stems from just outside the Sunrise Day Lodge. The Sunrise Visitor Center also offers telescopes for a closer view of some of the surrounding sights. 

Both Paradise and Sunrise are beautiful areas and essential to include when you visit Mount Rainier National Park.

Note this portion of the Park is only open in summer.  

Have More Time? 

If you have more time and want to do some more exploring, consider stopping by some of the lesser-visited areas of the Park, including the Carbon River-Mowich Lake, Ohanapecosh, Comet Falls, Tipsoo Lake, and the Sourdough Nature Trail.

If you have quite a bit more time (and energy), you could hike the Wonderland Trail, which winds around the entire mountainside. Accessible from all the major park centers, the trail connects to all regions of the Park.

Of course, there is no rule saying you must hike the entire route. Even a single day of hiking and camping in this natural wonderland can be a rejuvenating experience. A few days on the trail can be transformative. 

After you visit Mount Rainier, as you watch the mountain fade into the distance in the rearview mirror, you might find yourself yearning for more. You’re in luck, as the Pacific Northwest is chock full of natural treasures.

Not far from Moing Rainier NP and easily accessible from Seattle is the Olympic Natural Rainforest just outside of the state capitol (and artsy college town) Olympia. It’s not often you can visit a snowy glacier-capped mountain and a temperate old-growth rainforest in one weekend before heading back to Seattle, but there you are.

From Olympia, you can also continue south to the stunning Oregon Coast , visiting locations like Astoria, Seaside, and Cannon Beach, as well as quirky metropolitan Portland. 

Alternatively, you can head the opposite direction from Mt. Rainier National Park to explore more of the Puget Sound area. Not far north of Seattle are several spots residents and visitors alike turn to for a break from the big city.

These include Vashon Island , Whidbey Island , and the San Juan Islands , all of which provide a peaceful seaside escape complete with quaint small towns, gorgeous ocean views, and whale-watching (in season). 

Where to Stay near Mt. Rainier & Seattle

Mt. rainier.

Mountain Meadows Inn – Situated close to the Park entrance, this inn is the perfect place to base yourself when exploring Mt Rainier. Well-located in Ashford, there are several lovely rooms to choose from among other amenities.

Alexander’s Lodge – This Ahsford hotel is located within walking distance from the entrance of the park. They also have countless lovely rooms, an on-site restaurant and plenty of other amenities for guests.

Private Rental – There are also several self-catering options near the Park – such as this cosy cabin in the woods – that can be a great option for those looking for something a bit different from traditional accommodation options.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to see more options near Mount Rainier!

The Mediterranean Inn – Situated within spitting distance of the city’s iconic Space Needle, this is a great hotel choice in the Emerald City. They have a number of great rooms on offer — all including a small kitchenette — and a great location for exploring Seattle.

Inn at the Market  – Located at the famous Pike Place Market, this boutique hotel is a fantastic choice for those looking for a bit more of a high-end option in Seattle. There are countless wonderful rooms to choose from and a chic rooftop bar to enjoy an unbeatable view of the Seattle skyline.

HotelHotel Hostel – If you want to try and pinch some pennies in this notoriously expensive city, then this hostel is a great option. Also perfect for solo travellers, they have a range of both dorm beds and private rooms on offer and some good common areas to make it easy to meet other travellers.

Private Rental – If you’d like a unique stay or even just your own apartment in the Emerald City, then a private holiday rental is an excellent option for you. There are tons of great and interesting places to choose from in Seattle, from cool apartments to unique stays like this urban treehouse .

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more hotels in Seattle!

Planning the perfect Mount Rainier day trip can be a daunting task when you consider just how many wonderful places there are to see and do in this iconic Park. Plan your time wisely and you will have a trip to remember for years to come.

Are you visiting Mt Rainier? Have any questions? Let us know in the comments!

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The Ultimate 2 to 3 Days in Olympic National Park Itinerary

About Kate Daniel

Kate Daniel is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Washington State, she is a slow traveller and digital nomad who loves exploring both her own backyard and far-flung destinations. When she isn't writing, she is most likely befriending stray cats or daydreaming about the next adventure.

Hi, I plan on driving from Seattle to Portland on a in two weeks on a Wednesday with my 3year old. I have a hiking backpack and am very in shape, however she is 3!! Lol. I was wondering what you thought would be the best route for maybe 3-4 stops along the way? Is Mt St. Helens a stop? Then MT Rainier? And then maybe a coastal town? And then to Portland? Also at Rainier, what is the best small joke to do? She loves waterfalls. But then there’s the lake….super confused, lol. Any thoughts to help plan would be amazing! Thanks, Ilona

WA-7, between WA-702 and the town of Elbe is twisty, narrow, and dangerous. Watch your speed. I’ve found that some places the caution speed is just guidance, but not here. Another way to go is through Eatonville, but please be respectful as you drive through my neighborhood.

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How to visit Mount Rainier from Seattle (5 day trip ideas!)

Last updated on May 5th, 2024

Visiting Mount Rainier from Seattle? In this guide we’re sharing how to get there, plus 5 day trip itineraries! Standing at an impressive 14,411 feet tall is Mount Rainier, the tallest mountain in Washington. On a clear day, this active volcano can be seen from just about anywhere in Western Washington. And it is a sight to behold! While you can admire its majesticness from afar, the best way to experience the iconic peak is at Mount Rainier National Park , one of the three National Parks in Washington, along with Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park . 

With wildflower filled meadows, waterfalls, bright blue rivers, unique fire lookouts, and the impressive Mount Rainier itself, it is easily one of the best national parks in the United States! During our three years living in Seattle we made many treks to Mount Rainier. But with multiple entrances and areas to explore, Mount Rainier National Park is a park that even after many visits, we still have yet to see it all! But if you’re hoping to visit Mount Rainier from Seattle, either as a day trip or longer adventure, there are a bunch of different options. In this guide we’re not only sharing how to visit Mount Rainier from Seattle, but also five Mount Rainier day trip ideas, covering the major areas of the park!

IMPORTANT FOR 2024: Reservations are now required during peak seasons

From May 24th through September 2nd at certain locations and during peak times a reservation will be required. Reservations will cost $2 per vehicle and can be made up to 3 months in advance, with additional slots opening the night before. Get reservations and learn more before you visit!

How to get to Mount Rainier from Seattle

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Mount Rainier National Park is located southeast of Seattle and is made up of five developed areas to explore, which all surround the mountain itself. Each area offers a different experience, with some having epic views of Mount Rainier and the neighboring peaks, while others offer a peaceful forested escape, with rivers and waterfalls. All of these areas of Mount Rainier can easily be explored from Seattle, but the season they are open and the amount of time you spend driving will vary. Below is a quick rundown of each!

Paradise (South side)

Distance from Seattle (one way): 2.5 hours (107 miles). You will enter the Nisqually entrance and pass through Longmire to get to Paradise. Opening dates: Paradise is open year-round, minus any major winter storms. In the winter, it is only open Thursday-Monday, though. Since this is one of the snowiest places on Earth, there can sometimes be snow even in July! Paradise is the most popular area of Mount Rainier National Park. It is known for its meadows, waterfalls, and very up close and personal views of Mount Rainier. Out of all of the areas, this is one of the most family friendly, as it features shorter hikes and roadside stops.

Sunrise (Northeast corner)

Distance from Seattle (one way): 2.5 hours (95 miles). You will get to Sunrise by entering the park through the White River entrance .  Opening dates: Sunrise is only open from late June to late September or early October. This is the highest point in the park that can be reached by car at 6,400 ft and the second most visited area. While Paradise is very loved by many, we think Sunrise may be our favorite area. The view of the mountain is a little further away, but completely unobstructed, which lets you really soak up how massive it is!

Longmire (Southwest corner)

Distance from Seattle (one way): 2 hours (96 miles). Similar to Paradise, you enter Longmire through the Nisqually entrance of the park.  Opening dates: Open year round. Longmire is home to both the park’s original headquarters, built in 1899, and the current headquarters, built in 1930. There isn’t a ton to do here, it’s mostly just a gateway to the Paradise area of the park. 

Carbon River & Mowich (Northwest corner)

Distance from Seattle (one way) : 2 hours (70 miles). Depending on where you visit, you’ll either enter through the Carbon River entrance or Mowich Lake entrance. Opening dates: The Carbon River portion of this region is mostly snow free and open year round, while the Mowich area is open mid-July to mid-October. This area of Mount Rainier National Park is home to an inland temperate rainforest, the lowest elevation glacier in the lower 48, and the park’s largest and deepest lake. Plus a super fun fire lookout hike! 

Ohanapecosh (Southeast corner of the park)

Distance from Seattle (one way): Between 2-2.5 hours (97 miles).  Opening dates: This area is closed in the winter and is typically open late May until early October. Ohanapecosh (pronounced oh-ha-nah-pa-cosh) is home to many old growth forests. While it doesn’t have the same epic views of Mount Rainier as the other areas, it has some pretty incredible waterfalls and rivers. It’s the perfect place to go if the mountain is fogged in!

Frequently asked questions about getting to Mount Rainier from Seattle

Do I need a car to get to Mount Rainier from Seattle? Yes! While there are some day tours you can book to Mount Rainier, we highly suggest traveling to the park on your own.  What is the closest entrance to Mount Rainier from Seattle? The closest entrance from Seattle is the Nisqually entrance , which is the gateway to Longmire and Paradise. This is just under a 2 hour drive, but you will have to drive another 30 minutes or so to Paradise. Does Mount Rainier National Park have a shuttle? Unlike some national parks, Mount Rainier does not have a shuttle system, so you will either need your own car or to rent a car .  What is the cost to visit Mount Rainier National Park? Each entrance of the park charges an entrance fee, which is $30 per vehicle (good for seven consecutive days!), or you can use the America the Beautiful pass . Also, for 2024, reservations are required for certain locations and during peak times.

You may be wondering if you can see Mount Rainier National Park in one day. With over 260,000 acres, seeing all of Mount Rainier in one day is impossible. BUT with many amazing hikes and sights close to each other, you can pack a lot into a day.  So if you only have one day to visit Mount Rainier from Seattle, a day trip to Mount Rainier is still 100% worth it! And in the next section of this guide, we’re sharing five different day trip itineraries to help you plan your time in the park.

These Mount Rainier National Park itineraries are all based on our experience visiting the park multiple times over the years. And they are almost identical to the exact itineraries we followed for our day trips!  Depending on how early you leave Seattle ( warning : the earlier the better!) and how quickly you hike, you may not be able to follow these itineraries exactly. But we hope they give you a good idea of what you could accomplish in one day if visiting Mount Rainier from Seattle!

1. Paradise Region

This Mount Rainier day trip itinerary is all about exploring the popular Paradise area of the park! Between stunning Mount Rainier views, lakes, and lots of waterfalls, it’s a very well rounded day in the park. Hours of driving: 5 hours Miles of hiking: 9.2-10.3  Leave Seattle bright and early (as in, by 6 AM at the latest ) and hit the road! Right before you enter the park, grab some coffee from Rise & Grind , a coffee stand along the road. These stands are a classic Washington experience! Since Paradise can get very busy, we suggest heading straight up here first. There is a Visitor Center if you want to speak with a ranger, use the restroom, or fill up on water.  Once you’re all ready to go, it’s time to hike the Skyline Loop Trail (5.7 miles round trip). This hike gives you the BEST views in the Paradise area of the park. We were able to snowshoe part of it in the winter and were in awe. Make sure to check out Myrtle Falls along the trail too!  Enjoy a quick picnic at the Paradise picnic area. And then tackle the 1.1 mile (round trip) Nisqually Trail . This takes you to an overlook of the Nisqually glacier. Drive a bit east from Paradise to check out Reflection Lakes . This is a quick roadside stop! It’s time to begin heading out of the park. Make sure to stop at Narada Falls (0.2 miles round trip) for a quick glimpse at this gorgeous waterfall. You could also tackle the 3.5 mile round trip hike to Christine and Comet Falls if you have enough time! On your way back to Seattle, grab dinner at Wildberry Restaurant . This spot serves up Nepalese food by an Everest record holder! Their chicken thali and marionberry pie will be the perfect fuel after a big day exploring.

2. Sunrise Region

As we mentioned, Sunrise is home to some of our all time favorite hikes in Mount Rainier National Park. And this day trip itinerary focuses solely on this area! We are providing a few different hike options, which you can combine depending on your energy levels and interests. Hours of driving: 5 hours Miles of hiking: 10.7-15.6 Once again, leave Seattle bright and early to get to the Sunrise area. Seattleites are no stranger to getting up in the wee hours of a morning to go hiking, so you’ll want to arrive early to beat the crowds! For your first stop, we suggest hiking the 3.5 mile Naches Peak Loop . This trailhead is about a 2 hour drive from Seattle. Along the trail you’ll see lakes, endless mountains, and Mount Rainier. We recommend going clockwise for the best views of Mount Rainier! After your hike, hit the road to the Sunrise Visitor Center. This is about a 45 minute drive from Naches Peak. Along the way you’ll find some different pullouts and viewpoints, like the Sunrise Point Lookout . If you packed a picnic lunch, you could enjoy this at one of these scenic spots. If not, you can grab a bite to eat at the Sunrise Day Lodge .  For the rest of the day you have a couple options: Option #1: Spend the afternoon hiking the Burroughs Mountain Loop (9.5 miles round trip). If you have energy left, you could add on the Mount Fremont Lookout, which shares part of the trail and adds about 2.6 miles round trip. Option #2: Go for a short and easy walk around the Sunrise Nature Trail (1.5 miles round trip) as you wait for sunset. For sunset, hike the Mount Fremont Lookout (5.7 miles round trip), which is our favorite hike in Mount Rainier National Park! This hike takes you to a fire lookout, which has the BEST view of Mount Rainier. And at sunset, it is even more incredible! We suggest bringing a picnic dinner to enjoy from the top. After a big day exploring the Sunrise area, head back to Seattle. 

3. Carbon River and Mowich Regions

For a shorter day trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle, head to the Carbon River and Mowich region! Since this area is home to mostly longer hikes, we suggest hiking only one trail. This means you could get back to Seattle in time for dinner!  Hours of driving: 5 hours Miles of hiking: 5.6  Even though you’re only tackling one hike today, we still suggest leaving Seattle early. This will save you some parking headaches! Make the 2.5 hour drive out to the Tolmie Peak trailhead. Beware, the road out here can be rough, so take it slow! Spend your morning hiking to Tolmie Peak . This 5.6 mile hike includes two lakes, plus a fire lookout at the top, where you can admire Mount Rainier in all of her glory! After completing the hike, head to Enumclaw for some lunch! We’d suggest Cascadia Pizza for pizza and wings, Pita’s Taqueria for some bomb Mexican food, or Il Siciliano Ristorante Italiano for Italian food.

4. Paradise and Ohanapecosh Regions

This Mount Rainier day trip itinerary combines the Paradise and Ohanapecosh regions for one gorgeous day filled with mountain, forest, and river views! While it requires more driving, we think it’s worth it to see more of the park! Hours of driving: 6 hours Miles of hiking: 9 Since this is a longer day, we suggest leaving Seattle around 5 AM. I know that sounds awful, but trust us, it will be worth it!  First up, head to Paradise to hike the Skyline Loop Trail (5.7 miles round trip). It not only gets you up close to Mount Rainier, but it also stops by the iconic Myrtle Falls !  The Skyline Loop Trail should take about 3 hours total to complete. When you’re done, start the 40 minute drive to the Ohanapecosh area of the park. This drive is very scenic and if you’re feeling good on time, you can stop at some of the viewpoints along the way, plus enjoy a picnic at Reflection Lakes .  Once here, hike to the beautiful Silver Falls . This 3 mile round trip trail was one of the best surprises during our most recent trip to Mount Rainier ! You walk through the forest, with many views of the river and waterfalls along the way. The water is SO blue! To get back to Seattle, you’ll drive through Paradise again. So if you’re feeling good and have some time, you can make a quick stop at Narada Falls (0.2 miles round trip) and Christine Falls .  On your way back to Seattle, grab some Nepalese food and pie at Wildberry Restaurant !

5. Ohanapecosh and Sunrise Regions

For our final day trip option to Mount Rainier from Seattle, explore the Ohanapecosh and Sunrise areas of the park. While Paradise is very popular (and for good reason), we think these two areas make for just as stunning of a day in the park. And it includes our favorite hike in the park! Hours of driving: 6 hours Miles of hiking: 10.2 Leave Seattle by 6 AM and head to the Ohanapecosh area of the park. Since this area isn’t quite as busy as Sunrise and Paradise, you can arrive slightly later (around 9 AM) and likely still get parking. Your first adventure of the day is to hike to Silver Falls ! You can either access this trail from the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center or at the Grove of the Patriarchs Trailhead (this trail is currently closed until 2027). This 3 mile hike follows a bright blue river, through the forest, with multiple waterfalls to check out. While it doesn’t have Mount Rainier views, it is still pretty magical!  Drive about 1 hour to the Sunrise area of the park. Along the way, stop at different overlooks! Once arriving, you can enjoy a picnic lunch or grab a bite to eat at the Sunrise Day Lodge . You will have some time to kill for sunset, so we suggest going for a short and easy walk around the Sunrise Nature Trail (1.5 miles round trip). About 3-4 hours before sunset, begin your hike up to the Mount Fremont Lookout (5.7 miles round trip), which is our favorite hike in Mount Rainier National Park! The views of Mount Rainier are INSANE! You’ll want to get here early to find a good spot to sit and enjoy a picnic before the sun sets. After you enjoy (hopefully) an amazing sunset, make the drive back to Seattle. 

If you have more than one day at Mount Rainier National Park, we suggest combining the itineraries above! And if you’re looking for more things to do in Mount Rainier, we have a detailed guide with tons of other hike options, plus suggestions of where to stay. You could also spend additional days exploring Washington’s other National Parks. Both Olympic National Park and North Cascades National Park are jaw droppingly beautiful and offer a different experience from Mount Rainier. They are easily accessible from Seattle as well!

While Mount Rainier National Park is partially open year round, for the full park experience, the best time to visit would be from June (preferably July) to October . This is when all park roads are open and trails will be mostly or completely snow free. And it’s when the weather is the best, with a higher chance of sunny days. There is a risk for wildfire smoke though. All of our day trip suggestions for Mount Rainier from Seattle is focused on the summer and early fall, but you could do itinerary #1 (Paradise) anytime of year!

Check conditions

Make sure to check park conditions and trail conditions on AllTrails before you go! Some areas are closed in the winter and their opening dates vary depending on snow levels.

You may not see the mountain

Before visiting Mount Rainier, it’s good to get your expectations in line. It took us 5 visits to the park to finally see Mount Rainier clearly. The other visits we encountered clouds, fog (photo above!), or smoke, which obstructed our views. Visiting in the summer months is your best chance to see the mountain and we suggest picking a crystal clear day! Even if you don’t see Mount Rainier fully, the park is still gorgeous to visit!

Fill up on fuel beforehand

There are no gas stations within the park, so make sure to fuel up before entering! 

Get to the park early

For us personally, we’d suggest leaving Seattle by 5 AM to get to Mount Rainier. This will get you to most areas before 8 AM. It is tough to get up early, but it will pay off when it comes to dealing with crowds and finding parking. You’ll also miss Seattle rush hour Want to sleep in a tad? Consider staying near the park! The park itself has three campgrounds, Cougar Rock , White River , and Ohanapecosh . And there are many other campgrounds near the park, plus some free camping options. In addition to camping, the park is home to the Historic Paradise Inn and you can find other lodging options in Ashford , near Longmire and Paradise.

Visit during the week or shoulder season

To avoid some crowds, we suggest visiting Mount Rainier from Seattle on a weekday. While there will still be a lot of people, it will be slightly less busy. And if you can, try to visit in the late summer or early fall. September, once kids are back in school, tends to be quieter. Especially during the week!

Be wildlife aware

Black bears call Mount Rainier home. And while attacks are very, very uncommon, there is a chance you may see a bear, so we’d suggest learning what to do in case you do encounter one.

Dogs are not allowed

Just like most National Parks, dogs are not allowed on trails in Mount Rainier National Park. They are only allowed in parking areas and campgrounds. Traveling with your dog? Learn what we do with Kona if she cannot join us during our travels.

Download offline maps 

We’d highly recommend downloading the AllTrails map for the route you’re hiking before you go. There is no cell service in the park and it’s helpful to track your progress on the trail. 

Want to get 30% off an AllTrails+ membership ? Use our code aplusk30 (you must redeem this code on the website, not the app)! We use AllTrails+ on every single hike and it is the most helpful hiking tool out there! Some of the features we love are offline maps (so we can navigate even without cell service), wrong-turn alerts, and its 3D maps feature, so we can get a feel for trails before we hike.

Leave no trace

Last, but certainly not least, PLEASE leave no trace! This includes staying on trail, packing out everything you bring, not playing loud music, and respecting wildlife. You can review all leave no trace principles here .

To see everything we take with us hiking, check out our hiking gear . But there are a handful of items we especially want to mention bringing when visiting Mount Rainier from Seattle.

Portable charger

Since you’ll be doing a lot of driving and hiking, make sure to bring a portable charger, so you can keep your phone battery alive throughout the day. We love this Anker portable charger . Don’t forget to bring your phone cord too!

10 essentials

Although many of the trails are well trafficked and well marked, always have the 10 essentials with you just in case things do not go according to plan. 

This is a highly recommended piece of equipment to have with you when hiking around the PNW. Mount Rainier National Park is home to black bears, which tend to not be aggressive. But we think it’s good to have bear spray just in case. Some may say that it’s overkill, but we’d rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it!

Washington’s weather, especially in the mountains, can change drastically throughout the day. Make sure to bring layers! Your mornings and evenings will likely be cold, while the afternoons (in the summer) will hopefully be sunny, plus warm.

Food and water

There aren’t a ton of food options near the park, so make sure to pack meals to enjoy during your hikes! If you start near visitor centers, then they will have water fountains, but if not, then make sure you have enough water on you. We love our Camelbak bladder for hikes because it stores a ton of water and it’s easy to drink while moving. You can also bring a water filter in case you need to fill up in a stream.

Sun protection

Some of the trails at Mount Rainier are very exposed. So if you go on a warm and sunny day, you’ll get lots of sun! Make sure to pack sunscreen and sunglasses.

If you plan to visit Mount Rainier in the shoulder seasons or early summer, we’d recommend bringing microspikes . We encountered snow in Paradise in early July one year!

If you plan to do sunset hikes (which we highly recommend), make sure to pack a headlamp !

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How to Plan an Incredible Day Trip to Mount Rainier

Want to see the best of Mount Rainier National Park, but only have a day? You’re in the right place. We’ve spent a fair amount of time exploring Mount Rainier National Park over the past several years from our home base in Portland, and we’re going to help you figure out how to best spend your limited time.

Lush meadows, an abundance of wildflowers, and multiple picturesque waterfalls await you on your day trip to Mount Rainier. 

In the Seattle area, a “nice day” is often defined by whether or not you can see Rainier’s snow capped peak from the city.

To really understand why Mount Rainier National Park is one of the country’s best national parks, though, you have to get up close and personal.

From Seattle, you can’t see towering Narada Falls, the incredible views of the surrounding peaks in the Tatoosh Range and Mount Adams from the Skyline Trail, or the perfect reflection of Rainier in Bench Lake. 

If you follow the guide below, you’ll experience all of those things and more, and hopefully come away with a deeper appreciation for Mount Rainier National Park, which is only two and a half hours away from Seattle. 

And you’ll see why we have it high on our list of the best day trips from Seattle .

Can you believe that Matt grew up in Washington State (the Seattle area to be more specific), and didn’t make it to Rainier – or any of the other national parks in Washington – until his 30’s? What was he even doing for those first 30 years of his life, you might ask. 

In this guide, we’ll give you all the information – the logistics, the things to do and see at Mount Rainier in a day, and some alternative options if you’re not into hiking – to plan an unforgettable day trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle. 

All the information in this guide is based on personal experience exploring the park over several trips.

If you have a question that we didn’t cover below, leave us a comment so that we can get back to you (and potentially add it to the guide!). 

Important for 2024: To deal with the ever-increasing crowds visiting Rainier each year, the park has instituted a timed entry permit for visitors to the Paradise and Sunrise corridors in 2024. For more information, head to the NPS website (linked above).

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.

Can You See All of Mount Rainier National Park in One Day?

We wanted to start with this one, because it’s important. Spoiler alert: we think the answer is a definite “NO.” 

Mount Rainier National Park is huge, spanning 369 square miles. There are basically four distinct regions of the park for our purposes here – Paradise , Ohanapecosh , Sunrise , and Mowich Lake (Carbon River, the fifth, is closed indefinitely at the time of writing). 

Here’s a map.

To give you an idea as to why this matters, here are the drive times between the different regions. We’re going clockwise from Sunrise, ending with Mowich Lake. 

• Sunrise to Ohanapecosh: 32 miles // 1 hour
• Ohanapecosh to Paradise: 25 miles // 45 minutes
• Paradise to Mowich Lake: 96 miles // 2 hours

It’d be pretty easy to rack up more than six hours of driving if you tried to do Sunrise, Ohanapecosh, and Paradise in one day (including driving to and from Seattle). 

For that reason, we would strongly encourage you to choose ONE region to focus on for your Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle, as there’s plenty to do and see in each individual area to make it a full day. 

And guess what? We have thoughts on which region that should be (surprise!). 

Which Region of the Park Should You Focus On for Your Day Trip to Mount Rainier?

If it is your first time in the park, we cannot stress enough that Paradise is the region that you should focus on . 

Let’s put it this way – we think it delivers on the name. 

Between the waterfalls, alpine lakes, and incredible hikes (including multiple that make our list of the best hikes in Washington State ) with jaw dropping views, Paradise is Mount Rainier at its most stunning. Here are a few pictures that are worth many thousands of words.  

That’s not to say that the other parts of the park aren’t worth visiting. But we think Paradise is BY FAR the best option for first timers. And it has the most going on, too. Plenty to fill an entire day. 

Here’s a quick overview of the different regions, and what makes them special: 

• Paradise: Epic wildflowers in the early summer, countless alpine lakes, four of the most stunning waterfalls in Washington State, and the best hike in the park. We’d say the name is accurate. 
• Sunrise: The best breadth of different hikes in the park, and the highest elevation that you can drive to in the park (it’s about 1,000 feet higher than Paradise). Outside of hiking, not a whole lot going on. 
• Ohanapecosh: Very different from other parts of the park – this is an old growth forest. Some good short hikes (good for kids), but probably only worth about a half day or so. 
• Mowich Lake: Two of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park are here , but unfortunately it’s at the end of a 20 mile long washboard road that has some potholes and probably shouldn’t be attempted unless it’s late summer and you have a high-clearance vehicle. 

Timed Entry Reservations Are Required in 2024 (Paradise and Sunrise)

In 2024, you need to make an entry reservation for Paradise and Sunrise .

This is the most important piece of this entire logistics section, because it’s a new system for 2024 and we can foresee many people missing it and getting turned away at the entrance stations. 

Between May 24 and Sept 2, 2024, you need to make a timed entry reservation to enter the Paradise Corridor .

This includes the road between the Nisqually Entrance, up to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, and down to the Stevens Canyon Entrance near Ohanapecosh. 

Between July 4 through September 2, you need to make a timed entry reservation to enter the Sunrise Corridor .

This is the road between the White River Entrance, up to the Sunrise Visitor Center. 

These permits only apply if you enter the park between 7am and 3pm, meaning that if you enter before 7am or after 3pm, a permit is not required (another reason for an early start!). 

It’s also worth noting that a reservation at Cougar Rock Campground (Paradise), the Paradise Inn, or National Park Inn can be used in place of a timed entry permit for the Paradise Corridor. 

If you get a first-come, first-served site at White River Campground near Sunrise, that also can be used in lieu of a Sunrise timed entry permit. 

However, it is also worth noting that a camping or lodge reservation in Paradise DOES NOT get you access to the Sunrise Corridor, and vice versa. 

Permits are released 90 days in advance in blocks. 

Here are the release dates for 2024 for the Paradise Corridor Timed Entry Permits:

• February 21, 2024: Reservations available for May 24 – June 30, 2024
• April 1, 2024: Reservations available for July 1 – July 31, 2024
• May 1, 2024: Reservations available for August 1 – September 2, 2024

Here are the release dates for 2024 for the Sunrise Corridor Timed Entry Permits:

• April 1, 2024: Reservations available for July 4 – July 31, 2024

It’s well worth reading the timed entry reservation page AND the timed entry FAQ for all the information you might need. 

Implications of Timed Entry Permits for Your Trip

For what it’s worth, we saw this timed entry reservation process unfold at multiple other national parks across the western United States during our two year road trip a few years back .  

During that period, we visited every national park west of the Rockies, and saw multiple parks trying their best to deal with increased visitation numbers. 

It’s a complicated situation, because on one hand, the record visitation numbers are putting a huge strain on park resources and ecosystems. 

On the other hand, we want to make our national parks accessible (and we want that access to be equitable) because seeing the national parks in person makes everyone want to come together to protect them!

However, putting that all aside, the number one implication that we saw in places like Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park is that the timed entry permits will force many people to enter the park before that 7am window kicks in . 

Parking lots in Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park were full by 6am or so as people rushed to get into the park before the permits were required.

We’d anticipate that something similar will play out here. 

Keep that in mind as you plan your own visit, since parking at Sunrise and Paradise is limited to begin with. 

Tips for Visiting Mount Rainier National Park in a Day

Before we get to the meat of this guide, here are some things to know as you’re planning your trip. 

Cell Service is Limited at Best – Download Offline Maps Ahead of Time

You’ll find very, very limited cell service in the park. And by very limited, I mean zero cell service unless you’re at the parking lot next to the visitor center. 

For navigation, we always download offline maps on Google Maps, which allows you to use navigation even if you don’t have cell service (although it doesn’t give you real time traffic, which doesn’t really matter in this case).

Here’s a guide on how to do that. 

You can also find a bunch of different park maps on the NPS website here if you prefer a physical map. 

Expect Crowds in July and August

July and August are the busiest months at Rainier. The park sees more than 2 million people visiting the park on an annual basis.

And roughly half of those people visit in July or August (according to this fun table on the NPS site), which means you’re going to encounter crowds in those months. 

The two biggest places where that matters are the entrance stations and the parking lots at trailheads.  

At the Nisqually entrance station in particular, it is not uncommon for a line to start forming at 9:00am. In fact, on our latest foray into the park, we arrived at about 9:15am, and had to wait about 15 minutes to enter the park.

Between 10:00am and 12:00pm, expect that time to be an hour, if not more. Get an early start! (Note: This is true for the others too, there are just fewer people using those). 

The second place that crowds matter is the parking lots at trailheads.

The main parking lot at Paradise – the one that the Skyline trail leaves from – is big. But it still fills up by 10:00am, earlier on weekends.

We were surprised that it was mostly full at 7:00am on a Monday morning on our latest trip. 

Other trailheads and parking lots, like Comet Falls and Reflection Lakes, have parking for substantially fewer cars. Be prepared to wait for a spot when you arrive. There’s a lot of turnover, so it shouldn’t be too long.  

Try to Visit on a Weekday if You Can

We’ve been to the park on basically every day of the week at this point, and it is noticeably busier on weekends.

If you have the ability and flexibility, we’d definitely try to plan your visit on a weekday . However, know that in July and August parking lots will fill no matter the day of the week.

Check Road Conditions Before You Leave

Road conditions are an important thing to check in the week before your trip. 

For example, had we not checked road conditions before we left, we would not have known that as of August 2022, Stevens Canyon Road from Paradise to Ohanapecosh was closed Monday to Thursday for road repairs, which made getting between Paradise and Sunrise / Ohanapecosh nearly impossible. 

Between construction, which can only really happen in the summer given the weather and conditions at Rainier, and washouts during the winter, road conditions are constantly in flux. 

You can find the NPS report on road conditions here . Definitely check before you leave!

The Last Gas Station near the Nisqually Entrance is in Ashford

There is no gas available in the park. The last gas station where you can fill up is in Ashford, just outside the Nisqually entrance.

Note that there’s basically only one option, and it’s more expensive than the gas stations further outside the park.

If you can fill up on your way in BEFORE arriving in Ashford, we’d suggest that to save some money. 

Pack All of Your Meals – There Are Limited Options for Food in the Park

Similar to the gas situation, there are very, very few food options in the park.

You could grab lunch at the Paradise Inn (though a lot of the time, they’re only doing seated lunches and dinners for hotel guests these days) or at the tiny cafeteria there, which has sandwiches and salads.

But it will be expensive, and the food won’t be stellar. 

A far, far better option is to pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the shore of Reflection Lakes! Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, some sparkling water – all at a fraction of the (outrageous) cost of getting lunch at one of the park facilities.

Bring Plenty of Water and Sun Protection

On our last foray into Mount Rainier National Park, we were struck by how intense the sun is once you’re up at 5,000 feet above sea level.

Sunscreen is your friend! Bring plenty of it, and reapply at lunchtime.

Getting from Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park (the Nisqually Entrance)

If you’re heading to Mount Rainier from Seattle, then you’re going to want to enter the park through the Nisqually Entrance , which is in the southwest corner of the park near the town of Ashford. 

To get to Mount Rainier from Seattle, you’re looking at somewhere around two and a half hours, and 107 miles of driving (to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise). 

There are a couple of different routes that you could take, and it totally depends on traffic, so check Google Maps before you leave.

However, if you’re leaving early in the morning, then the best route is probably going to be hopping on I-5 South to Highway 167 South.

Then, you’ll make your way onto Highway 161 South, and follow it until it ends. When it ends, take a left on Highway 7 / National Park Road, which turns into Paradise Road and takes you to the Nisqually Entrance. 

Keep in mind that, if you don’t pass through the entrance station before around 9:00am, there will likely be a line to get in, which will add anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to your journey. Which should be all the incentive you need to get an early start!

Getting to Mount Rainier from Portland

Oh hey neighbor! We’re based in Portland, and we’ve done this trip ourselves very recently (I’m writing this on the day we got back). 

It’s a bit further if you’re coming from Portland, at 156 miles and around three hours. But if you’re okay with a lot of driving, then it’s worth it. 

Really, it makes for a better weekend getaway from Portland , but we understand that not everybody has that kind of time.

You’ll hop on I-5 Northbound, and get off at exit 68 for Highway 12 towards Yakima. Stay on that road for a hair over 30 miles, and turn left at the town of Morton to get on Highway 7 North. Follow that for 16 miles, turn right onto Paradise Road, and you’ll reach the Nisqually entrance a few miles later. 

Here’s a map .

Paradise is also the easiest region to access from Portland – to get to Sunrise, it’s another two hours, which is not nearly as doable. 

How to Plan a Picture Perfect Seattle to Mount Rainier Day Trip: A Complete Guide

Now that we’ve gotten the important logistics and tips out of the way, let’s get into the fun part!

If you follow this guide, you’ll spend your entire day exploring the Paradise region of Mount Rainier National Park, which is on the southern end of The Mountain.

You’ll see waterfalls, incredible mountain views, pristine alpine lakes, and too many picturesque vistas to count. 

In terms of structuring your day, we think you should beeline to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center to park and get an early start on the Skyline Trail, and then make your way back down Paradise Park Road from there, doing the waterfalls and lakes in the afternoon.

Conveniently, this also takes you in the right direction to get home, which is nice. 

We also want to make it clear that this day trip includes a lot of hiking – eight miles if you skip Bench and Snow Lakes, and around 10 miles, if you include that stop.

That’s a LOT of miles in a day for most people, so make sure you have plenty of water, food and snacks, sun protection, and prepare for an epic day of exploring at Mount Rainier. 

If you’re not super into hiking (or more likely your kids aren’t up for big mileage), we have a section below the main guide with suggestions on what to do with less of a focus on hiking. 

7:30am: Start with the Unforgettable Skyline Trail

The Skyline Trail is our favorite hike in the park, full stop. 

We’ve now done it a couple of times, in both directions, and we can’t get enough.

The best part? For the views along the trail, the effort isn’t really that bad. However, it might be the most trafficked hike in the entire state (and potentially the entire Pacific Northwest), which means you’re going to be braving crowds whenever you do it. 

By the way, we have an entire detailed guide dedicated to hiking the Skyline Loop Trail , which you should read for more details if you’re interested in tackling our favorite hike in the park (and a top three hike in Washington for us). 

Getting to the Trailhead

This hike leaves from the big parking lot right outside the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center ( here on Google Maps), which has a lot of parking spaces, but generally fills up by 9:30am in the summer. Which is exactly why we’re recommending getting an early start. 

If you enter through the Nisqually Entrance, you’ll stay on Paradise Road E for a hair under 18 miles, and reach the parking lot after a bunch of climbing and some hairpin turns. 

There are bathrooms at the trailhead (the bathrooms inside the Paradise Inn are much nicer), and a water fill station inside the Paradise Inn to fill up water bottles. 

There are a couple of ways to do this trail, and SURPRISE we have thoughts on how you should do it. 

First, here’s a map of the trail (courtesy of the NPS) so you can visualize what we’re talking about. 

The first thing to think about is whether you’re wanting to do the full loop or the out-and-back to Panorama Point.

The loop is by far the better way to do it because of the views on the eastern half of the loop (the best view is actually just above Panorama Point, which you’d totally miss if you just did the out-and-back), but it’s a couple of extra trail miles. 

The second thing to think about is what direction you want to hike. Clockwise is a steeper ascent, and then a longer, more gradual descent. Counter-clockwise means a more gradual ascent, and a quick, steep descent. 

The busiest section of the trail is the western part (the steep part through the meadows), and it’s a zoo anytime after about 10:00am. 

Our recommendation is to do it clockwise if you can get a start before 8:00am , which means you’ll be able to do the ascent without a million people on the trail with you. 

If you get a later start, we’d do it counter-clockwise to enjoy some solitude on the less traveled eastern half of the loop. 

Like we mentioned, we have a much more detailed guide to the Skyline Trail , which has all the information you need to tackle the trail safely and have the best experience. 

Here’s a brief overview of the hike so you have an idea of what to expect. If you took our advice and arrived at 7:30am, you should go clockwise, which is the direction we’re describing here. 

You’ll start from the visitor center, and tackle what might be the most difficult, steep portion of the hike. It’s counter-intuitive, because this section is paved, but it’s no joke.

As you climb, you’ll come around a bend and get your first views of the meadows and stunning Rainier views that makes Paradise special.

Then comes the long, steep ascent. The views are amazing – make sure to look back behind you for the views of the Tatoosh Range, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and even Mount Hood on a clear day. But make no mistake, climbing 1,700 feet of elevation in about two miles is tough.

Take your time, drink plenty of water, and you’ll make it!

After climbing, you’ll arrive at Panorama Point, which has amazing views out to the south and features just about every peak in southern Washington and Oregon.

It’s a good place to stop for a snack and a break, AND there’s a pit toilet here in the summer (BYO-toilet paper). 

However, the most impressive view of Rainier’s south face awaits you after a short climb from Panorama Point, which takes you to the highest point on the trail.

From the top of that rocky outcropping behind Panorama Point, the view is sublime. Both of Rainier, and of the surrounding peaks and mountain ranges. 

From there, it’s all downhill. You’ll descend through the high alpine terrain, which is noticeably more rocky than the lush meadows on the first half of the trail (we always find this fascinating).

You’re likely to find a few snow patches on this section of trail, which lingers through August most years (check in at the visitor center before you leave to see if it’s doable). 

You’ll enter the forest, then there’s a short climb immediately before you get back to the visitor center.

Don’t miss Myrtle Falls , which is right off of the trail on the way back to the starting point.

Make sure to use the restroom and fill water here before you leave! 

12:00pm: Lunch at Reflection Lakes

After your hike, it’s time to enjoy your packed lunch! You can absolutely do this at the picnic tables near the visitor center, but we’d recommend hopping in the car and doing the short drive over to Reflection Lakes for a picnic with a view.

Though you should know that you are NOT allowed to picnic along the lakefront.

Instead, enjoy the view from the parking area, then take a walk down to the lake after you’re done eating.  

For what it’s worth, we like the view from here , though you basically can’t go wrong in this area. 

Optional: The Bench and Snow Lakes Trail

Depending on how you’re feeling after your morning hike, we have another great hike for you to tackle if you’re up for it.

While it’s only 2.2 miles, this hike isn’t quite as easy as it seems from the stats. However, we think it’s a great bang-for-your-buck, and both lakes are worth visiting. 

The hike starts from a relatively small trailhead off of Stevens Canyon Road ( here on Google Maps), and there are no restrooms or water fill stations here.

There are two gorgeous alpine lakes on this hike, and we liked them both. But if you’re worn out from the morning of hiking, we’d say that closer Bench Lake is a good compromise at 1.5 miles roundtrip. 

The trail climbs from the parking lot, and then descends down to Bench Lake. From the shores of the lake, you’ll be treated to a picture-perfect reflection of Rainier on a clear, calm day. 

If you’re up for it, it’s another half mile or so up to Snow Lake, where you won’t have a Rainier view, but you will find a gorgeous valley, a crystal clear blue-green lake, and a backcountry campground that you can hike into and camp at. 

It’s a little bit of a steep climb right before the lake, and tired legs might make that a little tough. 

You’ll reach a fork in the trail – make sure to go both directions. Left is a great view of the lake from the wooden footbridge that takes you to the campsites.

Head right and make your way to the far end of the lake, where the trail ends and you’ll find a great view of the valley with towering rocky peaks and some fun waterfalls. 

Head back to the parking lot, and it’s time to make your way back downhill to Ashford and, sadly, the end of your day trip to Mount Rainier. 

There are two stops to make on your way back down for great views. First is Inspiration Point , which is on your left on Stevens Canyon Road right before you turn left onto Paradise Road to head back down towards Ashford. 

Second is Ricksecker Point , where you’ll have great views of the Mountain. It’s a few miles down Paradise Road from the turnoff to Stevens Canyon Road (and it’s actually between Narada and Christine Falls, your next two stops). 

3:00pm: Stop at Narada Falls

These next three stops will take you to three impressive waterfalls on your way back down to Ashford. 

The first is Narada Falls, which is on your left a mile and a half from Inspiration Point. It’s visible from the parking lot, but BY FAR the better view is down a short trail (it’s maybe a quarter mile) from the viewpoint below the parking lot. 

From there, you’ll be able to take in the falls in all their glory. The Paradise River plunges 168 feet over Narada Falls into the river below.

When the falls is in full sun, you also get a nice rainbow at the base of the falls (though it’s much harder to take a good long-exposure picture of the falls). 

There are bathrooms here across the stone bridge from the parking lot. 

3:30pm: Marvel at Gorgeous Christine Falls

Next up is one of our favorite waterfalls in the park, not because it’s the most impressive, but because of the composition from a photography perspective. Compared to Narada and Comet (your next stop), Christine Falls is basically puny. 

However, the framing with the stone bridge is pretty unbeatable. 

It’s a tiny parking lot, and the falls is right off the road. It can be tough to park here, and you definitely don’t want to stop in the middle of the road to wait for a parking spot. 

4:00pm: End with a Hike to Comet Falls (Plus a Bonus Waterfall!)

In some ways, we’ve saved the best waterfall for last. It’s a tough hike up to Comet Falls , but it’s by far the most impressive of the four waterfalls you’ve seen today. 

Plus, there’s a SECOND impressive waterfall on the way up (right before Comet Falls) that we had no idea existed until we stumbled upon it on our way up. Two epic waterfalls for the price of one? Sign us up. 

The hike to Comet Falls is 3.8 miles, with 900 feet of elevation gain. Not too tough, but with heavy legs, it’s going to be harder than it looks. 

However, we think the payoff is well worth it. You’ll climb through the forest, then into a rocky alpine section (keep an eye out for pikas, an adorable little critter somewhat like a cross between a hamster and a bunny), and finally you’ll arrive at an impressive waterfall. 

Which, funny enough, actually isn’t Comet Falls! It’s that bonus waterfall we talked about, which is actually called Bloucher Falls. 

From there, it’s a short walk up the trail to your first view of Comet Falls, which is where you’ll see torrents of water fall 380 feet from the top of the falls into the multiple tiers of falls below. You can walk up the trail from that first viewpoint to a second, closer viewpoint. 

You can continue from here up to Van Trump Park – “park” effectively means “meadow” when we’re talking about alpine regions – but it’s another two miles or so added, and an extra 1,000 feet of climbing in one mile.

Brutal, and probably not something you’re up for after miles of hiking already in the bag today. 

After this hike, that’s a wrap! Continue down Paradise Road, exit the park through the Nisqually Entrance, and head home.

Planning a Trip to Mount Rainier National Park? You won’t want to miss our detailed guides to visiting Mount Rainier that are all based on our own personal experience exploring the park.

• All the Best Things to Do in Mount Rainier National Park
• How to Plan an Unforgettable Day Trip to Mount Rainier From Seattle
• Where to Stay near Mount Rainier National Park: A Complete Guide
• The Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park: A Helpful Hiking Guide
• Hiking the Skyline Trail: Is This the Best Hike in the Entire State?
• Hiking the Jaw-Dropping Burroughs Mountain Trail at Mount Rainier
• Hiking to Towering Comet Falls in Mount Rainier National Park
• The Naches Peak Loop: The Best Bang-for-your-Buck in Washington

How to Spend a Day in Mount Rainier National Park if You’re Not a Big Hiker (or Have Kids)

It’s certainly true that Mount Rainier is one of the best hiking destinations on the west coast, if not the entire country. 

It is also true that Rainier is worth visiting even if you don’t do one of the big hikes in the park. 

Whether you’re just not into hiking, or you have small kids who aren’t up for long treks, here’s how we’d amend the itinerary above to still have an awesome day in the park. 

Start your day by heading straight to the main parking lot at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center.

Instead of hiking the Skyline Trail, which is six miles and an aggressive climb, we’d focus on two shorter trails (both are paved, if you have a stroller). 

First, do the Nisqually Vista trail , which is just west of the visitor center. You’ll find blankets of wildflowers, some nice peek-a-boo views of Rainier, and one great view of Rainier’s southern face, with some informational signage about the Nisqually Glacier. 

Next, walk back to the visitor center and head the other direction to Myrtle Falls, one of our favorite waterfalls in Washington.

There are some stairs that will make getting down to the viewpoint with a stroller difficult. Myrtle Falls is backed by the face of Rainier looming in the background, and it’s one of our favorite views in the park. 

The view from the wooden footbridge just past Myrtle Falls isn’t half bad, either. See?

From there, hop in the car and head to Reflection Lakes for lunch.

If you’re up for it, drive to the Bench and Snow Lakes trailhead ( here on Google Maps) and hike up to Bench Lake, which is about 1.5 miles and ~250 feet of elevation gain.

When you get there, if you’re lucky and it’s relatively calm, you’ll find a picture-perfect reflection of Rainier’s glaciated peak on the surface of the lake. 

An alternative to the Bench Lake trail is to head to Ohanapecosh, which is another 40 minutes or so down Stevens Canyon Road. There, you’ll find a couple of relatively easy hikes ( Grove of the Patriarchs and Silver Falls ) that are good for kids and non-hikers. 

Note: Grove of the Patriarchs is closed indefinitely because the bridge is washed out, and there is no date for reopening at the time of writing. 

From there, you can follow the rest of the itinerary above as written, with the exception of Comet Falls, which is a three mile hike that is somewhere between easy and moderate. 

The Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier National Park

We mentioned above that the best time to visit Mount Rainier is in the summer, when trails are snow-free, roads are open, and you’ll most likely have blue skies, warm weather, and those amazingly long Pacific Northwest days where it’s light out from 6:00am to 10:00pm. 

Over the years running this site, we’ve realized that “summer” can mean completely different things to different people.

I used to take for granted that everyone knew what I meant when I said “summer is the best time to visit,” not realizing that growing up in the Pacific Northwest shaped my definition of the seasons.

For example, many people from the Midwest and East Coast think “summer” means June. However, if you show up at Rainier in June, you’ll be met with snowfields and closed roads. 

For our purposes here, summer means mid-July through September . You can absolutely visit outside of those months, but there’s a chance you won’t be able to tackle some of the bigger hikes without proper snow equipment and experience. 

If you’re interested in wildflowers , you should try to plan a trip for late July, which is when the wildflowers emerge from hibernation and line the meadows at Rainier with blankets of white, red, purple, yellow, and just about every other color you can think of.

It’s usually the last week of July into the first week of August, but it depends on the year and the conditions in the spring and summer. 

If you want fall color, come in mid-October . While there aren’t a whole lot of trees that turn colors at Rainier, the foliage on the ground turns all sorts of shades of red, orange, and yellow as fall descends on the Mountain.

Weather will be a bit more unpredictable – you might get sunny and warm, you might get cold and wet, you might get snow – but roads will still be open through October, allowing access to most of the park. 

The upside of visiting Rainier in the winter is that, compared to the summer, it will feel like you have the Mountain to yourself. The downside is that it will be cold and snowy.

There’s some fun snowshoeing to be done, and there’s something really special about seeing Rainier’s meadows blanketed with snow.

However, a lot of the park facilities are closed in the winter, and you’ll need to be prepared to drive the windy road that climbs from the Nisqually entrance to Paradise in winter weather conditions. 

Matt is the founder and main writer behind Wheatless Wanderlust, which he started back in 2018 as a way to share his gluten free travel guides with his fellow Celiac travelers.

Since then, Matt and his wife Alysha have visited 18 national parks, spent three months in Europe and six weeks in Colombia, and have explored every corner of the Pacific Northwest, which is where Matt grew up.

He writes super detailed guides to the places they visit, bringing together personal experience and historical context to help YOU plan an amazing trip.

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The Emerald Palate

Seattle food tours & retreats

Things to Do , Travel Guides , Washington · October 19, 2020

The Ultimate Mount Rainier Day Trip from Seattle

A Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle is one of my favorite ways to explore Washington state. I’ll never forget how my jaw dropped the first time I saw its looming peak driving from the airport. Even to this day, almost 15 years later, I still do a double take or comment when it’s visible.

This is my reaction seeing Mt. Rainier from 2-3 hours away, so imagine what it’s like when you’re right there . There are seemingly endless viewpoints for taking in its magnificence, and hundreds of trails for exploring the wildlife that surrounds it.

So if you’ve never been or are in need of a revisit, you’re in for a treat. Here is my favorite way to spend a day at Mt. Rainier, broken down in a step-by-step itinerary starting and ending in Seattle.

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Want to skip the planning? Let me plan you a custom trip to Mt. Rainier with an itinerary that matches your preferences and skill level exactly. I can even make it a multi-day trip if you’d like!

About Mount Rainier National Park

Designated in 1899, Mt. Rainier National Park is the United States 5th national park. However, evidence of human activity in the park dates between 2,000 and 3,000 BC. The area was inhabited by the Nisqually, Puyallup, Squaxin Island, Muckleshoot, Yakama, and Cowlitz tribes before Europeans “discovered” it. In fact, it’s known as “Tacoma” or Takhoma to Indigenous peoples, which translates to “she who gives us the waters” or “the mountain that was god”.

The national park as we know it today protects more than 240,000 acres of forest, with the centerpiece volcano standing at 14,411 feet above sea level. It’s the 5th tallest peak in the contiguous United States and has the most glaciers on it’s peak out of all the lower 48 states.

Yup, a volcano with snow.

In fact, it experiences about 20 small earthquakes a year and has the second most seismic activity in the North Cascade Range behind Mt. St. Helens.

We’re so lucky to be able to see Mt. Rainier on a sunny day from most areas in the Pacific Northwest. Particularly in Seattle we have the Cascade Mountains to the east and the Olympic National Park mountain range to the west, but it’s Mt. Rainier to the south that is impossible to ignore. This makes it one of the best scenic day trips from Seattle .

How the park is organized

To give you a sense of place before you embark on your Mt. Rainier day trip, let’s talk about how the park is organized. There are 5 main sections: Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River/Mowich. Check out this park map for a visual of were these areas are in relation to each other.

The Nisqually entrance to the southwest of the park is the most popular given its year round access, and the Longmire and Paradise areas are the first sections you’ll hit once you pass that entrance. It’s the most conveniently located from Seattle for day trips, clocking in at about a 2.5 hour drive.

This is where you’ll start your Mt. Rainier day trip.

IMPORTANT: Reservations will be required starting summer 2024! The National Park Service is piloting a reservation system for the Paradise and Sunrise areas. You will need a reservation in addition to a park pass to visit starting this year!

Itinerary for a Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle

If I only have one day in Mount Rainier, I’d spend it by fitting in hikes near both the Paradise and Sunrise visitor centers. This will allow you to explore both sides of the glacier and get different landscape views.

Sunrise is only accessible from about June/July through October , so this itinerary assumes you’re traveling within that time frame.

5:00 AM: Leave Seattle

Rise and shine. If you want to do a Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle, you’re going to have to get up early to make the most of your day. I recommend getting up at 4 AM so you’re out of the door by 5 AM.

It will take you approximately 2.5 hours without traffic from downtown Seattle to the Paradise Jackson Visitors Center, your first destination. To avoid the crowds and get a parking spot, you want to be there before 8 AM.

Pro tips: To make sure you leave on time:

• Pack all your food the night before so you can just grab it.
• Put everything you’re bringing by the door.
• Pick out your outfit the night before.
• Grind the coffee the night before so it’s ready to make.
• Set multiple alarms and put your phone out of reach.

7:30 AM: Stop at Christine Falls

website | directions | only a few stairs to viewpoint

Your first destination is Christine Falls. This is a great place to start because it’s only a viewpoint with a small parking lot, so it gets crowded once more visitors start arriving. When we arrived at 7:30 AM, there wasn’t a soul in sight.

Christine Falls has a 69-foot drop. It offers beautiful photos from the viewpoint because there’s a historic bridge arching over the falls. This bridge cuts the true height of these falls in half, so you’re only seeing roughly half of its grandeur. Still, it’s quite beautiful!

There rest of the upper falls is usually hidden by trees. If the leaves are starting to drop, you may see a second bridge in the distance. You’d be able to get a better vantage point of the upper falls from there, but it requires hiking a bit along the trail to Comet Falls . You won’t have time for that during this trip, but consider it next time!

7:45 AM: Visit Narada Falls

website | directions | 0.2 mile walk to viewpoint

Narada Falls is another great viewpoint to stop at on your way to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise. It’s about 5 minutes away from Christine Falls and only takes a short hike down to the main viewpoint. While short, it’s often wet thanks to ground seepage and will give you a bit of a workout on the way back up, but nothing too bad!

It is said the falls are named after the revered traveling musician and storyteller of Hindu tradition, Narada. In Hindu it means “uncontaminated” or “pure”, which is a fitting name given the ambiance.

Most visitors head back after the viewpoint, but the stairs continue onto the Wonderland Trail and offer a 3.5-mile out-and-back hike toward Reflection Lakes. However, on this trip, you’ll visit Reflection Lakes later so skip the hike!

8:15 AM: Arrive at Paradise for your first hike

website | directions | ~10 trail options available ( trail map )

The Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center is the main visitor center for Mount Rainier National Park. As such it can get really crowded, so that’s why you want to arrive early.

The visitor center is at 5,400 feet elevation and was opened in 2008. It’s named after Washington’s longest-serving and most influential senator. “Paradise” is said to have come from park pioneer James Longmire’s daughter-in-law, Martha, when she exclaimed, “Oh, what a paradise!”  when she saw the area for the first time.

After a quick bathroom break, head up the pebbled steps carved into the hill directly in front of the parking lot. This is the main way to access the trails, and your destination is the Skyline Trail .

The full hike is a ~5.5 mile loop with a 1,450 elevation gain. Moderately fit hikers will take about 4 hours for the full loop without stops. While it’s beautiful to do the whole hike, I recommend only going 3.5 miles to Glacier Vista and turning back so you can cut the hike closer to 2.5 hours for this day trip itinerary.

The first 0.4 miles are steep, but it flattens out as it opens up to views of expansive meadows below the looming glacial peak. In July-August you’ll see the landscape dotted with colorful wildflowers and in the fall it’ll be vibrant colors of gold and rust.

10:45 AM: Snap some photos at Reflection Lakes

website | directions | ~2.75 miles round trip | ~850-foot elevation gain

After your hike from the visitor center, drive to Reflection Lakes. This loop hike offers gorgeous views of the glacier reflected in the lake on a clear day. You can do the whole loop walk, but the scenery looks similar so I recommend just stopping for a few photos and to take in the view. Add it to your list of places to come back for snowshoeing in the winter.

11:00 AM: Hike Bench & Snow Lakes

website | directions | ~2.2 miles round trip | ~450-foot elevation gain

This is one of my favorite hikes at Mt. Rainier. It’s a 3-minute drive from Reflection Lakes and is one of the few hikes in this area of the park with less crowds.

It’s a there-and-back hike from the parking lot that takes you through alpine meadows and growth forests to two lakes. You’ll come up to Bench Lake first, which requires a bit of weaving through overgrown trails to get to the shore. I don’t like the kind of hiking where things are snagging in my hair, but I didn’t find it too bad. Once there you’ll see peaks reflecting in the lake similar to Reflection Lakes.

A little ways from Bench you’ll come to Snow Lake.

Snow Lake is bluer and has a view of a massive glacial slide leading into the lake. I found it more challenging of a hike to get here, with ups and downs that require exertion both there and back, but given the beautiful scenery it’s a small price to pay for a big payoff.

The hike should take you about 2 hours without long stops. For this Mount Rainier Day trip from Seattle, I recommend eating lunch after this hike in your car because you’ll be taking a nice 50-minute drive toward the Sunrise area.

As you drive to the next stop, if you notice there aren’t a ton of cars at the Grove of the Patriarchs , you can stop for some photos. It’s a 1.5 mile flat hike through some of the oldest growth forests in the park. However, it’s a popular family destination so it’s often overrun with cars. Luckily you’ll be passing right by it and can make a call on the spot.

Grove of the Patriarchs is closed until further notice because of extensive flooding.

2:00 PM: Hike the Naches Peak Loop

website | directions | ~3.5 miles round trip | 610-foot elevation gain

Hopefully you’re feeling a bit rested after the 50-minute car ride to this trailhead. Your next hiking stop is outside the national park proper, but it offers beautiful views for little effort.

The Naches Peak Loop trailhead is right near Tipsoo Lake . You’ll see a ton of people heading toward Tipsoo to take the easy trails weaving through the meadow. However, your destination is on the opposite side of the road at Dewey Lake.

The Naches Peak Loop is part of the Pacific Crest Trail and will take you up to a viewpoint of the lake you start at 600 feet higher. I recommend doing the hike clockwise for views of Mount Rainier, but since it’s a loop either way works.

The hike is relatively flat and offers sweeping views of the glacier. There are also a ton of beautiful leaves in autumn, making it one of the best hikes for fall colors in Washington .

You should be done in about 2 hours with not too long of stops. If you’re starting to feel a bit tired, luckily you’ll have about a 45-minute rest in the car ride to Sunrise.

5:00 PM: Arrive at Sunrise

At 6,400 feet elevation, the Sunrise Visitor Center is the highest part of Mount Rainier National Park you can get to with a car. Note, the road to the visitor center closes starting in November through around June/July because of winter conditions.

This is a good spot to cut off your day trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle if you’re getting tired and need to head home. However, if you can muster the stamina, I highly encourage you make most of the full day and visit this other area of the park for a totally different landscape.

The visitor center gives you 360-degree views of meadows and glaciers at the north side of Mt. Rainier. The stairs leading up to all the hikes are a bit wider and less steep than the ones at Paradise, making it a bit more accessible to casual hikers.

You have options for how you want to end your Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle. If you have the energy, weather, and desire for gorgeous sunset photos, do the Fremont Lookout trail . This ~5.7 mile there-and-back hike has a ~1,100-foot elevation gain. At the top you’re met with a historic lookout and uninterrupted views of layers upon layers of mountains.

Note if your goal is sunset photos, you need to time your arrival depending on the time of year. This Mt. Rainier day trip itinerary assumes an October sunset at about 6:40 pm. Also, don’t forget a headlamp or a fully charged phone so you have a flashlight on the way down. This hike will take you 3.5-4 hours without super lengthy breaks.

If hiking in the dark is not your bag, you can take the shorter Sourdough Ridge trail . This hike is 2.5 miles and has only a 400 foot elevation gain, making it an easier hike for ending your day. Plus, it has big view payoffs for less effort.

It’s the same hike you’ll be on to get to Fremont Lookout, so you can also make a last-minute decision if you go the whole way depending on how you feel.

7:00 – 9:00 PM: Head back to Seattle

Your time for heading back to Seattle depends on if you did the shorter or longer finisher to end your Mt. Rainier day trip from Seattle. If you plan to grab dinner on the way back, Enumclaw is probably the closest area with a congestion of restaurants to choose. However, if you can wait until Tacoma or Federal Way you’ll have more options.

The ride back to Seattle should take about 2.5 hours if route 410 is open. Hopefully it is, as this is a more efficient loop for your Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle than having to go back toward Paradise if 410 is closed. If you do have to backtrack through Paradise, it’ll take about 3 – 3.5 hours to get home.

Tips for visiting Mount Rainier National Park

Here are some of my best tips to make the most of your Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle.

Visit in the fall

More than one million people visit Mt. Rainier each year, with most of them coming during summer. This results in 1-2 hour waits just to get through the entrance!

If you want to avoid crowds, visit in September or October. While you’ll miss the famous wild flowers that bloom in July and August, you’ll be greeted with less people, less heat, less bugs, and beautiful fall foliage. It’s one of my favorite things to do during fall in Seattle when I have time for a day trip!

You could also try visiting in spring, but chances are there will still be snow and the roads to Sunrise will be closed. However, it doesn’t hurt to look each year in case it was a mild snow year! If it is, Mt. Rainier is a great place to visiting when it’s spring in Seattle . If not, you can look into cross-country skiing options .

Buy the appropriate passes

Starting the summer of 2024, Mount Rainier National Park will require timed reservations to visit Paradise and Sunrise. Since these are the areas you’ll be visiting on this itinerary for your day trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle, it’s important you book a reservation in advance in addition to your park pass if you decide to visit in summer. You don’t need a timed reservation if traveling September 3 or later (you still need a park pass year round, though).

More information on making reservations can be found on the National Park Service website .

Arrive early, preferably on a weekday

Regardless of the time of year you visit Mount Rainier, you’ll want to make sure you get there extra early. I am not a morning person, but I make sure to get to the park by at least 7:30 AM no matter the time of year.

In addition to arriving early, you’ll increase your chances of having less crowds if you visit on weekdays. This is especially true if you travel in the summer.

Visit the popular spots first

This itinerary for your Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle starts at Paradise because it’s the most popular area. To give you an example of what it was like when we last went, we arrived at Christine Falls and Narada Falls before 8 AM on a Saturday in October. There wasn’t a person in sight. When we went past it again on the way home around 5 PM, the parking lots were full.

Dress appropriately

Layers are key when visiting Mount Rainier. The weather can change in an instant and you’ll be traveling up and down different elevations. You’ll also want to have sturdy, waterproof hiking boots to make sure you don’t slip.

Here’s what I typically wear when I go to Mt. Rainier:

• Good breathable undergarments, plus extra in case you need them
• Tall hiking socks, plus extra in case they get wet
• Pants tucked into my socks to protect skin from bugs and scrapes
• Short sleeve shirt under a thicker long-sleeve shirt
• Waterproof or resistant zip hoodie with zip pockets
• Hats, both a regular or wide brim hat and beanie in case it’s cold

Some of my favorite items to wear

Bring the essentials

You’ll want to make sure you bring the right supplies when hiking since it’s going to be a long day! Here’s what I always make sure to pack.

• Gloves in case it gets cold
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen and bug spray
• Tons of water. I usually pack 4 reusable water bottles and keep a gallon container to refill in the car.
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Lunch and all the snacks. I usually bring multiple peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, pre-peeled hard-boiled eggs, nuts or trail mix, carrots, cheese, apples and tangerines, and gold fish or teddy grahams.
• Lightweight hiking backpack with exterior water bottle pockets
• Camera and car phone charger
• Toilet paper and plastic bags for emergencies
• Hand sanitizer

Some of my favorite items to bring

Keep your park entry receipt

You’ll leave Mt. Rainier National Park briefly on your drive between Paradise and Sunrise. So keep your receipt to show at the Sunrise entrance so you don’t have to pay a second fee. You can see the entrance fees here .

Use a hike duration calculator

All of the hike time estimates I provided were based off using a hiking calculator like this one that helps you determine how long a trail will take you depending on the distance, elevation, your physical fitness, and weight pack.

In general, you can get a sense of how difficult a hike will be by dividing the one-way hike distance by the elevation gain of the hike. If the result is more than 500 feet in elevation gain per mile, that will probably be a more difficult hike.

For example, say you want to do a 10-mile round trip hike that gains 1,500 feet in elevation. The one-way distance would be 10 divided by 2, so 5 miles. Divide 1,500 feet elevation by 5 miles and you get 300 feet. Since this is less than 500 feet elevation per mile, this probably isn’t that difficult of a hike.

Now, if that elevation gain for the hike changed to 3,500 feet, that would be 3,500 feet elevation divided by 5 miles. That’s 700 feet elevation in a mile. That hike will likely kick your ass.

This calculation works best for there-and-back hikes versus loops, but hopefully this will give you a rough estimate of what to expect. If math isn’t really your favorite, stick to the calculator!

Download offline maps

Cell service is extremely spotty in the park and, if you have Verizon like me, sometimes nonexistent. So make sure you have offline Google Maps before you leave. You may also want to load this itinerary into Google Maps and take a screenshot and/or print it out so you can follow the route if you lose access to maps.

Consider a tour

If you’d prefer a tour guide on your day tour of Mt. Rainier National Park, consider taking a small group tour that also takes care of the driving from Seattle. Here are some to consider:

• Best of Mt. Rainier All-Inclusive Luxury Tour
• Mt. Rainier One-Day Tour with Lunch
• Hike Mt. Rainier and Taste Yakima Valley Wine

The national park sometimes has a ranger-led Rainier tours depending on the time of year and which visitor center you’re at. For example, they do snowshoe tours in the winter or guided hikes, stories, and kids programs in the summer.

Consider skipping the visitors centers

Both Paradise and Sunrise are going to have more crowds because that’s where all the tourists go. They are the starting point to some awesome hikes worth doing, particularly if you haven’t been to the national park before. But if you want to truly escape the crowds, explore the hikes at the less popular entrances.

Leave it as you left it

Mt. Rainier is a national park, designated to protect the wildlife and flora in the area. Follow the Leave No Trace principles to do your part in protecting the land. If you remember nothing else, don’t leave any trash, even if you think it’s compostable, and don’t go off the trails.

Map of Mount Rainier National Park

Below is a map of all the hikes and viewpoints I’ve collected over the years that are worth a visit during your next Mt. Rainier visit. It includes both my top recommended stops on this itinerary, plus more to explore.

More Mount Rainier resources

Here are more ideas or making the most of your Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle.

• Best Mount Rainier Hikes
• Get a Custom Trip Planned to Mt. Rainier
• Best Food in Tacoma (for dinner on the way back)

Join the club

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Fun Day Trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle | An Insider’s Guide

Thinking of taking a day trip to Mt Rainier from Seattle? You could spend days exploring this national park. But seeing some of the highlights of this park in a day is definitely possible. 

With alpine meadows that come to life with wildflowers in the summer and impressive glaciers feeding stunning waterfalls and lakes, Mount Rainier National Park is a visual treat. And with its many scenic hikes and photographic opportunities, it’s no surprise that this park attracts over two million visitors yearly. 

I live in Washington and find Seattle to be the perfect base for a Mount Rainier day trip, as it’s only a few hours’ drive away. The guide below will cover everything to help you plan the perfect Seattle to Mt rainier day trip. It’ll cover everything from the best time to go, the top activities, and some helpful tips before you visit Mount Rainier. 

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, I may receive a small commission (for which I am very grateful for) at no extra cost to you.

Mount Rainier National Park

Related posts.

• Where To Stay In Mt Rainier National Park
• 16 Best Things To Do in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
• The Ultimate Guide To Snowshoeing Mt Rainier National Park

The 19 Absolute Best Mt Rainier Hikes

• Best Time to Visit Mt Rainier: Weather + Fun Activities

About Mount Rainier National Park

Designated as a national park in March 1899, Mount Rainier NP is one of the oldest in the United States. This volcanic mountain in the Pacific Northwest towers a whopping 14,410 feet above sea level as the highest mountain in Washington State. 

Mount Rainier is especially interesting as it’s a volcano covered in glaciers. In fact, it’s the most glaciated mountain in the contiguous United States, home to 26 named glaciers. The park encompasses about 370 square miles of wetlands, ancient forests, alpine tundra, and over 1,000 animal species, making it a wonderland for exploration. 

This park is also of great significance to six Native American tribes; the Nisqually, Puyallup, Squaxin Island, Cowlitz, Muckleshoot, and Yakama. These tribes have a longstanding and active relationship with the park and know it as Tahoma or Tacoma. In summer and early fall, they would visit this park to hunt and gather resources. 

Map Of Map Rainer National Park Itinerary

You can copy and download the itinerary below, but I recommend printing it because you can’t see it if you have no service.

How to Get to Mt Rainier From Seattle

The best way to get to Mount Rainier from Seattle is by car, whether rental or your own. 

As the park is vast, and since you’ll be short on time, the quickest way to get to and around the park will be with your own vehicle. There is no public transport going directly to Mount Rainier National Park and no shuttle buses operating within the park. 

The trip from Seattle to Mount Rainier takes about two to three hours. The closest town to Mount Rainier National Park is Ashford. 

In Ashford, you’ll find the Nisqually entrance leading to Paradise. This is the most popular entrance from Seattle and the only one open year-round. 

Tip: If you’d like to skip the logistics or don’t want to drive, you can opt for a guided day trip to Mt Rainier instead.

Getting into Mount Rainier National Park

The first thing to note is that there are four main entrances to Mount Rainier National Park: 

• Nisqually Entrance: Southwest, accessing Paradise from Ashford.
• Sunrise Entrance: Northeast
• Stevens Canyon Entrance: Southeast
• Carbon River: Northwest

The entrance fee to Mount Rainier is $30 per private vehicle and its passengers. However, an America the Beautiful Pass will give you access to all national parks in the United States for a year. 

So if you plan on visiting any other national parks, this $80 pass will work out much cheaper in the long run. Try to get into the park before 8 (or even 7) in the morning during peak season, as the queue quickly gets long. There have been reports of people waiting hours to get into the park. 

What To Pack For A Day Trip From Seattle to Mt Rainier

• Bug Spray : The bugs are insane here! Bring some good bug spray. >Buy Some Here
• Sunscreen:  One of the ten essentials! I always bring this with me.  >Buy Sunscreen
• Hiking Boots/Shoes:  If you use tennis shoes, you can easily hurt your toes hitting a rock by accident (Trust me I have done it so many times). Make sure you bring good shoes when you hike Mount Rainier.  >Check Out My Hiking Shoes
• Hiking socks: Having the correct socks helps prevent blisters while hiking at Mt Rainier. Smart Wool is probably my favorite brand out there. I also love how they now have pink socks too 🙂 >Buy Hiking Socks
• Refillable water bottle:  I always bring a Hydroflask on all my adventures. They are on the heavier side, but I know for a fact they will not break. I have had a few cheap water bottles break on me before.  >Check Prices Now
• Water Reservoir:  You might need more water than a water bottles worth. The great thing about this reservoir is that it doesn’t have the plastic taste.  >Here Is My Water Reservoir
• Water: Stay nice and hydrated.
• Sunglasses:  It can get sunny, so make sure to pack some sunglasses.  >Check Out These Sunglasses
• Snacks:  The best snacks are jerky, nuts, energy bars, and extra food. >>>Check Out These Snacks!
• Camera: The camera I have linked was one of the first cameras I started using on my travels. The Sony A6000 is an excellent camera for people that want to start improving at travel photography.    >Buy Sony Camera Here
• First Aid Kit: This is one of the first things I bought when I first started going on adventures. It is super portable.  >Buy This Awesome First Aid Kit Here
• Day Pack to carry all your things:  The REI bag I have linked, we have had for seven years now, and it is still going strong! >Buy This Great Quality Backpack
• Leggings or Hiking Pants: I love wearing leggings while hiking because I love how comfy they are. Here are my leggings.   >Click For My Leggings
• Breathable sweat-wicking shirts : Try not to wear cotton because it soaks up your sweat and can cause hypothermia in the mountains. >Buy Shirt Here
• Sports Bra:  For women >>>Click Here
• Jacket: It can get pretty chilly all year long. Bring a Jacket!  >Buy My Favorite Jacket
• Rain Jacket:  When hiking in Washington, you need this in case it starts pouring on you, which is always a possibility in the PNW. >Buy A Great Rain Jacket Here
• Tripod: This is an optional item, but it is excellent for getting the ideal sunset pictures. >Check out this tripod
• Fire Starter and Matches: This is just in case of an emergency.  >Buy These Stormproof Matches Just In Case
• Compass: I always carry this with me, just in case. >Click Here To Buy
• Knife: You never know if you will need it. >Buy My Knife Here
• Headlamp:  A headlamp is an absolute must in case you get lost, or you take longer than you thought you would to complete a hike. Trust me, it happens even to me.  >Buy A Headlamp Now
• Trekking Poles: I recommend these for people with bad knees like me. >Buy The Poles Shown In My Picture
• Crampons: If you are hiking outside of the summer months, I highly recommend always having this in your backpack. >Buy My Handy Dandy Crampons 
• Bear Spray: I always carry bear spray around Washington State just in case. >Buy Bear Spray Here
• Mount Rainier Map: A map is essential so you don’t get lost. I usually bring with me AllTrails+ map on my phone, and I have many of the Washington area maps. I love National Geographic’s maps. They are good quality. >>>Check It Out Here

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Best Time To Take a Day Trip From Seattle to Mt Rainier

The best time to make a Mt Rainier day trip is late July to August. During this time, wildflowers color the landscape. However, this is also the busiest time for the park, so it might not be ideal if you’re looking to avoid crowds. 

During fall (September to October), Mt Rainier National Park is awash, with warm hues of red, yellow, and orange overtaking the greenery. It’s a great time to visit to avoid the peak season crowds, but you may encounter snow by the end of the season. 

From November through June, the park is snowy and cold but perfect for all kinds of winter activities, like snowshoeing. You may find many roads and trails closed between April and June, so it would be best to avoid that time.

Note: There can be snow in the park as late as the beginning of July. There is also a chance of snowfall by the middle of October and November.

Itinerary for Visiting Mt Rainier’s Paradise/ Ohanapecosh Area

The Paradise area is the most popular region of the park, offering views of Mt. Rainier, wildflower meadows, alpine lakes, and stunning waterfalls. This southern area of the park is also close to the Ohanapecosh Area, which has stunning old-growth forests and an iconic hiking trail. 

Let’s have a look at how to spend a day in this region.  

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1. Look at Christine Falls

Warm up your camera and photographic eye with a stop at Christine Falls, situated about halfway between the Nisqually entrance and the Paradise area. This two-part waterfall plunges over 60 feet and flows from Van Trump Creek. The falls are actually named after the daughter of P.B. Van Trump. He was one of the first people to climb Mount Rainier in 1870. 

These glittering falls are made ever more picturesque by the Christine Falls Bridge spanning the lower waterfall. This bridge does make it quite hard to photograph both falls, but its organic brickwork makes it blend in beautifully with the landscape. 

You’ll find a small parking lot for Christine Falls just past the Cornett Falls trailhead. From there, you’ll need to take a few steps to the lower falls viewpoint. This path can be slippery and unsafe in winter, so be extra cautious if you visit during this time. 

2. Stop to Admire Narada Falls

• Distance: 0.2 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 72 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
• Trail Guide: Link

The hike down to Narada Falls is short and slippery but completely worth the trek. This waterfall sits along the road to Paradise, about five minutes from Christine Falls, and consists of two parts. The first part is a 159-foot horsetail fall, while the second is a short 17-foot plunge into a pool. 

The falls are especially stunning in winter when it freezes over — you may even spot a few ice climbers. But the best time to visit would be during the summer when there’s less chance of icy and slippery conditions. 

There’s a small parking lot with restrooms and a seating area near this waterfall. This viewpoint also connects to the Wonderland Trail that leads to Reflection Lakes. But we’ll get to that attraction in a bit. 

3. Hike the Skyline Loop Trail 

• Distance: 5.7 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 1,768 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate to hard

The Skyline Trail Loop is one of the absolute best national park hiking trails , and it’s certainly one of the most popular trails in Mount Rainier National Park. Winding past open fields scattered with trees and offering spectacular views of Mt Rainier, there’s no doubting why this hike is so popular. 

The trail also leads past the breathtaking Myrtle Falls, a dramatic cascade of 72 feet featuring Mt Rainier as its backdrop. These falls are one of the most photographed spots in the park. 

Tip: If you don’t have enough time or the energy for a full hike, you can simply walk the 0.8-mile out-and-back trail to the Myrtle Falls Viewpoint. 

The best time to hike this trail is during late spring or summer when the surrounding fields come to life with wildflowers, and the skies are slightly clearer. 

At such a high elevation, this trail (and park) experiences drastic weather changes. So you may find yourself starting off with clear views and ending up with mist-obscured vistas. Pack warm clothing layers in case the weather changes, and always check the forecast beforehand. 

In winter, the trail becomes the 5-mile, round-trip Panorama Point Snowshoe trail . This trail is for more advanced hikers, as you’ll have to follow a map carefully to avoid avalanche areas. Be sure to check in with a park ranger before taking on this hike, as they might have a few life-saving tips.

3. Hike the Nisqually Vista Trail

• Distance: 1.1 Miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 200 ft

If you’re looking for an easy and accessible hike, the Nisqually Vista Trail is an excellent alternative to the Skyline Trail. It is one of the only paved hiking trails in the national park and only takes about half an hour to complete. The trail leads to a stunning viewpoint of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier.  

In winter, this short and easy trail is one of the safest and easiest options for snowshoeing in Mount Rainier . 

4. Snap Some Photos at Reflection Lakes

One of the must-see and absolutely iconic areas in Mount Rainier National Park is around Reflection Lakes. As the name suggests, the still lakes filled with crystal clear alpine water serve as a stunning mirror of the verdant landscape, Mount Rainier, and the sky. 

In spring and summer, you’ll be able to capture colorful images, possibly featuring some wildlife among the flowers. In fall, the lake reflects the stunning reddish hues of the turning leaves. Pair that with a golden sky, and you have a postcard-worthy shot!

You can easily reach Reflection Lake by driving along Stevens Canyon Road from Paradise. You may have to wait for a parking spot, as this is a top attraction in the park.

Note: Stevens Canyon Road is only open during the warmer months, usually from June to September.

5. Hike the Bench And Snow Lakes Trail

• Distance: 2.2 Miles out-and-back
• Elevation Gain: 446 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate

The hike to Bench and Snow Lakes is a great alternative option if the Skyline Trail is a bit overcast. The moderate hike takes just over an hour to complete and leads to two alpine lakes. 

Your first stop will be Bench Lake. This glassy body of water is stunning, reflecting the few trees and mountains surrounding it. After a few dips and climbs along the trail, you’ll come across the second lake, Snow Lake. This one has a bit more greenery surrounding it. 

The trail doesn’t really provide many views of Mount Rainier, but it’s a great, moderate hike that’s perfect during summer. By late summer, you might even spot a few blueberry and huckleberry trees carrying fruits. 

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6. Eat Lunch in Packwood

After a morning of adventuring, you’ll probably have quite the appetite. Luckily, you won’t have to travel too far for a satisfying meal.

Situated about an hour’s drive from the Paradise area and a 10-minute drive from the Stevens Canyon entrance, the little town of Packwood is the perfect stop for lunch. Stop at The Mountain Goat for your caffeine fix, or head to Packwood Brewing Co. for some easy bites. 

You’ll also have the option of munching down on some hearty burgers from Cliff Droppers, while the Zest Srithai food truck offers mouth-watering Thai meals. Alternatively, stop by Cruiser’s Pizza or Nacho’s Mexican Restaurant for some carb-packed goodness. 

7. Hike Grove Of The Patriarchs Loop

• Distance: 1.1 Miles Round trip
• Elevation Gain: 52 ft

After refueling in Packwood, it’s time to take on the Grove of the Patriarchs Loop trail, about 20 minutes from Packwood. This easy round-trip hike is pretty popular because it passes by ancient “patriarchs” (towering old-growth trees) growing on an isolated island. To reach the island, you’ll have to cross the glittering waters on a suspension bridge. 

This hike is great for all ages, with much of the path consisting of a boardwalk. There are also landing areas where you can pose next to the massive, moss-covered cedars, Douglas-firs, and hemlocks — some of which tower over 300 feet high. 

Note: As of November 2021, this trail is closed due to the suspension bridge suffering extensive flood damage. Check the U.S. National Park Service Website for up-to-date information about this trail. 

8. Hike Silver Falls

• Distance: 2.9 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 518 ft

If you’re seeking a bit of a longer hike and have any leftover energy, the Silver Falls Loop is a great option. This trail near the Ohanapecosh Campground and Visitor Center is a bit less frequented than the Grove of the Patriarchs but no less beautiful. 

In fact, there are many spots along the trail that may just leave you in awe. There are even a few slip-off paths leading to cliffs overlooking the Ohanapecosh River. So try not to rush through the hike if you have enough time. 

Read More: 16 Best Things To Do in Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

The trail winds through a verdant old-growth forest, but the highlight of this hike is, of course, the Silver Falls. The falls tumble across many ledges before ending with a 40-foot drop into a turquoise pool. The waters are a bright blue due to the minerals present in the river and the cascading waters rushing into the pool. 

The most popular trailhead for this hike is at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center, where there are parking and restrooms available. But if you decide to do a combination hike, there’s another Silver Falls trailhead near the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail parking lot. 

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What to do in mt rainier in one day | sunrise area.

Mt. Rainier’s Sunrise area sits at the northeastern end of the park and is the highest point of the park, reachable by vehicle. Here, you’ll find wildflower meadows, up-close views of The Mountain, and some accessible and challenging hiking options. 

1. Hike to Fremont Lookout for Sunrise

• Distance: 5.7 miles round trip
• Elevation Gain: 1,118 ft.

What better way to start your day than to admire the morning sun spilling across Mount Rainier and its surroundings? Hiking the Fremont Lookout Trail is one of the best activities in Washington State . 

There are over 90 fire lookouts remaining in the state, and they tend to offer some of the most breathtaking views. You can even sleep in some of them! The Fremont Lookout was built in 1934 and overlooks Grand Park, Skyscraper Mountain, Berkeley Park, and Redstone Peak — with Mount Rainier as the towering focal point. 

The moderate hike up is a visual treat, as you can see Mount Rainier from several points along the trail. Bring a flask of coffee along to enjoy your morning brew with some memorable views from the lookout. 

If you’re looking for a shorter hike, you can simply take the 2.9-mile Sourdough Ridge trail until the Frozen Lake intersection and turn back. 

Tip: You can also do this hike at sunset, but it’s quite popular at this time, so you may encounter a more crowded trail.  

2. Hike Burroughs Mountain Peak

• Distance: 9.4 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 2,562 ft
• Difficulty: Hard

If you’re seeking more of a challenge, you can take on the Burroughs Mountain Trail. This hike leads to three Burroughs Mountain peaks, the last of which hugs the northeastern side of Mount Rainier. It’s one of the best trails if you’re looking to get up close to the mountain.

There are generally two ways to take on this hike. If you’re short on time or energy, you can simply hike to the First and Second Burroughs. But if you’re up for it, hiking the entire 9.4-mile loop is absolutely worth it. 

Out-and-back to First and Second Burroughs: 

The shorter, out-and-back trail kicks off at the northern side of Sunrise Visitor Center and follows the Sourdough Ridge Trail. This trail offers stunning views of Mt Rainier and leads to the five-way Frozen Lake Trail Junction. 

From there, you’ll take the Burroughs loop Trail up to First Burroughs and the Burroughs Mountain Trail to Second Burroughs. 

Loop Trail to Third Burroughs: 

Once at the second summit, you can simply return the way you came. Or, if you’re up for a bit more walking, you can take the unmaintained path down a valley on its west end. 

The trail follows a few switchbacks and leads through a barren pumice field before ascending to the final summit. The top of Third Burroughs offers rewarding views in every direction and an up-close look at Mount Rainier. 

To complete the loop, you’ll follow the Sunrise Rim trail down to Sunrise Camp. The path down is equally rewarding, as you’ll pass a bright blue lake and wildflowers during summer. 

3. Pack a Picnic Lunch

The Sunrise Area is a bit further from the surrounding towns, and there are no restaurants in the park. So you’ll want to bring a packed lunch for the day. Settle down at one of the benches at the Sunrise Picnic Area near the Visitor Centre and soak up the views of Mount Rainier while there. 

4. Hike the Naches Peak Loop Trail

• Distance: 3.3 Miles Roundtrip
• Elevation Gain: 636 ft

Just under an hour’s drive from the Sunrise Area, the scenic Naches Peak Loop trail has become quite popular. The moderate trail is relatively flat, although a bit rocky and sandy, making it a great option for hiking with the family. 

The hike kicks off near Tipsoo Lake. In summer, especially around July and August, the trail is lined with beautiful wildflowers, while fall brings a wash of warm hues. 

Tip: For the best views of Mount Rainier, be sure to follow the trail in a clockwise direction. 

Tips on Taking a Day Trip to Mt Rainier From Seattle

Below are a few tips to help you plan your one-day trip from Seattle to Mount Rainier. 

Arrive Early

Thanks to its beauty and variety of hiking trails, Mount Rainier National Park is super popular. It’s especially busy during August when the summer wildflowers are at their peak. Try to get to the park entrance well before 8 am to avoid long lines. Once the queue builds up, it can easily take about 2 hours to enter the park. 

Visit During Late Summer Or Fall

As August is the peak season for tourists, try to visit the park later in the summer season or during the first few weeks of fall. This way, you’ll avoid the peak season crowds, and you’ll get to spot some dramatic fall foliage, with hopefully minimal snowfall. 

If you want to visit during the summer, a weekday visit is highly recommended, as weekends are extra busy. 

Check The Forecast Before You Go

Conditions in the park can change rapidly. Check the Mt. Rainier National Park Twitter account for the most recent weather updates before setting out on your day trip. 

Know Which Roads Are Open

This is especially important if you’re planning a visit during winter. Due to heavy snowfall, certain roads are closed during the winter months. Certain areas may also have limited access times due to a shortage of staff and safety concerns. Check the National Park Service’s official website for up-to-date information on which roads are open before your visit. 

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Bring tire chains .

Carry a set of tire chains in your boot, especially if you’re visiting the park between November and May, when you’re required to have them before entering. With snow falling as late as June, you may encounter icy trails that are unsafe to drive on without snow chains. 

Map Out Your Plans

If you’re only spending one day in Mount Rainier National Park, you’re going to want to do some careful planning. Take into account how far each attraction is from the next, and note the duration for each trail. You’ll also want to account for time spent in traffic or trying to find parking when planning your itinerary. 

This will help you to be realistic with your time and expectations for the day and allow you to enjoy the day without too much stress about time. 

Save Your Maps Offline

Cell service can be hit or miss in Mount Rainier National Park. So try to save your planned hiking trails and maps to all the different attractions offline. Also, be sure to inform someone you trust of your whereabouts before entering the park. 

Keep Your Park Entry Receipt

You’ll briefly leave the park on your way from Paradise to Sunrise, if you plan on visiting both areas. So keep your park entry receipt to show at the next entrance and avoid having to pay again. 

Go With a Full Tank

There are no fuel stations within the park. You can fill your tank at fuel stations in nearby Ashford or Packwood. 

Leave No Trace and Stay on Designated Paths

Mount Rainier’s unique ecology and intricate ecosystems are vulnerable to external disturbances like foot traffic and litter. Remember to practice the seven principles of “Leave no Trace” and take everything you brought back with you. 

Remain on designated spaces and trails, and don’t step into the flower meadows just to take an Instagram-worthy shot. You may also come across some cute critters like marmots and squirrels during your visit. As cute as they are, do not feed any of the animals in the park. 

Seattle to Mount Rainier in One Day | FAQs

Still have a few burning questions before your Mount Rainier from Seattle day trip? Below are the answers to a few frequently asked questions. 

Paradise/ Ohanapecosh vs. Sunrise Area | Which is Better?

The Paradise and Sunrise areas are the two most popular regions of the park, as they offer excellent hikes and views. They’re also both only around a two-hour drive from Seattle. 

When it comes to choosing between the two, you may want to keep the season in mind. Paradise is open year-round. The road to the Sunrise Visitor Center, on the other hand, is usually closed between November to May due to winter conditions. 

If you’re visiting during the warmer months, the area you choose will depend on which activities you prefer and whether you’re up for big crowds. 

The Sunrise area is usually slightly less crowded than Paradise. The Sunrise area also has less steep hikes, with stairs leading up to the hikes. So you may find this area more appealing if you’re a casual or inexperienced hiker.

Can You Do Both Paradise and Sunrise in a Day?

With some careful planning, you can definitely explore the two areas in one day. But it would be best to only stick to one area, as this national park is huge. Traveling between the two areas takes about 1.5 hours, as there isn’t one road within the park that connects the main sections. 

How Far is Mount Rainier From Seattle?

Seattle is perfect for planning a day trip to Mount Rainier, as the city is about 90 miles from Mount Rainier National Park. The drive from Seattle to Mount Rainier only takes about 2–3 hours. 

Is It Easy to Get to Mount Rainier From Seattle?

It is generally quite easy to get from Seattle to Mt Rainier if you’re driving your own vehicle. Public transport options may be too tedious for a day trip to Mount Rainier, and there is no shuttle within the park. 

Ready for Your Mt Rainier Day Trip From Seattle?

Hopefully, this guide on visiting Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle has left you inspired and ultra-prepared for your one-day trip. This national park is truly a photographer’s dream, and its serene landscapes offer the perfect escape from the city bustle. 

Just keep in mind that you might not always see the mountain peak, as fog often gathers around it. But, whether the mountain is visible or not, this national park will not disappoint. 

If you’re visiting in winter, be sure to check out this guide to the best winter hiking gear and clothes . You may also like these tips on hiking in the snow . Alternatively, have a look at this 2-3 day Olympic National Park Itinerary for more exciting destinations near Seattle. 

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The Best Mount Rainier Tours from Seattle

Standing proud over Washington’s largest city, Mount Rainier makes for a great day trip from Seattle, especially on these top tours.

(Photo: Viator.com)

On a clear day, the snow-capped peak of Mt Rainier is visible from many parts of Seattle. At 14,411ft (4,392m), it is Washington State’s highest mountain and the fertile slopes are protected as a national park, encompassing lakes, forests and wildflower meadows. Although many centuries have passed since its last eruption, Mt Rainier is technically an active volcano, and there is a high probability of eruption in the near future. As such, tours of the mountain and national park are best with an experienced tour guide, such as these five departing from Seattle.

Mt. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle

For a tour balancing value with a comprehensive day trip to Mount Rainier National Park, this option is among the best. It includes a narrated drive to Alder Lake Park, the day’s first stop, as well as plenty of time spent at the top viewpoint locations amid the mountain’s foothills, offering opportunities for great photos and further exploration. The added length of this tour allows guests more time to hike the various short paths of the national park, particularly the Trail of the Shadows, past marshland and through cedar forest. Tours runs from Fri-Mon. From $164 per person.

Book at Viator.com

Mount Rainier National Park Day Tour from Seattle

One of the best value day tours of Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle is this minimum six-hour trip of the national park’s highlights, including Narada waterfalls, as well as lakes and beautiful viewpoints along the southern edge of the mountain. There will also be time to visit Jackson Visitor Center, with around 2.5 hours total spent in the national park area. Please note that an additional service fee of around $13 is not included in the up-front tour price. This tour runs on Sun, Mon and Wed. From $135 per person.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

From Seattle: Mount Rainier Full-day Tour

For much of the year, Mount Rainier is covered in snow and inaccessible to all but the most intrepid hikers. This tour avoids the worst months, only running when most of the national park is accessible, from May to October, during which time it runs daily. The benefit of this ten-hour excursion from Seattle is that it caters to people with different preferences; there is time allowed for those who wish to hike longer, with alternate activities for those who’d rather appreciate the natural beauty with less exertion. From $174 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Mount Rainier Park All-inclusive Small Group Tour

The ultimate experience of Mount Rainier needs a guide who can add extra value when it comes to understanding the natural beauty that you’ll encounter. With highly favorable reviews from previous guests, this naturalist tour guide-led day trip will take you onto trails in search of wildlife such as elk and black bears, even providing snow shoes during the winter months. A lunch comprised of locally-sourced products is also included in the fee. Daily tours in summer, and Sun, Tue, Fri tours from November through March. From $278 per person.

Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting

An alternative tour option run by the same tour operator, Evergreen Escapes, adds a few more hours to the tour duration, allowing extra time to fit in a trip to a vineyard and winery for a tasting of the locally produced wines. While in Mount Rainier National Park, you will be able to really get away from the most beaten paths on a three-hour guided hike into the wilderness. This trip is designed to be accessible to hikers of most abilities. Summer tours only on Weds and Sat. From $278 per person.

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Use code ILOVEMTRAINIER for 10% on tours to Mt Rainier in May 2024!

• Now Booking!

MT RAINIER TOUR FROM SEATTLE

Quick Details

• Users Ages: Ages 5+
• Hour Glass Duration: 10 hours
• Tag Schedule: May 1 - October 31

Visit Mt. Rainier from Seattle

Touring at its finest with knowledgeable guides, comfortable mini-coaches, and 3 convenient meeting locations within downtown Seattle.

Visit Mt. Rainier from Seattle with our professional, enthusiastic, and informative guides. Travel in our clean, comfortable 24-passenger mini-coaches with large windows, high-back seats, and air-conditioning.

Experience old-growth forests, wildflower-filled meadows, and thundering waterfalls on this tour of glacier-clad Mt. Rainier. Hike and walk a little, or not at all: there are options for all abilities. Enjoy lunch at a Mt. Rainier cafe (when open) or buy a picnic lunch along the way when we stop at a grocery store. Visit the interpretive center at Paradise or Sunrise to learn even more about the mountain’s glaciers, plants, and animals on this exciting day trip to Mt. Rainier from Seattle.

Return to Seattle through pastoral farmlands and memorable Pacific Northwest scenery. Bring a camera on this spectacular Mt. Rainier tour as well as comfortable walking shoes. Layer both warm and cool weather clothing as mountain temperatures can vary from rainy and cold to sunny and hot during a single day. Sunscreen is highly encouraged, too!

If a tour date is unavailable, please call our office to check on availability.

What You’ll See and Learn About on a Mt. Rainier Tour

Hike a little or not at all on this tour of glacier-clad Mt. Rainier. No two tours to Mt Rainier National Park are the same! Our goal is to showcase as much of the National Park as possible during your time with us. Our guides are passionate about Mt Rainier and are trained to determine each day the best route for your tour that day. This is one of the best day tours from Seattle that you are sure to enjoy.

Mt. Rainier Tour Booking Information

• Chevron down How to Book

When you’re ready to book, select your date and tour you have in mind to the right. After selecting the number of guests in your party, your pickup options will appear & you’ll select one of the following:

• 6:35am Seattle Public Library 4th: 1000 4th Ave Seattle, WA
• 6:45am Urban Coffeehouse: 1900 4th Ave Seattle, WA
• 6:55am MoPop Pickup: 325 5th Ave N Seattle, WA (best option for parking)

If you’d like assistance picking a meeting location, our friendly office staff is happy to help! 206-768-1234

Plan to arrive to your meeting location 5 minutes ahead of the scheduled pickup time. You’ll want to be on the lookout for a white mini coach that says Tours Northwest. Give our office a call if you haven’t been picked up 5 mins past your scheduled pickup time: 206-768-1234.

• Chevron down Consideration

This day tour from Seattle offers 3 convenient meeting locations within downtown Seattle. You should receive an updated email confirmation that includes your meeting location time in the Pickup Location section. If your confirmation doesn’t include your meeting location information, contact our office immediately to confirm your pick-up time.

Please allow up to 5 minutes for your driver to pick you up from your scheduled pickup time. If you are late to your scheduled meeting location, you may meet at another meeting location instead.

Please note that traffic and weather conditions can affect the routes for this tour. Traffic can be a challenge in Seattle, especially from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Please allow for additional time to be dropped back off at your meeting location.

Gratuities are optional and not included in the price of your tour. If you feel your tour guide has provided an exceptional experience, gratuities are encouraged—and welcomed—at the end of the trip.

Children under 5 are not permitted on this tour.

*Admission/Park fees included. Lunch is not provided.

– Tours Northwest

Mt Rainier Tours FAQ

• Chevron down What hotels do you pick up at?

Although we don’t offer direct hotel pickups for this tour, we have 4 convenient pickup locations within a short walk of most downtown hotels:

• Pioneer Square: 300 Occidental Ave S Seattle, WA in front of The London Plane (Pickup is 30 minutes before tour start time)
• Seattle Public Library: 1000 4th Ave Seattle, WA (Pickup is 20 minutes before tour start time)
• Midtown: 1900 4th Ave Seattle, WA in front of the Urban Yoga Spa (Pickup is 10 minutes before tour start time)
• MoPop Pickup: 300 Harrison St Seattle, WA (Pickup is 5 minutes before tour start time)

Plan to arrive at your meeting location 5 minutes before the scheduled pickup time. You’ll want to be on the lookout for a white mini-coach that says Tours Northwest.

• Chevron down Why don’t you pick up directly at my hotel?

Downtown Seattle has such unpredictable and dynamic traffic conditions that offering hotel pickups on our standard tours (with up to 20 people who could all be staying at different hotels) would take valuable time away from the time we have for the tour.  We have 4 departure points, each very centrally located and very simple to get to, which makes it easier for everyone and means that we don’t waste any precious tour time doing multiple pickups around Seattle, one of which is likely just a few minutes walk from your hotel.  Feel free to contact us directly if you need further guidance on which pickup location is best for you, and if you haven’t yet chosen your accommodations, you can always let us know later.

• Chevron down What is the best way to get from SeaTac to downtown Seattle?

The easiest option is to take an Uber, Lyft, or taxi to your pickup location (Pioneer Square is the furthest south, so closest to SeaTac).

Another less expensive option is to take the Link light rail from the Airport or Angle Lake station towards the University of Washington Station and exit at the Westlake Stop. When you exit, take the escalator upstairs to get to the street level.  Head north on 4th Avenue to our Midtown pickup at 1900 4th Ave Seattle, WA (Pickup is 10 minutes before tour start time)

• Chevron down Where can I park my vehicle in downtown Seattle?

If you’re driving into town to meet up with a tour, we recommend meeting us at our MoPOP pickup location and parking near here.  Next to this pickup location is the Republic Parking (Memorial Stadium Lot) located on 401 5th Ave N, Seattle WA 9109 is right next to our MoPop pickup (they offer a $10 all-day rate if you’re in before 9am)

Other options include:

Pacific Place Garage located at 600 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101 is two blocks from our Midtown pickup at 1900 4th Ave Seattle, WA, and has lower hourly rates than most downtown garages

On weekends (and after 4pm weekdays), take advantage of FREE Parking in the Amazon Doppler Building Garage located at 2021 7th Ave (7am – 2am) – this is about a 5 minute walk from our Midtown pickup at 1900 4th Ave Seattle, WA

• Chevron down Why should I book directly through your website?

All availability on our website is live and up to date – you’ll get instant confirmation after booking.  Booking on our website also opens a direct line of communication so we can let you know about any important information or changes regarding your tour.  Booking direct cuts out the middle man, which means we can spend more money on making your experience perfect while keeping our prices as low as possible for you. We guarantee to offer the lowest prices directly – if you find a tour operated by us anywhere else advertised for cheaper – we will refund the difference.

• Chevron down How do I know which bus is yours?

All of our tour buses are white and marked with Tours Northwest on the front or side.  Our drivers should be wearing a yellow shirt or jacket that says Tours Northwest and will be looking for you by name.

• Chevron down Do I need to bring a printed voucher or copy of my confirmation?

If you book directly on our website or over the phone, a printed voucher or confirmation will not be needed. Our tour guides will check you in by name prior to boarding the bus.

• Chevron down Are there bathrooms on the bus?

None of our mini-coaches are equipped with bathrooms, but our guides make every effort to provide opportunities for a public restroom every 60-90 minutes during our tours.

• Chevron down Can I bring a wheelchair/stroller/luggage?

It may be possible to accommodate a folding wheelchair/stroller/some luggage, but we have limited storage space, so please get in touch with your requirements before booking so that we can advise accordingly.

• Chevron down Do you have wheelchair accessible buses?

We do not have a wheelchair accesible bus available for this tour.  If you will only have a folding wheelchair, it can be stored on any of our buses with advanced notice.

• Chevron down What should I wear to Mount Rainier National Park?

Please dress for comfort and the weather.  Comfortable shoes (ideally hiking boots with good traction and water resistance) will make a huge difference in your enjoyment of the tour.

For more details on what to expect from this tour at different times of the year, check out this blog post .

• Chevron down What will the weather be like?

If only we knew… the weather on the mountain tends to be very unpredictable (even from one hour to the next).  In general, prepare for cooler temperatures at the higher elevations and the possibility of rain (or snow for many months).  During July and August, it may also be hot and sunny (although there may still be considerable snow on the ground), so you may want to bring sunscreen. 

You can check this weather forecast for areas within the park (Paradise and Longmire are the relevant areas since we won’t be going to the summit on this tour).

You can also check these webcams for a live view of the weather conditions in the park.

• Chevron down Do I need to bring food?

Food options in the park are extremely limited, but that is why we stop at a grocery store on our way out there.  You will have the opportunity to purchase whatever you would like for lunch, and we provide a cooler with ice packs that you can store it in as well.  Of course, if you prefer to bring food from elsewhere, you’re welcome to use our cooler and ice pack from the beginning of the tour as well.

• Chevron down What should I do if I'm running late to my pickup?

Unfortunately, we cannot wait for more than a minute or two past the pickup time at any of our pickup locations. Please contact our office at 206-768-1234 as soon as you are aware you’ll be running late to discuss your options. There are no refunds available if you are not at your designated pickup location at the pickup time.

• Chevron down What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that sometimes plans change or things come up. We offer full refunds on all tours canceled at least 24 hours in advance of the tour’s start time.  There are no refunds in the 24 hours leading up to the tour. For private tours, we ask for a minimum of 48 hours notice for a full refund.

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2-Day Olympic National Park Tour

Explore the stunning natural beauty of Olympic National Park on this 2-day tour. K nowledgeable guides, comfortable mini-coaches, and 3 convenient meeting locations from downtown Seattle create a smooth, enjoyable experience. This is your chance to wander through alpine meadows and lush rainforests. Cameras at the ready!

The 5 Best Mt Rainier Tours From Seattle [2024 Reviews]

Mount Rainier, as an active volcano, is covered in ice and snow nearly year round. While most tours leaving Seattle to visit Mt Rainier don’t allow access to the snow-covered summit, there is beauty along every trail and tour you take.

As one of the most rugged landscapes in the US, Mount Rainier National Park also offers pristine waterfalls, flowering meadows, river valleys and one of the most ancient forests in the country.

A tour of Mount Rainier National Park is the perfect addition to your Seattle vacation. Get away from the noise and crowds of the city for a day, or 4, and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Be sure to see our reviews of Olympic National Park .

Best Mt Rainier Tours From Seattle

Quick answer: the 5 best mt rainier guided tours from seattle for 2024.

• Best Small Group Tour: Mount Rainier Park All-Inclusive Small Group Tour From Seattle
• Best Combination Tour: All-Inclusive Hike Mt. Rainier and Wine Tasting From Seattle
• Best Value Tour: Mt Rainier Day Trip from Seattle
• Best Guided Tour: Best of Mt Rainier National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small Group Tour
• Best Luxury Tour: Mount Rainier National Park Luxury Small-Group Day Tour

We’ve reviewed the best tours of Mt Rainier while visiting Seattle. Each offers a very different experience, and some can be tailored to you and your own group.

Mount Rainer Tour Reviews

1. best small group tour: mount rainier park all-inclusive small group tour.

• Departure Point : Free pickup at select hotels
• Departure Time : 8:00 AM
• Duration : 10.5 hours
• Includes : Luxury roundtrip transportation, expert natural guide, lunch with snacks and refreshments, guided walk or snowshoeing adventure, all entry fees

Be sure to bring your binoculars on this all-day walking or snowshoeing tour of the Mt Rainier National Park. At various locations along the Nisqually Vista Trail, you will be able to see birds, elk, black bears, deer and more.

Enjoy the fresh, clean air with views of waterfalls and other naturally beautiful landmarks such as river valleys and meadows.

Mt Rainier is an active volcano but encased in ice and snow which means temperature conditions can change often and rapidly while traversing the trail.

Lunch will be provided, made of locally-sourced and organic ingredients. Throughout the small group day trip from Seattle, refreshments such as fresh produce and beverages will be offered.

The tour is kept to small groups so that your expert naturalist can tailor your tour to suit your needs.

Once you book your tour and your adventure begins with pickup at your hotel or at Hotel Monaco, you won’t have to worry about anything except for snapping some great photos with food and drinks, entry fees, and even your expert guide all included.

More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. best combination tour: all-inclusive hike mt. rainier and wine tasting from seattle.

• Departure Time : 7:30 AM
• Duration : 12 hours
• Includes : Breakfast, lunch, drinks, Private tour, professional guide, round trip air-conditioned transportation

Your professional guide won’t just tell about the geological science and wildlife at the Mt Rainier National Park but will also tell you about the towns you pass along your trip by bus to the park.

The fully narrated tour is designed for you and your party exclusively. You’ll pass Alder Lake, Eatonville, and even pass by old train boxcars that have been repurposed with a new lease on life.

While at the park, you may be able to go snowshoeing or sledding in the winter or experience flowering meadows in the summer.

Always have your camera ready as you never know what wildlife may come into view, from elk and deer to black bear and the elusive red fox.

Your tour will take place regardless of the weather so dress appropriately and in layers.

Several of the stops during your day trip include the Longmire Visitor’s Center and Museum and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor’s Center where you will enjoy stunning views from 5,400 feet above sea level. Enjoy visits to both Christine Falls and Narada Falls.

After your Mt Rainer tour, you will then head to the Yakima Valley for a visit to two wineries for some tastings and then be back to Seattle by dinner time.

3. Best Value Tour: Mt Rainier Day Tour From Seattle

• Departure Point : Check with tour operator
• Departure Time : 7:00 AM
• Duration : 10 hours
• Includes : Roundtrip transportation, professional guide, cooler for personally provided food and beverage items, entry fees

With a maximum of 22 travelers on this day trip from Seattle, you are sure to receive the personalized attention you’re looking for while experiencing the Mt Rainier National Park up close.

This day tour is family-friendly and a great way to spend a day away from the hustle and bustle of Seattle. You’ll stop at several lookout points that offer amazing views of the landscape and wildlife in the park.

You will also stop at the Whittaker School of Mountaineering for a slideshow presentation and at Paradise, the park’s visitor’s center for another presentation.

No matter the weather conditions, the day trip from Seattle will still proceed as planned. This means it is important to dress appropriately for the weather.

You may also want to dress in layers so it’s easier to adjust with the changes in weather common at Mt Rainier National Park.

There will be plenty of time to stop for lunch. A world-class cafe is available as well as a picnic lunch at a local grocery store and these lunches are at your own expense.

You will also travel a different route by bus back to the city so you can see even more of the beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest.

4. Best Guided Tour: Mt Rainier National Park From Seattle – All-Inclusive Small Group Tour

• Departure Point : Hotel pickup, DoubleTree by Kilton Hotel Seattle Airport and Best Western Plus Tacoma Dome Hotel default locations
• Includes : professional guide, all entry fees, roundtrip transportation, breakfast and lunch with snacks and water provided

You’ll head to Mt Rainier, about 75 miles away from downtown Seattle. Your first stop will be just inside the Mt Rainier National Park where you’ll spend up to 2 hours enjoying the stunning mountain views and beautiful waterfalls.

You’ll then spend an hour at Narada Falls, which is taller even than Niagara Falls on the New York and Canadian border. Up next is the Henry M. Jackson Visitor’s Center.

Here, you can pick wild berries along a hiking trail in the summer or traverse a snowshoeing trail in the winter. Snowshoes will be provided.

Before heading back, you will experience a forest of trees that are more than 1,200 years old at the Grove of the Patriarchs. This forest is only accessible in the winter.

Your small group ensures you are able to hear the fully-narrated tour with a professional guide as well as a customized experience.

Breakfast with fresh tea and pressed coffee will be served before departure and a stop for lunch will be made later on. You will also have access to snacks and water, sparkling or non-sparkling, throughout the day tour from Seattle.

5. Best Luxury Tour: Mount Rainier National Park Luxury Small-Group Day Tour with Lunch

• Includes : Transportation in a luxury Mercedes van, gourmet lunch, snacks, drinks, guided nature walks

If you are looking for something a little more intimate, this small group tour is your best bet. You will be picked up from your hotel in a luxury Mercedes van for the 1.5 hour drive.

Once there you will have fully guided tours of some amazing places like Narada Falls, this 176 foot tall waterfall is is spectacular and just a short walk from the parking area.

You will also see Reflections Lake, here take some photos of this gorgeous alpine lake with the reflection of Mt Rainer in it. Then proceed to the Grove of the Patriarchs and of course Mt Rainer.

Midway through your tour you will enjoy a gourmet lunch with your choice of beverages including wine.

You’ll also get to see the Carbon River region of Mt Rainier National Park. This region offers views of many types of wildlife that call the park home.

Spending so much time in the national park will allow you to experience so much more of the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle Travel Guide

Seattle may be best known for the Space Needle, Puget Sound, and rain, but there are plenty of things to do in and around the city as well as some very unique places to stay and to eat. If you are planning a trip to Seattle, whether for business or pleasure, be sure to take in a bit of the city’s exclusive culture and history.

Airports & Entry

If you are flying into Seattle you will most likely land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport , or SeaTac for short. While King County International Airport isn’t too far away, it sees much less traffic.

If you are flying in from out of the country, you’ll need to have a valid passport as well as approval from ESTA. ESTA is the Electronic System for Travel Authorization . This authorization is for stays of less than 90 days and works in place of a visa.

Many visitors to Seattle drive to the US across the Canadian border. If you are a Canadian citizen, you will need to have an enhanced driver’s license or ID. If you are from a non-North American country and wish to fly into the Vancouver International Airport, you will need your passport to land there and then your passport and ESTA authorization to drive across the US-Canadian border.

Planning Tips

Most people are guilty of planning their Seattle trip based on what they know, or think they know, about the city. Unfortunately, this can lead to visitors missing out on a lot that the city has to offer. Many things are also important to plan ahead of your trip. Let’s look at our top 5 Seattle vacation planning tips.

Tip #1: Make Dinner Reservations in Advance

While you may not dine at one of Seattle’s busiest restaurants every day of your stay, you will want to at least experience a great seafood restaurant. Most of the best seafood restaurants in Seattle take reservations months in advance, and even further around holidays and peak travel times.

If there are restaurants you know you will want to experience, the best bet is to call well ahead of your trip. If they are taking reservations, you can make them then. If they aren’t or if they don’t take them, you can always ask which day would be the best to visit to avoid crowds.

Tip #2: Book Tours Well in Advance

Whether you plan on taking tours of the city itself or you’d like to take a day trip out of the city to explore the natural environment of the Pacific Northwest, many tours fill up well in advance. Usually, this is because they are small group tours that allow a limited number of travelers on each tour.

Once you know when and for how long you will be in Seattle, find those day tours and book them. That way, you know you have your seat on the tour guaranteed.

Tip #3: Bring an Umbrella

Seattle gets more rain than many other areas of the country, but they may not get as much rain as you assume. For example, August only has 6 rainy days on average. This means that you may not even need the umbrella you bring but it’s better to have one and not need it. A collapsible travel umbrella that can easily be carried with you is ideal.

Tip #4: Don’t Miss Out on Seeing the Great Outdoors

It’s not just the city of Seattle that is worth your time exploring. Mount Rainier, the Cascade Mountains, Mount St. Helens, and even Puget Sound are all great places to experience while you’re already nearby. Day tours offer a fun and affordable way to experience them with transportation usually provided, and oftentimes meals, snacks, and beverages provided as well.

Tip #5: Bring Your Most Comfortable Walking Shoes

In the city, you’ll often find yourself walking to your destination and avoiding the traffic on both side streets and the main freeways. This means your most comfortable walking shoes are going to be your best friend. If you do plan on heading out of the city for a day tour from Seattle, those walking shoes are going to make the walking and hiking much easier.

Restaurants & Eating Out

Seattle is home to many types of cuisine, and it seems to do them all very well. With Asian cuisine and seafood available everywhere you turn, you may also want to check out Paseo for some delicious, authentic Cuban fare.

Gastropubs are now moving into the area and one of the best is Smith. It has a homey feel with décor you’d probably see in a cabin in the woods, but you can’t resist the craft brews and great food. Dick’s Drive-In Restaurant is the oldest fast food restaurant in the city and still serves up burgers cooked with fresh beef and their hand-cut fries are as good as they come.

Nightlife & Entertainment

The Pink Door is a late-night dinner experience like no other. In fact, you’ll enjoy a large menu of delicious food and great drinks while performers put on an acrobatic show right above your head. The Zig Zag Café is another staple of Seattle culture that you won’t want to miss.

If you’re into the newest craze in craft cocktails and enjoy those “small bites” designed to complement them perfectly, the Damn the Weather bar is perfect. However, the Knee High Stocking Company, whose name is derived from the doorbell on the front, is an original speakeasy from the latest prohibition that Seattle endured and still has that same speakeasy vibe.

Getting Around

Traveling by car, whether a rental or taxi, is usually a nightmare in Seattle, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. If long-distance travel to your destination is needed, the bus system is very efficient. In downtown, the light train is quick and has many convenient stops. It is also one of the best ways to get too and from SeaTac airport.

However, the most convenient way you have of traveling within the city is walking. You will usually get to your destination much more quickly and you’ll see some great, and sometimes unexpected, things on the way there.

Accommodations

If you’re looking to leave the chain hotels behind and experience accommodations that are truly and uniquely Seattle, you have several options. The Ace Hotel Seattle is a perfect blend of cheap and chic. With only 28 rooms, you’ll have first class customer service with a hipster flair.

The Hotel Deca is conveniently located near the University of Washington campus which makes it the perfect place for families in town visiting students or even students touring the campus. It has an art deco flare that makes it a fun way to spend your stay in Seattle.

Other unique hotels in the area include Hotel Max, which is infamous for strangely erotic artwork and a vibe to match . The Hotel 1000 is truly on the cutting edge when it comes to technologically advanced amenities.

The summer months with the warmest weather and the least amount of rainy days, on average, are the busiest and most expensive months in which to travel to Seattle. However, there are many activities that only happen then. If you are looking for the perfect blend of warm weather and fewer crowds, September is ideal.

December and January are typically the coldest months with average highs in the mid-40s Fahrenheit and mostly rainy days. There are many activities in the city around the time of the winter holidays, especially New Years’ Eve, however.

Attractions

Of course, when visiting Seattle, you don’t want to miss out on the Space Needle or the Seattle Great Wheel, a tall Ferris wheel that offers stunning views of the city especially at sunset. There are many other places to see, however.

Seattle is home to many museums. A few of the most popular ones are the Museum of Pop Culture as well as the Klondike Gold Rush National History Park and the Museum of Flight.

If you are looking for unique attractions, you’ll want to see the 18-foot high troll under a Fremont area bridge and even take a tour of Seattle’s underground.

It’s a little bit of a drive but take a tour of Olympic National Park is definitely worth the trip. It’s the only rainforest in North America. The biodiversity there is truly stunning, it’s a “don’t miss”.

Tour Guides

The Mount Rainier Park All-Inclusive Small Group Tour is our Editor's Choice for the best Mt Rainier tour from Seattle with its combination of sites seen, tour guides and value.

Krysha Thayer

Related articles, the 5 best olympic national park tours from seattle [2024 reviews], 🚢the 3 best seattle harbor cruises [2024 reviews], 🍷 the 5 best seattle winery tours [2024 reviews].

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Mt. Rainier Day Tour

Enjoy a fun-filled, day-long tour of the breathtakingly beautiful wonderland that is Mount Rainier National Park.

DURATION: 10-12 Hours PRICE: $175 Adult, $135 Child MORE INFORMATION Book Now Gift Card

Description

Embark on a day-long escapade to the enchanting wonderland that is Mount Rainier National Park—a pristine sanctuary of nature's grandeur. Your adventure begins with the convenience of a hotel pickup in Seattle or near SeaTac Airport, setting the stage for a journey that promises a symphony of breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable experiences.

As you traverse the scenic route, the bus graces Alder Lake Park and the charming town of Eatonville at the foothills of Mount Rainier. Your first pause unfolds at a full-service grocery store, a pitstop brimming with possibilities. Here, you can purchase an assortment from the deli, savor the aroma of fresh coffee, and secure any necessities for the day ahead. The guides, with their thoughtful touch, provide a cooler on the bus, ensuring your purchases stay refreshingly chilled throughout the expedition. For those feeling the culinary muse, bringing a homemade lunch is not only welcomed but encouraged.

The tour unfolds like a curated narrative, with stops at key points of interest. Longmire, nestled at the southwest corner of the park, invites exploration of its museum and the historic National Park Inn. Be sure to stop in the delightful gift shop to purchase any souvenirs you may want to remember this adventure with.  Prepare to be mesmerized by the majestic Christine Falls, where a signature bridge frames nature's masterpiece. A leisurely stroll along the Nisqually River leads you to the awe-inspiring Narada Falls, a towering cascade standing proud at 188 feet—taller than even Niagara Falls.

However, the pinnacle event of the day awaits at Paradise, a lofty vantage point sitting 5,400 feet above sea level. Be captivated by the panoramic views, keeping a keen eye for the elusive wildlife that may grace the mountainous terrain. In winter, thrill-seekers can opt for a snowshoe or sled adventure, weather permitting. Meanwhile, summer unveils the beauty of Reflection Lake, offering an iconic reflection of Mount Rainier that's nothing short of stunning. Don't forget your camera, for every moment promises to be a snapshot of natural splendor.

The tour is a testament to the dynamic nature of Mount Rainier, where seasons, weather, and elevation converge to shape a kaleidoscope of experiences. Snow-free by July, Paradise becomes a haven for alpine flowers shortly after. Yet, the enigmatic Mount Rainier itself may choose to play hide-and-seek behind clouds, adding an element of mystery to the landscape. If your journey falls on weekdays from mid-October to April, be prepared for limited food services within the National Park.

A feast for the senses, this day-long tour promises an immersion into the wonders of Mount Rainier National Park that will linger in your memory for years to come.

****PLEASE check out the Mt. Rainier National Parks live webcams and direct website for updated road closures****    https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

Traveling in a group of 7 or more? Consider booking this trip as a private tour.

Availability

Year-round weather permitting

Stops at Jackson Visitor Center, Longmire Visitor Center, and Narada Falls

Seen on this Tour

• Glacial Moraines
• Reflection Lake
• Christine Falls
• Rural Countryside
• Scenic Waterfalls

Things to know before you go

Hotel pickup: We pick up at most major hotels in Downtown Seattle and some in SeaTac. There is a full list located under "Learn More" in the main menu. When booking, if your hotel is not listed, a general location closest to your hotel will be given. There are also 3 additional pick up locations for the Mt Rainier Tour only. They are:

• Shell Gas Station 30323 Meridian Ave E, Graham, WA 98338
• Fred Meyers Full Service Grocery Store 17404 Meridian East, Puyallup WA 98375
• Whittaker's Bunkhouse 706 Ashford, WA 98034

What’s Included: Transportation, pick up and drop off, professional, knowledgeable tour guide and water provided.

What’s Excluded: Meals are not provided; be sure to bring a sack lunch or money to purchase food/snacks. There will be a stop at a full service grocery store on the way.  Gratuity is not included but appreciated and graciously accepted.

Additional Information:

• Bring a jacket, since even in summer Paradise can be cool and often breezy. If you plan on hiking, we suggest you wear  water-resistant hiking boots. We allow ample stops for you to photograph the awe-inspiring scenery around you, so do not forget your camera! Snow and animals are seasonal, and their abundance may vary. Your guide’s route may vary based on weather and road conditions and he will make necessary changes to enhance your Mt. Rainier tour experience. During the wintertime snowshoeing and sledding are available if conditions allow.
• It is recommended to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes (hiking shoes preferred, in winter boots are best). In Nov – Jun, please dress for snowy conditions. We suggest wearing waterproof boots and also bring an extra pair of socks. 
• The tour is subject to weather conditions and park closures. PLEASE NOTE: You are taking a risk during the winter months. The tour route and itinerary will vary depending on the weather conditions and road closures. No refunds will be offered unless the park is closed.
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund. The seasons, weather, and elevation partially determine what you’ll see on your tour. On weekdays when the Visitor Center is closed, our tour will still visit Paradise if road conditions allow.
• Not wheelchair accessible.

Cancellation policy: In order to receive a refund, reservation must be cancelled by guest at least 24 hours prior to your departure date.

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Mt. Rainier National Park Tours

Longmire in Mt. Rainier National Park Winter Tour 8-Hour Day Tour from Seattle, Washington:

$225 usd | nov-apr.

One of the best times of year to visit Mount Rainier is in the winter months. When the days get shorter, the summer crowds head home, and the park turns into a true winter wonderland, come visit Longmire in Mount …

Mt. Rainier National Park Tour Full Day Tour from Seattle, Washington:

$275 usd | year round.

On this day trip from Seattle to Mt. Rainier, savor Mt. Rainier’s hidden beauty on foot with waterfall walks, giant trees, alpine vistas, wildflower meadows, and wildlife watching. Stroll through the old-growth forests near Longmire, where Douglas fir, hemlock, and …

Mount Rainier National Park & Yakima Valley Wine Tasting Tour Full Day Tour from Seattle, Washington:

$275 usd | jul-oct.

Pair hiking Mt. Rainier’s remarkable wild side with wine tasting in the Yakima Valley‘s famed wineries in one unforgettable day! Mt. Rainier looms large in the hearts of Northwestern residents. On a clear day, the beautiful, hulking monolith can be …

Multi-Day Tours

Mt. Rainier National Park Hiking Tour 2-Day Tour from Seattle, Washington

Lovers of epic vistas, rugged hikes, and wildlife viewing are called to this adventure. We have picked our favorite hikes on different sides of Mt. Rainier to experience all that the famous volcano has to offer—from cascading waterfalls to mammoth …

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Mount Rainier In One Day: The Perfect Mount Rainier Day Trip

Wondering what to do in Mount Rainier in one day? Depending on where you are coming from in Washington, a Mount Rainier day trip is totally doable ! From epic day hikes to amazing scenery of the tallest mountain in Washington (Mount Rainier!), you are in for an unforgettable one day in Mount Rainier National Park.

For this one-day Mount Rainier itinerary, we will give you two options for spending your one day in the national park.

Well, Mount Rainier National Park is MASSIVE ! So, depending on where you are coming from and, most importantly, what you want to do, one section of the park may better suit your travel time and needs.

So let’s get into it then! How to spend one day in Mount Rainier National Park is just below. Are you ready?!

Have more time in Mount Rainier?! Check out our 2 and 3 day itinerary !

What To Do In Mount Rainier In One Day

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Jump Ahead To:

Where Is Mount Rainier National Park In Washington?!

If you are a Washington native or just a visiting tourist, it’s good to understand where Mount Rainer is located.

Located in west-central Washington state, Mount Rainier is a few hour’s drive from several Pacific Northwest cities. And if you’re flying, the closest major airport is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Now, these are general estimates as to how long it will take you to get to Mount Rainier. You’ll want to plug in your departure location to your park arrival location to get a better idea of distance and travel time.

However, the below is a good starting point for planning!

• Seattle to Mount Rainier: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
• Tacoma to Mount Rainier: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Yakima to Mount Rainier: 1.5 – 2.5 hours
• Olympic National Park to Mount Rainier: 3.5 – 5 hours
• North Cascades National Park to Mount Rainier: 4 – 5 hours

TIP: When planning your day trip to Mount Rainier, the earlier you arrive, the better, especially if you visit the National Park on weekends and holidays. Do your best to be at a park entrance by 8 a.m. to avoid long lines. Oh, and always check the National Park website for road closures .

Regardless of where you come from in Washington, you need to rent a car to get you to and around Mount Rainier National Park. Alternatively, if you’d rather opt for a tour, there are a few Mount Rainier tours that leave from Seattle!

Where Is The Best Place To Enter Mount Rainier National Park?

As we stated above, Mount Rainier is MASSIVE, and unlike other National Parks where you can cut through the park, you cannot cut through Mount Rainier.

Instead, you have to circumnavigate the park to reach most of its sections, of which there are five.

But why can’t you cut through Mount Rainier?

The 14,411-foot active volcano that is Mount Rainier sits smack-dab in the center of the park, making it impossible to cut through the park .

Mount Rainier National Park is literally built around the massive volcano, so getting to and from each section of the National Park can take several hours .

For this one-day Mount Rainier itinerary, we’ll only discuss two of the five sections.

So, where is the best entrance to arrive at? Well, it depends on which section you want to explore 🙂

• Paradise Section: Nisqually Entrance (southern section of the park)
• Sunrise Section: White River Entrance (northeastern section of the park)

Of the two sections listed above, the Nisqually entrance is the most popular in the park, and for good reason! But we’ll get to all that just below.

TIP: When the road is open, the drive from Paradise to Sunrise (or vice versa) is one of the most scenic drives in Washington! For example, if you plan to visit Paradise, you can drive to the Sunrise on your way home and exit through the White River Park Entrance. Doing this allows you to experience the northeastern side of the park. Of course, this is if logistics and time allow 🙂

Which Side of Mount Rainier is Better?

Oh, the ever-asked question when strapped for time and visiting Mount Rainier.

Having visited both Paradise (southern side) and Sunrise (northern side), both are magical in their own right and should be visited at least once!

• Paradise: The more developed side of Rainier. Home to loads of hiking trails (a few of which are ADA-compliant!), restaurants and lodges, lakes, and a few waterfalls (some of which don’t require hiking!). The paradise side of Mount Rainier has a slightly more diverse set of offerings than the sunrise side.
• Sunrise: The tallest section of the park (6,400 feet) allows visitors to get amazing views of Mount Rainer and is home to lakes and some of the best hiking trails in the park, like Freemont Lookout. And like Paradise, Sunrise has a Visitors Center and Lodge.

We’ll get into the specifics of each section just below. But to put your mind at ease, whatever section you choose to spend your one day in Mount Rainier, you honestly cannot go wrong !

They’re both breathtaking and offer AMAZING views of Mount Rainier.

Option 1: One Day Mount Rainier Itinerary – Paradise

Getting to paradise.

To get to Paradise, you’ll pass through the town of Ashford, the closest town to the park entrance and where park visitors who are not staying in the National Park opt to stay .

At the end of town in Ashford, you’ll reach the Nisqually Park Entrance, where you’ll pay the National Park Fee of $30 to enter the park. Once in the park, you’ll drive 12-ish miles through the Longmire section of the National Park until you eventually reach the Paradise section.

It’s a little bit of a drive, but well worth it after you realize what there is to see and do in Paradise! Which we’ll get to just below 🙂

Sunrise at Reflection Lake

The first stop is an early one, but if you can manage, seeing the sunrise from Reflection Lake is a sight to see!

The morning light reflects views of Mount Rainier in the lake, making it a perfect first glimpse of Mount Rainier and an even better way to kickstart your one day in the park.

Even if you can’t make it for sunrise, seeing Reflection Lake is still worthwhile!

The path to get there is a few short steps from the parking lot , making it an easy walk to enjoy some of the scenic beauty in the Paradise section of Mount Rainier National Park.

Hike The Skyline Trail Loop

If you ONLY have one thing to do while visiting Paradise, it’s hiking the Skyline Trail Loop! It’s a magnificent way to see Mount Rainier and the nearby Tatoosh Range, along with wildflowers , marmots , and, if you’re lucky, mountain goats and wolverines !

Without a doubt, hiking the Skyline Trail Loop was by far our favorite thing we did in Paradise ! It was a spectacular hike and one heck of a way to spend the majority of your time in Paradise.

This 5.7-mile loop trail starts at the visitor center.

We recommend tackling this loop clockwise so you start with seeing spectacular views of Mount Rainier and finish with views of the Tatoosh Range and Myrtle Falls before ending at Paradise Inn , where you can have lunch and a beer on their patio .

ALT Options For Hiking In Paradise

Now, if 5.7 miles sounds like a lot, there are ways to reduce this mileage, like opting for the 1.6-mile Alta Vista Trail or the 2.3-mile Dead Horse Creek Trail .

However, if you are looking for something easy, two of the more accessible hikes in Paradise are just below.

Nisqually Vista Trail (Easy)

This paved 1.2-mile loop trail is a great trail located just off one of the lower parking lots near the Paradise Visitors Center. The trail weaves through forests and provides great views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier . 

Myrtle Falls (Easy)

Starting counterclockwise at the Skyline Trailhead, you’ll walk a short 1-mile (round trip) paved path to Myrtle Falls. While you won’t get as close to Mount Rainier as you would if you hiked the Skyline Trail Loop, you’ll still get some views along with a waterfall!

Check out other amazing hiking trails in Mount Rainier here!

Lunch at Paradise Inn + Paradise Visitors Center

After some hiking, it’s time for some lunch! Paradise Inn, located a stone’s throw from the Paradise Visitor Center, is a historic inn that was built in 1916 .

Still retaining its rustic charm, today, the inn serves food and beverages and offers visitors a place to stay in their 121 guest rooms.

The inn is open from mid-May through early October and is a perfect place to grab a bite to eat and enjoy a cold Mount Rainier Lager Beer from its patio deck .

After lunch, you can pop over into the Visitor Center to not only learn more about Paradise and Mount Rainier but grab a souvenir or two before heading down towards your next activity, waterfalls!

Discover Waterfalls

On your way up to Reflection Lake and the hiking trails, you passed by Christine Fall and Narada Falls. That was intentional! We want to make sure you saw the sunrise at Reflection Lake and started hiking on the sooner side to avoid the crowds.

Now that hiking is done, you’ll head back down towards Longmire and the Park entrance, where you’ll pass by both waterfalls again, but this time you’ll stop at both!

Narada Falls

The first waterfall you’ll come to is Narada Falls, a 176 ft high waterfall .

Accessible by two viewpoints , visitors can view the falls from an above overlook, a few feet from the parking lot, or opt to hike down a short but steep hike to the lower viewpoint some 0.2 miles away.

Narada Falls is the largest waterfall accessible by car in the Paradise section of the park, so it’s well worth a stop.

Christine Falls

After you leave Narada Falls, the next waterfall you’ll come to is Christine Falls, a 69 ft high waterfall .

Like Narada Falls, visitors have two ways to view Christine Falls. The first and the easiest option is from the Park Road as you drive by.

The second option is to park at the small parking lot and walk a short way to reach the second viewpoint, which gives you a far longer and more direct look at Christine Falls.

Optional: Comet Falls

After a whirlwind day of exploring, there is one thing left for you to do, and it’s totally optional! If you have enough gas in your tank, you can opt to chase down one more waterfall before wrapping up your one day in Mount Rainier.

Comet Falls, located a short distance from Christine Falls, is a 301 ft waterfall, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park .

To see Comet Falls, visitors will have to hike 3.5 miles on an out-and-back trail, which usually takes 2 to 3 hours to complete.

Departing Paradise

After a fun-filled and epic one day in Mount Rainier, it’s time to say goodbye. As you pass through the Longmire section of the park on your way to the Nisqually Entrance, you’ll pass by the National Park Inn, which happens to serve dinner .

If time allows, you are welcome to make a reservation for dinner at the National Park Inn or grab dinner in Ashford at places like Copper Creek Inn Restaurant , Wildberry Restaurant , or Rainier BaseCamp Bar & Grill .

However you choose to end your day, one thing is certain, we’re sure you’ll see why so many visitors flock to Paradise in Mount Rainier. It’s spectacular and full of stunning natural wonders and scenery, all of which help make this place live up to its name…Paradise.

Option 2: One Day Mount Rainier Itinerary – Sunrise

Getting to sunrise.

Unlike Paradise, no town butts up to the Sunrise White Rivers Park Entrance. Rather, the closest town is Packwood (40 minutes away) or the little further away town of Enumclaw (45 minutes away) .

Once you arrive at the White River Entrance, you’ll drive 14 miles to reach the Sunrise Visitor Center, where loads of hiking trails and points of interest start from.

Once at Sunrise Visitor Center, you are at 6,400 feet in elevation, which is the highest point that can be reached by vehicle at Mount Rainier National Park .

As it’s name suggests, Sunrise is one of the first places in Mount Rainier National Park that gets hit with the morning’s light.

Like Paradise, to get to Sunrise can be a little bit of a drive, but once you see those amazing views, you’ll see it’s well worth the trip! Now, let’s get to the best things to do in the Sunrise section of Mount Rainier!

TIP: Due to snow, the Sunrise Road usually opens in late June or early July and closes in late September to early October . Be sure to plan your time in Sunrise accordingly to ensure this section of the park is accessible when you plan to visit .

Sunrise Point

Just before you get to the visitor center, you’ll take a turn on the road where you can pull off in a parking lot. Welcome to Sunrise Point, a place that offers 360-degree views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascade Range.

On clear days, you can see Mount Adams, the second-tallest peak in Washington!

Once you’ve stretched your legs and taken your photos, you can get back in your car and head to the next stop or opt to hike a trail or two .

From Sunrise Point, you can access a few trials like the Sunrise Lake Trail and Palisades Lake Trail .

Sunrise Visitor Center + Sunrise Day Lodge

After you’ve taken in the views from Sunrise Point, your next stop is the visitor center. The Sunrise Visitor Center is open from early July to early September.

Visitors can view exhibits to learn more about the sunrise area and grab a souvenir or two.

Next door, you’ll find the Sunrise Day Lodge, which offers sandwiches, drinks, and sweet treats for those needing a pick-me-up before or after hitting those hiking trails.

After you’re done wandering through the Visitor Center, it’s time to hit a hiking trail! The nice thing about parking and being at the visitor center is some of the best trails in the park start right behind the Visitor Center.

Talk about convenient, right?!

Hike To Fremont Lookout

One of THE most popular hiking trails in Mount Rainier National Park is hiking to Freemont Lookout.

Starting at the visitor center, the 5.7-mile out-and-back trail to Freemont Lookout gives you UNREAL views of Mount Rainier and the valleys below.

You’ll pass by Frozen Lake and continue up and alongside hillsides until you eventually reach Freemont Lookout.

Once at Freemont Lookout, you’ll be greeted with views as far as the eye can see of the Cascades, Olympic Mountains, and, the spectacular meadows of Grand Park.

Freemont Lookout was built in 1934 to provide rangers a place to keep an eye out for wildfires.

Today, the lookout remains for visitors of Mount Rainier National Park. You can climb to its second story, sit on the railing, and take in the dramatic views and mountainous peaks surrounding it.

And while you cannot sleep in the lookout tower, a trip up for sunrise or sunset is well worth it!

ALT Easy Hikes at Sunrise

If you’re thinking 5.7 miles is too much, no worries at all! Hikes like Sunrise Nature Trail, Emmons Vista Overlook, and Silver Forest Trail are rated on the easier side and may be a better option for those looking for something a little easier.

Sunrise Nature Trail is a 1.5-mile loop that has a 370 ft elevation gain with a “moderate” difficulty rating. Whereas Silver Forest Trail is a 2.7-mile out-and-back trail with a 320 ft elevation gain and an “easy” difficult rating.

Or you can opt for a super short 0.5-mile jaunt to Emmons Vista Overlook , which gives visitors fantastic views of Mount Rainier and the valley below!

Ride The Gondola at Crystal Mountain Resort

After you’ve enjoyed your hike, it’s time to leave the National Park . Yes, you read that right, but we promise it’ll be worth it!

And, you have to be hungry, don’t you?!

Located 50 minutes from the Sunrise Visitor Center is the Crystal Mountain Resort, home to one of the best restaurant views of Mount Rainier.

Summit House Restaurant,  Washington’s highest-elevation restaurant , sits pretty at 6,872 ft. But the best part? The only way to get to the Summit House Restaurant is to take a scenic Gondola ride some 2,500 feet up to reach the restaurant and its exceptional views!

Once at the top, you can dine inside, outside on the patio, or have a drink at one of the restaurant’s many Andriondak Chairs that line the area.

Fair warning. This is not the most budget-friendly outing , but if you have the time and would like a unique experience, it’s well worth it!

TIP: Open from 10:30 am – 3:00 pm, seasonally. Please be sure you check the hours of operation to ensure the Summit House Restaurant is open when you’d like to visit.

Additional Things To Do In Sunrise, Mount Rainier

Now, the above is sure to be a full day of exploring, but if you still have daylight and gas in your tank, below are two great options to add to your one-day Mount Rainier itinerary!

Tipsoo Lake

Located 30 minutes from Crystal Mountain Resort or 15 minutes from the White River Entrance is Tipsoo Lake.

Tipsoo Lake, like Reflection Lake in Paradise, is known for the reflection of Mount Rainier in its lake waters. If you visit in July, the meadows surrounding the lake will be full of wildflower blooms!

You can opt to visit Tipsoo Lake before you enter the park, at sunrise, or after you leave the park.

Grove of The Patriarchs

If you are staying in Packwood or making your way towards that direction, you can stop at Grove of the Patriarchs on your way.

Grove of the Patriarchs is about 20 minutes from the White River Entrance or 40 minutes from Crystal Mountain Resort.

So, what is Grove of The Patriarchs?

Well, it’s an easy 1.5-mile nature trail that takes you over a river via a suspension bridge and through some of the oldest trees in Mount Rainier National Park . Ancient trees like Douglas Firs, Western Red Cedars, and Hemlocks tower along the walking path, making this trail a great option to end your day.

TIP: Due to flooding, sometimes the Grove of The Patriarchs closes. Check the NPS website to ensure the Grove of The Patriarchs is open during your visit.

Tips For Visiting Mount Rainier In One Day

• Arrive and Start Your Day Early: You have loads to see, so make the most of the daylight! Oh, and the earlier you start, the fewer crowds there will be.
• Have a Plan/Route Ahead of Your Arrival: Plan ahead so you know your exact route and itinerary for the day. This will ensure you make the most of your one day in the park!
• Have Maps Downloaded for Offline Use: Reception in the park can be spotty. Make sure you download maps so you can use them offline when there is no reception.
• Pack Plenty of Food and Water: One way to make the most of your time is to eat on the go. Be sure you have plenty of snacks and water packed!
• Pack A Headlamp: Especially if you’ll be hiking before sunup or after sundown, a headlamp is crucial!
• Bring A Change of Clothes: Trust us, you’ll want a fresh pair of clothes to change into, especially if you have a long drive home at the end of the day!
• Consider Staying The Night: If you can swing it, staying the night in or near the park the day before or the night after you wrap your one day will allow you to spend more time in the park.

Where To Stay at Mount Rainier

If you do decide to stay the night, there are some places in or close to the park that are great options to rest your head for the night.

Paradise Accommodations

If you are looking to stay in the park , the National Park Inn or Paradise Inn are your two lodging options in the park. As for camping in Paradise, Cougar Rock Campground is for you.

If you’d rather stay outside the park , the closest town to the Paradise section is Ashford, Washington . Home to a few restaurants, shops, and some accommodation choices, Ashford is your best bet for something close to the Nisqually Entrance.

Places like Chalet at Mount Rainier , Nisqually Lodge , Stormking Hotel , and Mountain Meadows are all great options to consider that are just outside the park entrance!

Sunrise Accommodations

There is no overnight lodging in the Sunrise section of Mount Rainier National Park outside of camping, which can be found at White River Campground . The Sunrise Lodge does not have rooms for any overnight lodging. It’s a day-use lodge (food, ice cream, etc.) open during the summer only, typically from early July to mid-September.

So, if you want to stay overnight in Sunrise, you must stay out of the park .

The closest accommodation to Sunrise is Crystal Mountain Lodge . Followed by LOGE Alta Crystal Resort until you get to the closest larger town of Packwood , which has places to stay at, like Crest Trail Lodge , Cowlitz River Lodge , and The Cabin in Packwood .

Or the second closest town, in the opposite direction of Packwood, Enumclaw. Which has places to stay, like Guesthouse Inn .

Want More Information?!

Two and Three Day Mount Rainier Itinerary

16 Amazing Hiking Trails in Mount Rainier

How To Spend 2 to 3 Days in Olympic National Park

PIN IT FOR LATER!

For more travel tips, guides, and awesome travel shots, be sure to poke around our site and follow us on Instagram  @wanderingstus ,  Pinterest , and  Facebook . Oh, if you have any questions, let us know in the comment section. We’re happy to answer. Or, leave us a positive note!

Happy Travels,

– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stu’s)

We're Lauren & Jesse, the creators behind Wandering Stus! We've been traveling for decades, exploring and experiencing the very best this world has to offer. Whether we're roadtripping the U.S. in our camper, hiking through National Parks, or jet-setting to different countries around the globe, we write detailed travel guides to help you plan one amazing (and unforgettable) adventure!

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A Day Trip to Paradise

Mount rainier national park.

Plan a day trip to paradise at Mount Rainier National Park.

As a “born and raised” resident of Washington, you’d think that I had spent a considerable amount of time at arguably the most beautiful natural wonder of the Pacific Northwest. Well, you’d be wrong.

My parents tell me that we took a few trips to the mountain when I was very young and I vaguely remember a field trip or two, but I’ve spent the majority of my life taking in the beauty of Mount Rainier from a distance; waking up each morning to see the snow-capped peak on the horizon, driving down the freeway with the sun setting behind it, or catching glimpses between the clouds. After seeing this magnificent sight day in and day out for twenty-five years, you begin to take it for granted.

After working at Seattle Southside for a combined year and a half, I’ve heard from countless interested parties looking to visit the mountain. People come from all around the world to get up close and personal with our very own natural wonder. Even President Obama, upon flying over Rainier in Air Force One once remarked (I’m paraphrasing here) “The Seahawks are great, but I think you have something pretty spectacular in your own backyard.”

Needless to say, I’d been thinking about taking the trip to Mount Rainier National Park for some time. After thoroughly researching the park, I decided that Paradise would be the place to go. After all, Sunrise wasn’t open yet (it’s scheduled to open July 1) and with a name like Paradise, surely, it would be at least moderately breathtaking.

Tips for Visiting Mt. Rainier

I wrangled up a couple of my buddies – who were like me in that they had lived in the Pacific Northwest their entire lives and neither had any memory of ever visiting Mount Rainier National Park – and we hopped in the car and started our journey. Geographically speaking, Mount Rainier is not far from Seattle Southside, but the drive is considerable. It took us about two hours to get to our final destination, not including a stop for breakfast. TIP #1: Leave early, between 7:00am-9:00am is best. If you can do a weekday, do it. We left on a Saturday morning a little later than we had planned (9:45am, thanks Kris), and the park was pretty busy. We still had a lot of trails to ourselves, but I can imagine how busy it will be later in the summer.

Best Routes to Get to Mt. Rainier

There are a couple different routes to get to Paradise: South on I-5 and Route 7, or east on 164 or 169 and 410. Either way, you are circling the mountain and it will take around 2-2.5 hours. We went east on 169 (Maple Valley Highway) so that we could pass through Black Diamond and stop at the delicious, Black Diamond Bakery. A local favorite for over 100 years, if you can take this route, you must stop here. The restaurant has plenty of classic breakfast options with a great view of Rainier from the window. The bakery has a delectable assortment of donuts, cookies, cakes and Russian pretzels. TIP #2: Eat a hearty breakfast full of protein, not just donuts. Do as I say, not as I do.

From the bakery, we were on our way to the mountain. The drive was dramatically scenic and we had to pull off the road a few times to take pictures. We drove through the small town of Green Water and discovered that they weren’t kidding. The river was emerald green. It was around this time that we started seeing snow along the sides of the road. Yep, it was late June and there was still plenty of compact snow on the ground (not on the road though, don’t worry about that). We drove through valleys and canyons along windy roads and cliff sides that had clearly just experienced a rock slide, but the views were breathtaking. TIP #3: Pull off at 1-3 viewpoints/waterfalls, but don’t spend all day there. There are so many amazing viewpoints along the way, but once you’re in the park itself, there’s no reason to look back.

After passing through the park’s main entrance and paying the $25 fee for a single car (the pass is good for one week), we made our way to a rest stop at…I believe it was Box Canyon. We did a little exploring around the rest area and found a cliff side area with another beautiful view to sit and relax in the sun. Who would’ve thought that there would be such an amazing view fifty yards from a toilet?

Welcome to Paradise

After our rest stop we drove for another twenty minutes until we passed the “Welcome to Paradise” sign and arrived at our destination. We grabbed our trusty CamelBaks filled with water and snacks and walked into the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. Inside, they had maps, food, restrooms, water, and an information center. There was an informative wall that had listed all the hikes at Paradise along with the difficulty levels and approximate roundtrip travel times. We decided on the Alta Vista trail that was listed as a “medium” difficulty with 1.75 hours of travel time, roundtrip.

When we started our hike, we initially became a little worried that we would be stuck in a never-ending line of slow-moving, selfie-sticking tourists. But once the trails split, we found our independence and our space. It wasn’t long before we started seeing the wildlife…and snow. Yes, it was very early in the season so a lot of the trails were covered in snow. Even with the snow, we weren’t the least bit chilly. The sun would make an appearance every now and then; combine that with the level of activity and we were pretty toasty in t-shirts and shorts. TIP #4: If the sun is out, dress light, but come heavy with the water, hiking boots, sunglasses, hats, and SUNSCREEN. Learn from our mistakes, do not repeat them.

As for the wildlife, we came across plenty of chipmunks and a few big, fat marmots. We couldn’t believe how close we could get to these creatures (a few feet, or inches in the squirrel’s case). They had obviously grown accustomed to park visitors. They might as well have said “you have to pay the toll,” because they were clearly waiting for us to give them some sort of nourishment, and they wouldn’t back down…

Hiking Mt. Rainier

It only took us about twenty-five minutes to get to the end of what we believed was the Alta Vista trail. Again, we traversed a lot of snow and 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. I don't know how many times we saw a landmark and said “that’ll be the end for us,” then continued on anyway. 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, and the pictures do not do the view justice. But I will tell you this…it was awesome.

Visit Mount Rainier National Park ! Even if you don’t want to go all the way to Paradise or Sunrise, there are so many great hikes and scenic viewpoints along the way. Pull off to the side of the road and enjoy the fresh air, beautiful views, and fun hikes. Also, remember to bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Force Blake to drive you because he has a wicked-nice Subaru in case you run into any inclement weather. Don’t bring Kris unless you want to get hit by periodic snowballs even when you think you’re safe because you’re right next to a family with small children. Finally, if the marmots kidnap you, their leader’s name is Borgar the Wise and he likes almonds.

We visited the park early in the year and even though the wildflowers weren’t in full bloom and a lot of the trails were snow covered, it truly was the experience of a lifetime. We planned to return even before we reached Paradise, and with Sunrise opening July 1st, we want to try that side of the mountain as well. Until next time, Tahoma.

Come See For Yourself Why Mount Rainier is so Admired

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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Mount Rainier Guide – Nisqually Entrance – What to Do in & Near the Park, Where to Stay & Eat!

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Mount Rainier Guide – Nisqually Entrance

What to do in & near the park, where to stay & eat.

Whether you live locally or are visiting Western Washington from out of state, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most popular, top destinations in the Pacific Northwest. It is such a stunning sight to see any time of year and the Longmire / Paradise area of the park is the most popular area of the park to visit.

We’ve put together a very comprehensive guide on the best hikes for this area of the park, things to do outside of the park, best places to stay & eat both in the park & outside of the park!  While we love visiting the park, there are also some awesome hikes outside of the park nearby, fun activities such as the steam train, animal parks & pioneer farm to check out, too.

Don’t forget – Mount Rainier has new timed entry requirements from Memorial Weekend to Labor Day weekend, starting May 24, 2024. You will need a timed entry ticket to visit the park between the hours of 7am – 3pm for the Paradise & Sunrise entrances. If you don’t get a timed entry pass when they release several months before, they will also release more tickets at 7pm the night before. Otherwise, you’ll need to visit either before 7am or after 3pm.

Mount Rainier National Park has 4 main entrances::

• Nisqually – southwest entrance (closest town is Ashford)
• Sunrise / White River – northeast entrance (closest town is Greenwater)
• Carbon River – northwest entrance (closest town is Wilkeson)
• Stevens Canyon / Ohanepecosh – southeast entrance  (closest town is Packwood)

If you want to visit Mount Rainier year-round, the one Mount Rainier National Park entrance that is open all year is the Nisqually entrance in Ashford , WA .  (The other areas of the park are closed from typically Oct/Nov to May/June/early July). Make sure to check out a Mount Rainier map to see the different areas of the park.

I’d always recommend checking out the Mount Rainier webcam before you visit anytime to see the conditions at the park & mountain visibility. The Mount Rainier live webcam will tell you real-time conditions for how much snow is there, if the mountain is visible & more.

This is also the most popular entrance as visitors & locals alike love to visit the Paradise area of the park. You’ll find the most places to stay with the closest proximity to Mount Rainier here in Ashford/Elbe area, too.

The town of Ashford, WA is right at the entrance of Mount Rainier National Park with a population under 1000 people, and the town of Elbe is even smaller with a population of under 100 people. The larger town that is closest to the Nisqually entrance is Eatonville (population under 3000) & the closest cities will be Puyallup, Tacoma & Olympia.

Mount Rainier Lodging

Paradise inn, mount rainier.

Paradise Inn is the closest location if you want full access to Mount Rainier as this is located right next to the Paradise Visitor Center at 5400 ‘ elevation. It’s such a unique, rustic, beautiful lodge.  There are 121 guest rooms, full service dining room, cafe & comfy lobby. Paradise Inn is typically open mid-May – end of September, so this is not a year-round location. There is also no wifi, but there is cell service.

National Park Inn – Mount Rainier/Longmire

The National Park Inn is another National Park lodging option in Mount Rainier & the only option that is open year-round. But it is very limited for stays with only 25 guest rooms in this historic lodge. There are no tvs, telephones or internet – just a quiet place to relax among the towering trees at Longmire.

Cougar Rock Campground – Mount Rainier near Longmire

The Cougar Rock campground is located past Longmire in Mt Rainier National Park (around 3100 elevation) & it’s open from late May – early October typically (typically opening around Memorial Weekend). There are almost 180 sites here with flush toilets & water access.

Ashford/Elbe/Mineral

The best place to stay when visiting the Paradise area of Mount Rainier, but outside of the park, is in one of these small towns to be closest to the park.  There is limited large scale lodging like hotels, though, but they do offer inns, cabins, vacation rentals & a couple campgrounds. The cities of Puyallup & Tacoma are the closest cities if you’re looking for a larger hotel.

Our preferred place to stay when visiting Mount Rainier is a vacation rental / cabin to have access to a kitchen (since there are limited restaurants in this area) as well as more space & the many other amenities you’ll have.  And there are many more options to choose from, too!

Cabins/Vacation Rentals:

There are a number of vacation rentals to check out when visiting Mount Rainier – Paradise entrance. We loved staying in a local vacation rental in Ashford because it was so close to the park to be able to go easily to & from the park and it was so close to the other activities around the area as well. Find cabin rentals here .

Mt Rainier National Park Cabins – Kelton’s Cabin

We stayed in the Kelton’s Cabin recently, part of Mt Rainier National Park Cabins , which was the perfect base camp for visiting Mount Rainier as well as exploring Ashford & Elbe & checking out local hikes around the area. Mt Rainier National Park Cabins has 13 cabin options that are very affordable in Ashford, Packwood & Mineral. They start at rates as low as $65/nt & $125/nt for luxury cabins (like the one we stayed in).

Use our code: Rainiersummer for an extra 10% off the cabin rental!

This cabin was just 10 minutes from the park entrance and was so spacious, with room for at least 6-8 people. It offered an outdoor hot tub & massage chair, perfect to relax & unwind after a long day snowshoeing. And it was dog-friendly, which worked well as my husband & pup joined us on the last day for adventures around the town.

Having a large kitchen stocked with all of the necessary tools & pantry essentials made it so convenient to make our meals at home, so we could maximize our time in the park.

Motels/Inns in Ashford/Elbe:

These are all very small motels/inns with limited guest rooms, so these will book out fast.

• Gateway Inn & Cabins – this is right at the entrance to the park with cabins, motel rooms & RV sites in Ashford
• Nisqually Lodge – this has 24 rooms & is 5 miles from the entrance in Ashford
• Paradise Village – there are rooms as well as cabins located in Ashford
• Whittaker’s Bunkhouse – located in Ashford next to the Basecamp restaurant & store
• Hobo Inn – located in Elbe in train cabooses
• Alexander’s Lodge – 12 rooms in this historic inn in a quaint Victorian style house

Big Creek Campground

Big Creek Campground is the closest campground to the national park and it’s a national forest campground.  They can fit tents, trailers & RVs. There are vault toilets, fire pits, picnic tables & pedestal grills.

If you want a larger hotel, I recommend looking at Puyallup as the closest larger city. It will take about 45 minutes – 1 hour to get to the Mt Rainier park entrance from Puyallup.  Here are some hotels to check out :

• Hampton Inn & Suites
• Holiday Inn Express
• Fairfield Inn & Suites (Marriott)
• Best Western Plus 

Mount Rainier Stops or Hikes – Nisqually Entrance

These are a few of our favorite stops along the road to Longmire & Paradise & just beyond Paradise Visitor Center.  We have more detail about all of our favorite hikes at Mount Rainier too (which includes all the areas!

In the winter, we love to go snowshoeing at Mount Rainier, so check out our tips for Mount Rainier snowshoeing too. And the sledding area at Paradise has been closed the last few years, but hopefully it will open again soon – so here we have all of our tips for Mount Rainier sledding .

Trail of the Shadows

The Trail of the Shadows hike is located near Longmire ranger station/National Park Inn & it’s a nice, easy hike for families. It’s just .7 miles round trip which is a self-guided loop to explore the old growth forest around the National Park Inn & the history of the Longmire Springs Resort. It’s also a nice option for winter when the road to Paradise is closed & this is a great snowshoe walk if there is snow at Longmire.

Narada Falls

Narada Falls is located on the drive between Longmire & Paradise, right before you get to Paradise. It’s a must-visit spot as this is not really a hike, but just a shorter walk down to this beautiful 168 ft waterfall that’s hidden from the road. It’s .2 miles RT & 100 ft elevation gain on your way back up from the falls. Definitely a beautiful waterfall whether it’s sunny or rainy outside.

Carter Falls 

Carter Falls is a great hike for a rainy day as the main focus of this trail is the pretty waterfall! It’s a 2.8 mile hike with 660 ft elevation gain. It also should be open year-round as it’s closer to Longmire & Cougar Rock campground areas (although it’s only accessible if the gate to Paradise is open – as it may be closed mid-week during winter/spring)

Comet Falls

The Comet Falls hike is along the road headed towards Paradise (after Longmire) & it’s a great moderate level hike. It is 3.8 mi RT & 1250 elevation gain to the falls. You’ll follow a whitewater creek upstream & find Comet Falls which is 301 feet tall. There are numerous small waterfalls/cascades along the way to make it interesting.

If you want a longer hike, add on the Van Trump Park trail (this is 6 miles long & 2150 elevation gain). You’ll find gorgeous Mount Rainier views from the meadow (filled with wildflowers in the mid summertime) & you could also even see views of Mount Adams & Mount St Helens from the trail.

Christine Falls 

The viewpoint for Christine Falls is not a hike, but just a pull-off & little walk down off the side of the road. This waterfall is about halfway between the Nisqually entrance & the Paradise Visitor Center. You can see Christine Falls from the road but there are turnoffs right after you pass the waterfall on the way up.  Pull off at one of the pull-outs and you could walk to the viewpoint from the road. But I much prefer the viewpoint down a little dirt trail off to the right side of the road – you’ll have an unobstructed view of the entire waterfall this way + the stone bridge! So pretty!

Myrtle Falls 

My favorite trail that gives the most bang for your buck up at Paradise Visitor Center area is the portion of the Skyline trail that heads to Myrtle Falls . This is very short & flat – .8 miles round-trip & 150 elevation gain, so its perfect for most ability levels (especially for those who are adjusting to the elevation difference at Paradise which is 5400 ft).  This is a nice option for families & those in wheelchairs as it is paved (although it is not accessible to access the waterfall as it is down some stairs)

This is really one of the most gorgeous views of Mount Rainier with flatter trails up at Paradise. Once you get closer to the falls, you’ll find stunning views of the mountain, a pretty waterfall with the mountain view for little effort & the beautiful Tatoosh mountain range the opposite direction. Plus, it’s very easy to add on if you want a longer hike from there – either head to the left to the Golden Gate Loop trail  or the Skyline Loop Trail .

Skyline Trail 

If you want the #1 best family hike at the Paradise area of Mount Rainier, it’s the Mount Rainier Skyline Trail loop ! This is the single best hike because of all it encompasses & absolutely breathtaking Mount Rainier views the whole way. But it is popular, but not crowded usually (although you will see a lot more people in the first half mile or so each way).  I have not yet done the entire loop, but I’ve done many sections & my daughter did the entire loop & it’s her favorite all-time hike ever!

This hike is 5 1/2 miles long & 1450 elevation but it’s very well-maintained with some great newer, improved sections too. This hike gives you a very up-close view of Mount Rainier & her glaciers, as well as cascading waterfalls, subalpine meadows, and many areas of wildflower beauty in the spring & gorgeous fall colors in September & October. You will also see some interesting wildlife (we almost always see multiple marmots when hiking this trail)

Reflection Lakes

This location is only easily accessible in the summertime when the Stevens Canyon road is open which leads to the main Reflection Lake (there are others you can see via hike). You will get a unique view of Mount Rainier with the lake to create some cool photos with the reflections. And I’ve found that even on the busiest days when parking may be difficult to find at Paradise, this lake is often easy to park & walk without the crowds & still enjoy the mountain views.

Bench & Snow Lake

Just beyond Paradise & Reflection Lake on the Stevens Canyon road is the parking for the Bench & Snow Lake trail . This trail is 2.5 miles out & back with 600′ elevation gain.  It also is only accessible in the summer/early fall – typically June – September while the Stevens Canyon road is open. It’s a good family hike as it has a variety of things to look at with some Mount Rainier views, but also two beautiful alpine lakes & the Tatoosh mountain range. Definitely grab the bug spray for this hike, though! Even in early July when there were still a few snow patches, we did find a lot of bugs.

Things to Do in the Area

High rock lookout hike.

If you’re looking for a moderately challenging hike with absolutely stunning Mount Rainier views NOT in the national park, then High Rock Lookout is the hike for you! This hike is located in Ashford & it is the site of a lookout tower (which is currently being repaired & then will be returned to the mountain). This is a little over 3 miles & 1365 elevation gain so it’s a moderately steep hike, but definitely doable. It’s not a hike I would bring young kids to, though, as it’s definitely exposed with sheer dropoffs at the end (not for those afraid of heights either!).

But the reward is worth it if you do go out to the lookout platform with 365 degree views of Mt Rainier, Mt Adams & Mt St Helens. Even if you don’t go all the way to the lookout, you’ll see great views of Mt Rainier on the way up.

Ashford County Park 

Right in the town of Ashford is the 80 acre Ashford County Park , which features a nice playground with large play structure, an over 1 mile walking path, large lawn for outdoor games & outdoor amphitheater. This is a great place to get the wiggles out for your kids if you are on your way to Mount Rainier or visiting the town of Ashford.

Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad

The Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad is back this last year after a few years closed. This is such a fun, unique activity to do in the Mount Rainier area, as you’ll ride a vintage train pulled by a 100 year old steam engine.  They have an open air car, historic passenger cars & baggage car (which is a gift shop & concession stand). You’ll encounter some beautiful Mount Rainier views as well as ride through pretty, lush forests, across farmlands & rivers.

The typical scenic train rides are 12 mile round trip tours from the towns of Elbe to Mineral & back, taking an hour & fifteen minutes. But they also offer quite a few unique train rides too such as brunch train rides, wine tasting train rides, dinner rides, the Polar Express (coming back in 2024), Halloween, Easter Bunny & much more. So make sure to check out all the options.

Another option they offer in the summer are RailCycles, which are 4 seat pedal-powered rail bikes that you can pedal along a 1.5 mile track for a beautiful ride thru the area around Mount Rainier.

Horseback Riding 

If you love to explore an area by horse, EZ Times in Elbe offers guided horseback riding trips. They offer a variety of 1,  2 & 3 hour nature trail rides up thru the mountains & forests in the area between Elbe & Ashford.  They also offer adult-only river rides along the Nisqually river for a unique experience. Or saddle up to enjoy the sunset hour through one of their trail ride areas. You can also choose a group ride or a private ride. We chose an off-season time to go (my daughter got this as an experience gift) & we were the only ones on the ride, so you never know! We loved this experience & it was a beautiful area to ride up into the mountains above their farm.

Northwest Trek

Northwest Trek is one of the top activities in the greater Seattle/Tacoma area as it’s such a unique experience. This is a wildlife park featuring animals native to the Pacific Northwest out in their natural habitat. They have 2 areas – a walking tour of animals which is similar to a zoo but with a lot more space & room for the animals (you’ll find bears, mountain lions, beavers, owls & more). And the 2nd part of Northwest Trek is the Tram Tour, where you’ll get an up-close view of bison, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, elk, moose, caribou & more (the tram tour is currently suspended, so it’s a driving tour with your own vehicle & a guide car leading the way).

Plus, they have an amazing KidTrek playground , a wildlife-themed playground that kids will love! And there is also a children’s discovery center (best for ages 3-8) where kids can read wildlife books, play in a puppet theater, check out activity tables & crafts & more with on-site naturalists.

Pioneer Farm Museum & Ohop Indian Village 

The Pioneer Farm museum & OHOP Indian Village is an interactive, educational farm to learn the history of the Ohop tribe as well as the pioneer families who settled in this area during the 1880’s. This is a “hands on living history” farm with educational tours to teach you the history of the area, but you’ll learn by actually doing these activities from those times.

They offer two different types of tours – Pioneer Farm Tour & the Native American seasons tour.  The Pioneer Farm tour is 1 1/2 hours long & you’ll visit 2 homestead cabins, wood shop & schoolhouse built in the 1880’s & do chores that kids living in pioneer times would have done. Activities include: grinding grains, scrubbing laundry, churning cream, carding wool & more. You’ll also visit the animals, do barn chores (gathering eggs, milk the cow/goat, work in the blacksmith shop, heat up a horeshoe & more.

Little Mashel Falls Hike

This family friendly hike is just past the town of Eatonville and it’s a gorgeous hike with 3 large waterfalls. If you go to all of the waterfalls, it’s about 4 1/2 – 5 miles long with 500 ft elevation gain. There are several different places to park, but the best option is the Bud Blancher trail parking lot just outside of town.

If you only want to hit one waterfall, the middle waterfall is typically the most popular as it’s the most full & you can possibly walk behind it (depending on weather,  usually summertime). But all of them are beautiful to see (the Upper Falls is a bit harder to get down to it, but you can still see the falls if you take the trail that way & stay up on the ridge.  This trail is known for being very muddy, so just make sure to be prepared for the mud with boots.

Restaurants

I’ll share the restaurants in order from closest to Mount Rainier to further away, in case you are looking for somewhere to eat when leaving the park. If you want to eat in the park, the Paradise Visitor Center has a small cafe & we love visiting the Paradise Inn (in the summer) for ice cream & treats after a long, hot hike!

There are a few more restaurants in Ashford that we haven’t tried yet (some are only open seasonally), such as Wildberry restaurant (this is open only in the summer typically) & the Ukrainian restaurant at Paradise Village Lodge.  There are also more restaurants to eat in Eatonville, as it’s larger than Ashford & Elbe, but I’m highlighting our favorite restaurants in this town.

Copper Creek Restaurant

The Copper Creek restaurant is one of the closest restaurants to the Mount Rainier entrance in Ashford, so it makes for a nice option after a long day at the park. This restaurant is actually the oldest continuously operating full restaurant in the state – opened in 1946.  It’s also one of the few restaurants open several weekdays throughout the year close to Mount Rainier, so perfect for a visit when you’re checking out the snow. The menu is pretty standard American fare, serving breakfast, lunch & dinner.

Rainier Basecamp Bar & Grill

The Rainier Basecamp Bar & Grill in Ashford is a favorite of ours to stop after a trip to Mount Rainier or visiting the Ashford area as it’s such a fun setting. It’s located at Whittaker’s Mountaineering Mount Rainier basecamp location, where you can rent or buy gear for snowshoeing, hiking, climbing, use their accessible bathrooms, ask hiking questions of the outdoor store staff & more. The menu is casual consisting of items like pizza, sandwiches, burgers, salads & more. They have a little bit of indoor seating, but they have a large area of outdoor seating, which is also dog-friendly. We love their outdoor seating as it’s it invites you to sit & stay awhile around the firepit or sitting at a picnic bench, with live music frequent on the weekends. Make sure to check their hours as they are only open on weekends in the winter time, but  spring/summer/fall, they do open 7 days a week.

Elbe Market Country Store

We love the cute, little town of Elbe & the Elbe Market country store is definitely a nice stop when you are driving thru Elbe. This building was built in 1906 & it’s now a great stop for coffee, ice cream or other treats & snacks.  Grab items to bring with you for a day at the mountain or stop on your way home after a busy day outdoors. They also have fun items to shop for in their country store.

Mt Rainier Railroad Dining Co / The Hobo Inn 

If you have driven thru Elbe on the way to Mt Rainier, then you have definitely seen this restaurant, the Mt Rainier Railroad Dining Co as part of the Hobo Inn.  This restaurant is located in the railroad cars on the side of the highway right in town – it’s hard to miss with its brightly colored collection of cabooses. They offer a restaurant as well as several rooms in the cabooses for a unique place to stay.  I have never eaten here, but it definitely would be a fun experience due to the unique setting.

Mill Haus Cider Co

Mill Haus Cider Co  is definitely my favorite place to eat in the Mount Rainier area and it’s only been around a few years (since late 2021), but what a wonderful asset to this area! It’s worth the drive out here *just* for the restaurant & experience, too, since it’s so unique! This is a restaurant & outdoor community space, taproom with craft ciders & now they have a distillery opening too. There is a small indoor space, but the real gem is their gorgeous outdoor space. They have plenty of covered spaces & warming areas with bonfires, heaters & more so you can enjoy the outdoor space any time of year. It’s so fun in the warmer weather, too, as they have musicians playing concerts, outdoor lawn games & just people hanging out & enjoying the location.  Their menu consists of small bites, flatbreads, salads, street tacos & sliders. It’s all delicious! Definitely a must-visit when you’re visiting Mt Rainier or anytime!

Tea Garden Cafe

The Tea Garden Cafe is a cute little cafe we discovered this year in Eatonville driving by when i saw signs with featuring a few of my favorite things – bubble tea & crepes! They have some unique boba drinks, too, with fun, holiday & seasonal specials. We love trying different boba drinks when we come here, they are delicious. They also have delicious smoothies & espresso drinks which we’ve tried. Their drinks are definitely the highlight here!

Chopstix  is a great option for dine-in or takeout in Eatonville as they offer Chinese, Vietnamese, & Teriyaki. They have large portions & the food is flavorful. And it’s so easy to find as it’s right on the highway coming in/out of town, so it makes a great post-hike or post-adventure meal for us!

We hope this Mt Rainier guide is helpful for you if you are visiting Mt Rainier at the Paradise/Longmire areas of the park! Let us know your favorite things to do in this area! 

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10-Day Itinerary For Washington National Parks

• Washington is home to 15 national park units, making it an ideal destination for a road trip adventure.
• A 10-day road trip through Washington's national parks allows for plenty of time in the three major parks: Mount Rainier, Olympic, and North Cascades.
• Exploring the San Juan Islands and visiting the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Seattle are great additions to the itinerary.

Washington is home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, with over 152,000 acres of protected land to explore across the state. The variety of stunning state and national parks in Washington are all worth a visit, but the relatively large size of this Pacific Northwest state can make it a challenge to see everything in one go.

Thankfully, Washington’s rugged terrain and scenic landscapes are the perfect canvas for an old-fashioned road trip adventure. Washington is an excellent starting point for epic cross-country adventures, including the international Great Northern Road Trip that runs from Washington to Maine .

For those hoping to really get their feet on the ground in Washington’s best national parks, a road trip that sticks inside the state boundaries may be the best course of action.

Washington is home to 15 national park units, which include national parks, national historical parks, national trails, and all other lands controlled by the National Park Service.

Those planning a 10-day national park road trip through Washington will have to make some choices between spending multiple days in the larger parks or hopping quickly from location to location. Additionally, since Washington is a larger state with a number of technically challenging roads, drivers should be prepared to spend a decent amount of time on the road during their national park road trip.

With these factors in mind, this 10-day itinerary through Washington’s national parks is designed to leave plenty of time in the big three (Mount Rainier National Park, Olympic National Park, and North Cascades National Park) while still leaving time for a couple of side trips in the state’s hidden gems along the way.

Related: What To Know Of Washington State's Three National Parks (& What They Preserve)

Day 1: Seattle To Olympic National Park

Distance traveled: 111 miles.

Like any true road trip, this national park drive through Washington starts with a few hours in the car. Whether coming from out of state or simply hoping to see a new side of Washington, Seattle is possibly the best starting point for a Washington road trip.

With access to numerous major highways and a number of free things to do in Seattle itself, this metropolitan city is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding areas. The drive from Seattle to Olympic National Park’s entrance takes just over two hours to complete, assuming there’s no traffic to contend with. Drivers can opt to either make their way right to the park for maximum time inside or take advantage of numerous scenic stops along the way. Major cities like Tacoma and Olympia are naturally along this road, and smaller towns like Hoodsport offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy inlet ocean views.

• Travel Time: ~2.25 hours
• Things to Do Between Seattle and Olympic National Park: Enjoy the Many Things to Do in Tacoma ; Stop in Olympia; Catch Ocean Inlet Views
• Popular Things to Do in Olympic National Park : Hiking, Hoh Rainforest , Scenic Loops, Olympic National Park Visitors Center

About Olympic National Park

• Park Hours: 24/7
• Entrance Fee: $30/vehicle

Day 2: Olympic National Park

Distance traveled: 0 miles.

Pulling up to the entrance to Olympic National Park, road trip travelers will immediately recognize the need to leave a full day to this awe-inspiring landscape. Rested, with a full day ahead, the nearly 1,500 square miles of Olympic National Park are ready to be explored.

Travelers can take advantage of the rocky beach shores, hike some of the best trails in Olympic National Park , or just take one of several scenic byways that wind through the park.

After a full day jumping between rainforest and Pacific Ocean views, travelers taking a Washington National Park road trip can stay right in the park at Kalaloch Lodge , one of the most historic hotels in Washington , or grab their tent and stay at one of several campgrounds available. With another winding day on the road ahead, a good night's sleep is a must.

• Travel Time: None
• Popular Things to Do in Olympic National Park: Hiking Trails, Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park Visitors Center, Obstruction Point Road , Pacific Coast Scenic Byway , Hoh River Road

While Olympic National Park does have an entrance fee, that fee grants admission for the vehicle for seven consecutive days. This means eager road trip travelers who got an early start on the adventures on Day One will not have to buy another pass to enjoy this full day in the park.

Day 3: Olympic National Park To Mount Rainier National Park

Distance traveled: 114 miles.

The relative locations of Washington’s three national parks mean that some backtracking is unavoidable, and such is the case for much of the drive from Olympic National Park to Mount Rainier National Park. Traveling back through Olympia, drivers will make their way southeast along Highway 510 toward Mount Rainier National Park.

Thankfully, the drive itself is a scenic and relatively short one, taking just over two hours from park to park. This leaves plenty of time to take a last look around the beautiful Olympic National Park before leaving the coastal area. Even then, there is plenty of time to enjoy some unscheduled stops along the way. In addition to making another pass through Olympia, Washington National Park road trip travelers can make stops at Silver Lake, the Pioneer Farm Museum , or Nisqually State Park before heading to the entrance of Mount Rainier.

• Popular Things to Do Between Olympic National Park and Mount Rainier National Park: Re-visit the Various Things to Do in Olympia ; Explore the Pioneer Farm Museum & Ohop Indian Village; Walk Through Nisqually State Park, Stop at the Recycled Spirits of Iron Sculpture Park

About Mount Rainier National Park

Day 4: mount rainier national park.

None of Washington’s national parks can simply be driven by. These large, iconic natural areas deserve at least a full day of exploration, and many plan their entire vacations around a single park. For those on a 10-day Washington National Park road trip, pausing for a day to fully enjoy Mount Rainier National Park will prove well worth the time.

Away from the ocean and the lush rainforests that immortalize Olympic National Park, Mount Rainier National Park is all about the towering granite structures that dominate the West Coast states. Aside from exploring the namesake Mount Rainier, there are a number of things to do in Mount Rainier National Park , enough to easily fill a day (or more!).

The hiking trails, in particular, are one of the best ways to enjoy Mount Rainier National Park. With 157 trails (according to AllTrails ) , adventurous hikers and beginners alike can all find a way to enjoy mountain views, ancient glacial beds, and snow-melt alpine lakes. Considering that the three remaining stretches of driving are all longer than those found in the first half of the trip, a day exploring on foot will be a relaxing break.

• Popular Things to Do In Mount Rainier National Park: Hiking Trails (including Skyline Loop , Tolmie Peak Trail , and Silver Falls Loop ); Road Trip Around The Mountain Scenic Drive ; Mount Rainier Visitor Center

Day 5: Mount Rainier National Park To North Cascades National Park

Distance traveled: 189 miles.

On the road again and this time moving north. As the name suggests, North Cascades National Park is in the northern portion of the state, approaching the US/Canada border. Since this national park is further away from the big city and the other two parks, it generally sees fewer annual visitors than Olympic and Mount Rainier.

Travelers will move north along Highways 161 and 167 before reaching Interstates 465 and 5, which will lead them to the divergence point for North Cascades National Park. The numerous road changes slow the journey but also provide ample opportunity to explore some of the one-stop towns of Washington.

Several of the best small towns to visit in Washington are right along the road or very near the main route. Considering the drive will take a minimum of four hours without stops or traffic, those on the Washington National Park road trip might as well leave themselves some time for unplanned stops along the way.

• Travel Time: ~4 hours
• Popular Things to Do Between Mount Rainier National Park and North Cascades National Park: Stop in Scenic Small Towns; Northwest Trek Wildlife Park ; Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park ; Visit Bellevue and Bellevue Botanical Gardens

About North Cascades National Park

• Entrance Fee: FREE

Day 6: North Cascades National Park

Don’t let the price deceive; the fact that North Cascades National Park is free to enter doesn’t mean it isn’t still worth at least one full day of enjoyment. Indeed, like many national parks, guests could easily spend a full day simply exploring the best hiking trails in North Cascade National Park , wandering through the forests, along rivers, and near crashing waterfalls.

Of course, those disappointed in the lack of driving on this day of the road trip can always take their car along one of the scenic drives in the park, which includes the North Cascades Scenic Highway , for a more low-impact way to see the sights.

The abundance of water means that activities like fishing and boating are also entirely possible in the park, with equipment rentals available near and in the park, depending on the time of year. Needless to say, those following the 10-day itinerary through Washington’s national parks will be grateful for the time to explore this less-visited national park.

• Popular Things to Do in North Cascades National Park: Hiking Trails, North Cascades Scenic Byway, Horseback Riding, Boating, Camping, Fishing, Rock Climbing

Related: 14 Most Underrated National Parks In The United States

Day 7: North Cascades National Park To San Juan Island National Historical Park

Distance traveled: 95 miles.

Having visited the three established national parks, the rest of the 10-day Washington National Park road trip is a chance to visit some other members of the national park system in Washington state.

The San Juan Islands are a unique group of ocean islands separated by the inlets that carve through Washington’s northwestern border. All of the San Juan Islands have plenty of activities to enjoy, but San Juan Island itself is classified as a National Historical Park.

A worthy but somewhat complicated addition to the Washington National Park road trip itinerary, San Juan Island requires not just an intensive drive but a ferry ride as well. Travelers can either park their car and take the ferry on foot (which costs $15.85 each way) or pay to have their car ferried with them since vehicles are allowed on San Juan Island.

Despite traveling only 95 miles, roadtrippers should plan to spend at least four hours in transit on this day, including the 1.5-hour ferry ride to the island itself. Fortunately, wildlife watching aboard the ferry is an excellent way to pass the time and just one more opportunity to make the most of this Washington National Park road trip.

• Travel Time: ~4 hours (including ferry ride)
• Popular Things to Do Between North Cascades National Park and San Juan Island: Northern State Recreational Area; Wildlife Watching Aboard The San Juan Ferry; Explore Anacortes

About San Juan Island National Historic Park

• Ferry Fee: from $15.85/person (each way)

Unsure if one day is enough in the three major national parks? Washington road trip travelers can opt to skip the three days spent around San Juan Island and add a day to each of the three national parks instead. This will give two non-driving days at each park and will still leave the final day of the trip to return to Seattle. Due to the long ferry ride needed to visit San Juan Island from the mainland, it is not recommended to allot less than two days for this portion of the trip.

Day 8: The San Juan Islands

The San Juan Islands are scenic, wild places off the coast of Washington, and whether guests want to focus on the main San Juan Island or take advantage of the inter-island ferries to do some island hopping, there are plenty of ways to spend the day in and around San Juan Island National Historic Park.

Within the protected park boundaries, there are eight unique hiking trails , as well as various tide pools, kayaking spots, and biking paths. Despite the isolation caused by the ocean inlets, there is plenty of wildlife to keep an eye out for in the park as well, including river otters, foxes, seals, and black-tailed deer.

If all of that isn’t enough to finish out the day, a ferry to nearby Orca Island, which has its own winery (the Orca Island Winery ), golf course, and Orca Island Historical Museum , is sure to round out the eighth day of this Washington national park road trip.

• Travel Time: 0 hours
• Popular Things to Do In and Around San Juan Island National Historical Park: Wildlife Watching, Inter-Island Ferry Rides, Biking Trails, Hiking Trails, Tide Pool Exploration, Orca Island Winery, Orca Island Historical Museum

Related: 13 Islands You Can Visit Without Leaving The United States

Day 9: San Juan Island To Seattle

Distance traveled: 107 miles.

It may seem a little contrary, but the last big drive of the 10-day Washington National Park road trip is actually the second-to-last-day of the itinerary. After enjoying one last morning of fog rolling over the island, road trippers will hop back on the ferry to Anacortes, which will take at least 1.5 hours, depending on the weather. Back on the mainland, drivers will follow I-5 south for another hour and a half until they reach Seattle.

With limited ferry rides available throughout the day, it makes sense to complete this longer journey ahead of the last day when it is less likely to interfere with potential flights or rental return obligations. It also leaves plenty of time to explore San Juan Island for one more morning, as each part of the day has a truly unique view of these Pacific islands.

• Travel Time: ~3.5 hours
• Popular Things to Do Between San Juan Island and Seattle: Wildlife Watching, Hiking Trails, Skagit Wildlife Area , Explore Everett

Day 10: Seattle/Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Back in Seattle and having completed the Washington National Park Loop, there is just enough time to squeeze in one last national park unit right in the heart of the big city. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, which is part of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Alaska, is full of exhibits explaining the unique challenges of hunting for gold in one of the most remote corners of the country.

Attached to the museum portion of the park is Seattle’s National Park bookstore, where guests can browse, shop for fiction and non-fiction books, or grab other paraphernalia related to Washington’s national parks. A relaxing end to a 650-mile journey through Washington’s varied terrain, the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and Museum is the perfect place to pick up a memory or two to take back home.

• Popular Things to Do in Seattle: Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and Museum Exhibits, Seattle National Park Bookstore

About the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park and Museum - Seattle Unit

• Visitor Center Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
• Bookstore Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm ( online store open 24/7)

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NOTE: See the campground page for other campground updates.

NOTE: See the picnic area page for other picnicking options.

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Contact info, mailing address:.

55210 238th Avenue East Ashford, WA 98304

360 569-2211

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2 replies to this topic

I'd say you'll drive right through at that hour.

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MYNORTHWEST LIFESTYLE

Headed to Mount Rainier National Park for the weekend? You may not get in

May 22, 2024, 5:08 PM

Mount Rainier can be seen from Eatonville near Mount Rainier National Park. (Photo: Thomas O'Neill, NurPhoto via Getty Images)

(Photo: Thomas O'Neill, NurPhoto via Getty Images)

BY MICKI GAMEZ

KIRO Newsradio Traffic and Features Reporter

Over the last 10 years, Mount Rainier and the national park there have experienced a 40% increase in popularity, which makes it a hot spot for Memorial Day weekend.

According to Washington-based American Automobile Association (AAA) Vice President of Travel Michelle Glass, those who don’t have a timed entry reservation might not get in this weekend.

The national park hopes a pilot timed-entry reservation system will reduce wait times, heavy traffic and overcrowding.

“I asked our travel advisors, ‘Where are you seeing people going?'” Glass told KIRO Newsradio. “And, you know, they’re going to the national parks (like Glacier in Montana). They’re going early, before the parks get too crowded. Also, you might know, Rainier National Park is now starting on Friday by appointment only. You’re not getting in unless you make a reservation, a timed reservation.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, Friday and Monday at Mount Rainier National Park have limited availability. But Saturday and Sunday appear to be sold out for the Paradise Corridor entrance.

This is how it works:

• Friday-Monday, Sept. 2 (Labor Day),  timed-entry reservations are required to enter the Paradise Corridor on the south side of the park from from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily.
• Thursday, July 4-Monday, Sept. 2 timed-entry reservations are required to enter the Sunrise Corridor on the northeast side of the park from from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily.

Take note because the website also states that visitors entering the park in a vehicle or on a motorcycle in one of these areas during these dates need two items:

• A timed entry reservation or a service reservation (lodging, camping, wilderness permit, etc.)
• A park entrance fee or a valid park pass (annual, senior, military, etc.).

Also note that the park entrance fee will not be available online through recreation.gov during the timed entry reservation period between May 19 and Sept. 2. They must be purchased in person at entrances to the park.

Finally, it’s worth noting that the park is open 24 hours per day, seven days per week and visitors may enter timed-entry reservation areas before 7 a.m. or after 3 p.m. without a reservation.

You can read more of Micki Gamez’s stories here . Follow Micki on X, formerly known as Twitter , or email her here .

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