Mount Rainier

Absolutely stunning, must do activity if you’re visiting Seattle or Washington state in general. There are so many wonderful trails to take throughout the mountain but my recommendation is the sky ridge trail. Breathtaking views that are always treat for your eyes and calms your mind.

Absolutely stunning views. This is a very popular location so plan to come early and expect to see other people. I enjoyed the Skyline Loop, Golden Gate, part of Carter’s Falls Trail, and part of Twin Firs Trail.

Stunning stand alone mountain! The height and massiveness is quite something. You can also see other mountain ranges if you choose to hike. We visited in June and the rangers recommended to hike Alta Vista only. The snow was plenty and just started to melt - but nothing dangerous on that trail. The Skyline trail, on the other hand, is not advised. If you are looking for free camping spots take the Skate Creek Road Turnoff to NF-52. Continue that road until you see signs that you are allowed for dispersed camping. There are plenty of spots but our favorite is shared here. Just be prepared for mosquitos. Do not show up Friday evening or late weekend or you'll have to wait in line to enter the national park.

Went on an adventure and had to check this place out, it was having earthquake swarms at the time 7/13/25 . Absolutely beautiful mountain and hard to believe it's a sleeping Volcano.. definitely worth checking out for yourself if you're in the area.. It's amazing how it just towers above everything else in the skyline..

Mount Rainier is truly a breathtaking destination that shows how incredible beautiful is Mother Nature . I can’t emphasize enough how stunning it is. It’s a must see. To make the most of your visit, I recommend arriving before 10 AM to avoid the long lines at the entrance and crowded parking at the Paradise Visitor Center lot. Having visited several times, I suggest that families with young kids head straight to the visitor parking lot. From there, you can embark on a 1.4-mile hike that leads to magnificent views of the mountain, perfect for capturing memorable photos and very easy hike. After your hike, treat yourself to some pizza and drinks at the visitor center. There are picnic tables outside where you can sit back, eat and still enjoy the view. There is also 2 bathrooms options there. Don't miss the stunning Narada falls nearby, just a few minutes away on your way back. The hike to the waterfall is short and manageable, making it a great addition to your trip. On your return journey, be sure to stop by the Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad for some extra fun. The tickets are reasonably priced, and it's definitely worth the ride. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, consider trying the railroad dining option. Overall, Mount Rainier offers a fantastic day trip experience filled with natural beauty! Hiking shoes are highly recommended or at least a very comfortable walking shoe with a good grip. There is still a lot of snow so plan well.

I came around June 26 it was still pretty snowy couldn’t do sky loop because it was dangerous. I did almost see a child fall into the water fall because of all the snow so if you have small children I really recommend being careful this time of year. The paradise visitor center has a white board full of hike recommendations, what attire is required for them and which are not recommended which was VERY helpful. The staff was nice and the food was good. The parking fills up fast. But they have more parking down the road prob a 5-10 min walk. Over all it’s a national park it’s so beautiful I have to give it 5 stars. If you want really really easy hikes that don’t involve much/ if you have children and want good views I highly recommend Narada falls and Myrtle falls. quick easy hikes but so worth it!

I’ve never understood how a park or a mountain or anything made by Mother Nature could be anything but a 5 star. Unsurprisingly then, Mount Rainier and all of its majesty is no exception. We were absolutely flabbergasted by her beauty.

Amazing trails. We took skyline loop and cut through Golden Trail.

Every year I pick one or two national parks that I have never been to for vacation. This year I decided to fly to Washington and travel to both Mount Rainier and Olympic National Parks. My Dad lived north of the Seattle area for many years and I would travel to see him. I would always marvel at Mount Rainier from either the plane when I would fly over it or just seeing it from afar while in Seattle. Its snow-capped peak and overall size is an incredible site to see. Mount Rainier is a 14,410-foot active volcano in Washington's Cascade Range. It is the tallest mountain in Washington. My Dad never had any interest in seeing this mountain up close, so I eventually made my own trip out here to visit the park and do some hiking. I also ended up running a 5K that was going on in nearby Ashford to add a little fun to my trip. President William McKinley signed a bill authorizing the creation of Mount Rainier National Park in 1899. It is the nation's fifth national park. There are many cities around Mount Rainier National Park that you can stay in. I stayed in Packwood, which is southeast of the park. I took an overnight flight to Seattle-Tacoma and drove straight to the park where I ended up sleeping in my rental truck for a few hours. Mount Rainier National Park. I got there really early and ended up sleeping in my truck for a couple of hours. The park now requires timed entry made in advance during peak hours. So I got there early enough to avoid having to wait in a line. I began my day hiking to base of Mount Rainier on the 5.5 mile Skyline loop trail. It was a beautiful trail full of wildflowers, waterfalls, snow and marmots running around providing all sorts of entertainment. The trail begins in paradise where you can visit the visitor center where you can grab a bit to eat and learn more about this beautiful park. I spent a lot of time driving around Mount Rainier National Park enjoying it beautiful views. The park has four main entrances - Nisqually, Carbon River, White River/Sunrise and Stevens Canyon. I stopped and enjoyed the views of several waterfalls with Narada Falls being my favorite. Another beautiful location is Reflection Lake where you can see a reflection of Mount Rainier in the lake. Longmire is another popular destination that has lodging, camping, food, a visitor center and is the location of the park's original National Park Service Administration Building (which is now a information center). Ohanapecosh is also an area in the park that has many campsites. I did make time to drive to Sunrise to get a different view of Mount Rainier. Sunrise is the highest point in the park that is accessible by vehicle at an elevation of 6,400 feet. When I visit national parks, I try to do a hike each while I am in the park. Even though Mount Rainier has a number of hikes, I was limited in time in how many I could do. I enjoyed some shorter day hikes like the Twin Firs Loop Trail and Bench & Snow Lakes Trail. I also did one in Sunrise. There are many to choose from at various lengths and difficulty. There is no Wi-Fi in Mount Rainier National Park. So I relied on paper maps to get around. But if you do need Wi-Fi, you can stop at any of the three visitor centers in the park to connect. There are park rangers on hand to answer questions and you can pick up paper maps if needed. There are restrooms and food options as well. I am so glad I made my way to this beautiful national park to see this incredible mountain. Hiking the Skyline Trail and seeing some of the waterfalls were definitely the highlights for me. Flying to Washington to spend some time in Mount Rainier National Park is a trip I won't forget. I look forward to a return visit some day.

Another fun visit to Rainier...once we got through the SW gate that is. Insanely busy to enter this past Saturday (Oct) morning. We waited an indecent amount of time, and the Paradise area trails and parking were nuts. But, a lovely fall weekend...should be expected. This visit we stayed at Cougar Rock Campground: partially open for FCFS this, the last weekend of the season. Clean, with a decent amount of privacy between sites. We took the Carter/Madcap Falls access trail from the campground to the falls. Beautiful and fun mushroom covered trail that was MUCH less busy than the Paradise trails. Loved. We also took the Lakes Loop Trail. Very busy area, although most people were simply parking for the pics and not on the trail. Fun trail, small elevation gains, so you get a nice workout...but stunning colors and amazing views from the overlook above the lakes. We also decided to join the masses at Paradise for the Glacier/Panorama Point trail. Packed with visitors all the way, but epic and colorful views throughout. A few cute critters along the way too. Paradise food court was still open this weekend. Nice to have a few options for quick bites after the hike. Fall on Rainier = stunning...stunning AND packed.

What an incredible experience visiting Mount Rainier National Park - I don't even know where to start... If you're able to, camp in the park. We camped for a couple nights at Ohanapecosh Campground, and it was wonderful. The forest is beautiful, peaceful, and calm. The perfect place to reset and enjoy nature. The Ohanapecosh visitor center is at the beginning of the campground - perfect for planning your day's adventures. Definitely incorporate Skyline Loop in Paradise into your trip - no way will you be disappointed. Here, we found the most picturesque views that were better than any postcard or picture you find online. Myrtle Falls is an easy hike and is absolutely gorgeous. Once you get to the top of Skyline Loop, you will get the most breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and its valley. Well-worth the effort of this 5.5 mile hike. The Paradise visitor center is going to be the biggest one with plenty of rangers, a good bookstore, and a small cafe. The Fremont Overlook Trail in Sunrise is going to be your other great bet. Definitely strenuous, but the magnificent views once you get to the top ... All you want to do is sit on a rock and enjoy. The Sunrise visitor center is smaller than Paradise, but still has wonderful rangers and a small bookstore. Plan ahead if you're visiting Sunrise - they do metered entrances so there's a set number of visitors. If they're at capacity, they wait for a car to leave before another car can enter. Reflection is a great, quick stop - especially when the weather is good. All the visitor centers have free WiFi - great for planning and plugging routes into maps as the cell service is (as expected) horrible. They also all have clean bathrooms - always a plus. You will definitely enjoy any time spent at Mt Rainier National Park. Explore and have fun!

Another great National Park in the West. 1 of 3 in the state of Washington. I have now been here twice and it is still mesmerizing like the first time I came. It's a 50/50 to see the mountain, but the park itself has so many waterfalls if that's what you're into. The drive is easy and there are many visitor centers to stop into.

Washington state is one of my most favorite places to live. Just outside of Seattle lies Mount Rainier National park. I've been here in all four seasons, and each one is stunning in its own right. A great escape from the bustling City life, experience Alpine lakes, wildlife and nature at its best.

Sunrise area - lack of interesting trails unless the flowers are all blooming. Paradise - better place to visit, even flowers are not blooming, you still get the waterfalls view.

shoutout to my father who has influenced me about my love for national parks... i believe this was my 6th one and i'm so eager to go to more !! mt rainier is gorgeous around this time of year and i could not miss that... so many trails and lakes... the car ride could go on and on it's so deep into the mountains and woods; open 24/7 but be cautious!

Mount Rainier National Park is the fourth national park in the United States, established in 1899 and encompassing 236,000 acres. It's about a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle and the picturesque mountain can often be spotted when flying from/to Seattle and from the city itself. There are three main areas of the park: Paradise, Longmire, and Sunrise. The majority of visitors go to Paradise which is where we went. We drove very early in the morning and it was pretty difficult driving in the darkness. I couldn't see much in front of me and Paradise Road was especially curvy for miles on end. After the long drive we ended up at Jackson Visitor Center. Many of the hiking trails start in this area so if you're visiting Paradise chances are you'll stop by here. Among the attractions here are Myrtle Falls, Skyline Trail, and Panorama Point. Along Paradise Road there are pull-off spots for other attractions like other hiking trails (Comet Falls & Van Trump Park Trail) and waterfalls (Christine Falls, Narada Falls) and viewpoints (Ricksecker Point). There's more to the park but the roads are closed during the winter so the best time to come here is during the summer when you can take full advantage of the park. If you have more time you can even visit the other areas of the park, but beware that they are pretty far from each other so it'll be a bit of a drive. Mount Rainier is one of the symbols of Washington and it's a beautiful one.

5* views 1* visitor experience. Uncommunicated timed admission! Not enough to put info on the website! 1 The southwest entry Paradise needs timed reservation for admission from 7 to 3 in summer. OK But this is not communicated by road signs. 2 A road sign says Paradise Corridor needs reservations. That tells us nothing. Is that part of the park? The entrance? An optional part? 3 Too late to tell us anyway. As you well know, that sign is placed where there is no cell service to find more information. 4 After we waited 30 min in line, there was a sign Timed Reservations sold out. Maybe that should have been placed ten miles earlier? 5 They sent us round to the southeast entrance. 25 miles of bumpy road without cell service or paved turnouts. By now we had wasted several hours. 6 The SE entrance had a sign timed reservations required but only at the park entrance! Not adequate. Miles after Packwood, miles after the cell signal cuts out, you now tell me I need timed reservations? 7 We entered the southeastern entrance. Even Kknowing that there was no service, the ranger did not offer us a printed map.

Not really sure how you can give this park anything but five stars! It's an absolute beauty that is worth visiting any time of year except true winter (unless you want to snow shoe or ski). Longmire is open year round and has a few pretty hikes. Ohanapecosh on the east has beautiful forests and campgrounds. Sunrise offers gorgeous mornings and mountain views. Be sure to read up on and purchase any timed vehicle entry tickets needed before you visit Paradise or Sunrise! They're new in 2024 so even locals will need to adapt. Free Wi-Fi is available at each visitor center and in Longmire. Otherwise, on Verizon I got no data except in Paradise. Showers are unavailable anywhere in the park.

Walked about 14 miles and almost died but... was worth the hike! I don't recommend this in one day unless you've done this many miles before... We went to the Fremont trail (which was fairly easy) and had great views... but it was shorter than expected. So, we decided to do the burrows (difficult) 1 and 2. The burrows uphill was brutal... and to get to the second burrows, you pretty much climb down a mountain and climb up a mountain. We went in July, so there was some snow left at the top, but mostly fog at the top. Bring food, water, and good hiking gear! Sometimes, depending on the weather, it may rain so be prepared.

This is one of my favorite national parks in the country along with Denali and Rocky Mountains. Mt. Rainier with its snow peaks and glaciers is astonishing - no matter where you look at it. The drive from Seattle isn't bad - just over 2 hours. You can see a lot even without hiking - just take local scenic roads and stop to enjoy the views. The park is well maintained and has lots of trails. You have to choices where to enter: Sunrise and Paradise. I've only tried Sunrise as it offers more challenging hikes and you can see the side of Mt. Rainier and glaciers from 8,000 ft if you go to Burroughs. What I heard about Paradise is that you'll be in valleys and meadows and it's more of a bottom to top view of the mountains. Either way - it's an epic park and you can't go wrong. There's a high chance you'll see pikas, chipmunks, and marmots along the trails. During peak season, the parking lot at Sunrise gets pretty busy and you may not get a spot to park, so plan ahead and come early. They don't seem to do timed entry, but it's always good to check the NPS website before heading to the park. This is an excellent park for outdoorsy folks and we can't wait to come back to explore it more.

Absolutely beautiful National Park!!! I went through the Nisqually Entrance Historic District, Eatonville, WA to get to Longmire first. It's a $30 entrance fee for a seven-day vehicle entrance. Then, I kept going towards Paradise. Before the bridge is the Christine Falls, where I made a stop. Later, there is a stop to see the mountain views. I kept going down the roads and somehow ended up at Narada Falls, when I thought I had missed that area already. Finally, went down a one-way road to do a loop downwards and ended up at Reflection Lake. There are many trails all around to hike. Just park in the parking lot. There are also plenty of rest stops if you need a break from the drive.

My family and I just returned from an amazing three-day vacation at Mount Rainier National Park, I highly suggest it! The minute that we arrived, we were sold on the beauty of nature in this park. We spent our days hiking trails with amazing views, scenic waterfalls, and some wildlife. It really caters to everybody, young or old and fit or unfit. We were traveling with children, so we were glad to find that we wouldn't miss visiting all the main sights due to the miles of walking. Many of the attractions were stroller friendly although we never had to use ours. The park has many different trails at various levels, and so it is an ideal spot for families. It will be beneficial to many travelers with children or elderly family members, as the park boasts numerous amenities at which to pull over, take in jaw-dropping views such as Reflection Lakes, and enjoy short, easy hikes like the half-mile trail to Myrtle Falls. Numerous overlooks simply guarantee that everybody can see the beauty of the park, even without much hiking. A key tip: make your plan in advance about your route, as most of the park has no cell service. When you finally get to Paradise, you'll find a big visitor center there; it has bathrooms, food, rangers, and cell service. Do not panic; just follow the signs! Mount Rainier National Park is a must-see for anybody who loves nature. Whether you are planning a family trip or looking for some solo adventure to take on some tougher hikes, this park has it all. Our national parks are treasures, and Mount Rainier is a great one in which to start your explorations.

I literally can't get over it. The BEAUTY is so unparalleled here. It's so pronounced that it's not even funny. Mount Rainier is something straight out of a fairytale. Although I enjoyed exploring Washington's two other National Parks, Mount Rainier was easily my favorite one to visit. Where do I even being?! How about with that DRIVE! Woooow! The drive from Seattle to Mount Rainier's Glacier Basin is just magical! Waterfalls and tall trees all along the way. Zipping through the beautiful forest with peek-a-boo mountain views in between. Getting out of my car and taking a deep breathe and closing my eyes to hear nature. It was so beautiful. Fell in love instantly. The park (just like Washington's two other national parks) is huge! There are 4 main entrances into the park and I entered through the White River staging area. Not sure about the other entrances, but this part of the park was sparse and not crowded at ALL. It was actually a bit scary at first, but I did run into some people later while hiking. I decided to tackle the Glacier Basin Trail which was absolutely breathtaking through and through, but also very difficult. The hike is roughly 9 miles long and gains 2,000 feet of elevation. It's definitely a day hike but it took damn near all of the energy out of me. I was so exhausted after this hike, but ya girl loves a challenge so it was absolutely worth it. The Glacier Basin Trail is jaw dropping. It starts off on a mild incline through a lush forest that's filled with tall shady groves and an abundance of vibrant wildflowers. It later turns into a ridge trail that opens up to picturesque views of Mount Rainier and the White River. Through this trail, I was able to see flourishing waterfalls, snow capped mountains, stunning river views, a wealth of different vegetation, chipmonks, and other wildlife. It was so beautiful! I was even able to cross the White River which seemed a bit daunting but it was so fun to hear and see the river flowing underneath me. There was still lots of snow on the ground, but not to the point that you'd need crampons (this was during early summer). The short Emmons Moraine trail featured astounding views of the White River! It literally looked like an aqua lake from that high up. Mount Rainier is so gorgeous and can be seen all throughout the park. My favorite part was making it to the end of the trail (of course) and seeing how lovely Glacier Basin Camp was. Felt like I was just steps away from the mountains and the river. Just so green and so pretty. The kind of park that is so hard to leave no matter how tired you feel. And it was very sad when I left but my memories are still vivid. There's so much to explore in Mount Rainier and so much more for ME to explore here too. If you're in Seattle and have some time to explore this park, do it without hesitation. The experience will be more than memorable.

This is a pretty stellar place to be! With the new reservation system in place, it doesn't get over crowded. The pictures don't this place any justice, I highly recommend going out to see for yourself.

Ya gotta go! I mean look at my pics and vids! It just doesn't do this place justice! Ya gotta go!

Mount Rainier National Park is a great National Park, with outstanding scenery. The park is well laid out, and has numerous trails. The trails at the park are well marked and easy to follow, and the few facilities in the park are well kept. The drive to the park is very scenic, with a great view of the falls driving into the park and a great view of Mount Rainier through most of the park. Visiting during the Fall Season is exceptional, due to all the colorful scenery. The initial trails park entrance are free and a great place to visit solo, or with family or friends.

Gorgeous National Park. Be aware, during the winter, certain roads are closed. So if you're particularly interested in doing something be sure to check the website for road closures and open paths. If you're lucky, you'll get to see the magnificent peak of Mount Rainier in all its snowcapped glory. Don't miss this park if you're in the area.

Mount Rainier offers various things to do for hikers and climbers, and for wildflower viewers; there are ranger-led programs that include guided walks, talks, and campfire activities. There are five developed areas in the park - Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River & Mowich - each area offers different levels of development in regards to campground, picnic areas, hotels, restaurants, and visitor centers. I was lucky to see some marmots playing in the snow and singing stealer's jays! I can see how this place is a favorite for hikers, especially in the spring or the fall; when we went, there was still some snow, and some roads were closed due to flooding. +go during the spring/fall +check the NPS site for any road closures

Mount Rainier National Park is a truly beautiful place to immerse yourself in nature. I have visited a few times now with my family to go hiking and there are so many trails available to choose from. I would recommend heading out early before 9 am to avoid traffic, long lines to enter and full parking lots. Do your research also to make sure you know which entrances are open/closed, the weather conditions, etc. Overall this is an amazing place to visit and spend the day, but be sure to come prepared for whatever you plan to partake in!

This is justtttttt an amazing place. Though it was annoying with the long wait times to get in , it is WORTH the wait .. the view is just magnificent... it's almost like a dream ! God gift to human beings . One of the best places that I have ever seen in my life . There are few trails and depending on how much you can walk , take those trails . When we went , it was too crowded . Went late summer and there were beautiful wild flowers . Just loved them . We walked for few mins to view the rainier and then walked towards myrtle falls view and back to visitor center . It was just a breathtaking adventure ... loved it to the max . A must visit place for anyone who visits WA ..

One of the most beautiful places that I've ever visited, and aptly named Paradise! Not too far off a drive from either Seattle or Portland, but carry ample food and water, and make sure there is enough gas in your vehicle's tank. Weather can play spoilsport, so check the forecast and plan accordingly!

My second visit to MRNP, we visited the west side for one night. We stayed in the Ohanapecosh area, and unfortunately didn't realize until we got there that there is no view of Mount Rainier from that area (there are pull outs to view en route and if the weather is behaving, you can see it far, far away). We hiked the 7 miles round trip from the campground via the Silver Falls trail to the Grove of the Patriarchs. There's a really long suspension bridge that's always cool to check out. On my first trip, we went to reflection lake on the east side. That is a must! Go early on a clear morning to get the best mirror images of Mount Rainier. We had read on a FB group that Ohanapecosh campground (specifically C&D loops) was THE place to stay. I changed my reservation around three times to score a spot in C, but unless you're by the river, there's not much difference from the other loops. The entire campground is surrounded by tall trees! The sites themselves range from very spacious to tiny. If you are in a RV/trailer, plan on generator time because it's so shady here! Next time we're going to head to the east side to get our fill of the main attraction!

Where are the 10 stars?? Gosh this whole park was like a postcard, in real life lol Magical views at any given time of day, or daylight. Visiting Mount Rainier has been an experience, have wanted to go since being a kid in geography class jaja Stayed at a cabinet just outside the park, about 2 miles away, and the daily morning traffic was past that area. Meaning, on any given day, the traffic line of one lane can go well over the 2-3 mile mark of vehicles and families trying to get in. Make sure you go with enough time, because there's a lot of ground to cover and a loooong line to get there. Thankfully I was staying close so I went after 5pm, there were still several hours of daylong left (3-4 hours), which would allow me plenty of time to hop around at my leisure, without "that much" traffic and crowd. Glad I did too, because I was intending on going back the following morning and traffic was heavier. This park is a must see in one's lifetime, it seems they do close in the winter and gets incredibly packed in the summer. A gem

I loveeeeee Rainier/Tahoma so much! Lots of driving within the park, lots of trails, and beautiful sights no matter the season. And the park is well maintained, too! I've gotten to experience it in the fall and summer seasons so far, and I've had completely different itineraries for both- so much to do and see, and I've only scratched the surface! This is a must for anyone visiting WA; even locals venture out to the park time and time again. 10/10!

Where do you even begin with a place like this? I have seen some things in my day. Been some beautiful places. But Mount Rainier ranks darn near the top of the most incredible and beautiful spots I've ever been. The namesake will take your breath away the first time you see it. We approached from the east and kept having a few peeks of the peak as we got closer, but after we summited the saddle and dropped in, it was a whole other level. The snow in the saddle in late June was still mighty impressive and even though it was a light snow year, there were still roads closed. We starred descending again and saw the deep blue pools of recently melted snow, and that bright turquoise blue water that's indicative of glacial melt. Unreal. The other part about being so early in the season while snow is still melting off, is that you have an incredible amount of waterfalls, from wispy little things on the side of the road, to major named falls, to far-off cascades down the hillside. We saw dozens. Hundreds, probably. There are four main areas of the park, where you find amenities and parking and destinations. Sunrise in the northeast (one of the roads that was still closed), Ohanapecosh in the southeast, Paradise Inn in the middle where the highest elevation and treks to the peak begin, and Longmire in the southwest. We visited all but Sunrise. Paradise was open, but all the trails were still under many many feet of snow. We did a little hiking around Ohanapecosh, specifically on the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail and the Silver Falls Trail. Both neat in their own way, but Patriarchs is very crowded, though good for little ones (if they can stomach the suspension bridge... if not, just get there and turn around). Silver Falls is gorgeous. We spent a good chunk of day two on the Longmire side and did the Rampart Ridge Trail. It's low enough in elevation that it was long free of snow, and the views were nice, but it's steep and hot. We finished and enjoyed ice cream at the lodge. There's so much to this park. We drove a lot. We stopped a lot. We took a lot of photos. We could scarcely believe the beauty. We camped just outside the park. We packed meals and ate on the trail and napped on the picnic tables and played games and enjoyed being out of the heat. I'll be back. The Wonderland Trail circumnavigates the entire mountain and it is on my life list of hikes to do. Whether it's that, or a family camp, I'll be back to see more of this amazing place.

A beautiful national park that's worth the visit when in the Pacific Northwest! My friends and I were visiting Portland and Seattle so of course I had to add a day to visit Mount Rainier. It's about 2.5-3 hours from both cities so definitely requires an early head start in the morning if you plan to come, especially if you want to ditch the traffic and ensure a parking space. We got here at ~9:30AM and by the afternoon, the parking lots in most places were packed. There are multiple entrances to the park with various walking/hiking trails all over. We decided to visit Paradise and it was a beautiful area! We first went to Reflection Lake where we got an amazing view of Mount Rainier. Then, we did some of the easy hikes to see a waterfall and the glaciers. When you get to the visitor center, there's a post that lists out all the hikes that are available there with levels of difficulty and lengths. The trails that we took were very well paved and easy to walk on. They were also clearly marked so it helps when multiple trails cross over one another. All the views around us were breathtaking and I'm so glad I visited Mount Rainier. Some other tips: - Since it's a national park, you do need a pass to enter which was recommended to purchase online ($30 per car), but I also saw some people paying at the gate. - Don't forget to bring food and/or snacks! The visitor centers didn't have much real food and there was a small town on the way to Paradise (south entrance) but there was no food there either. It's also just helpful to have something during any of the trails you walk through. - Check online ahead of time to see which trails are open. They also let you know of any closures/road work when you get there, but it's better to be prepared. - There's limited internet connection when you get closer to the entrance and inside the park. They do provide a map of the park when you get to the gate. - We came during mid-September and it was very cold in the morning but warmed up nicely by afternoon! Make sure to check the weather ahead of time to know what to wear. Wear layers incase you're the time to warm up throughout the day/during the hikes and need to lighten up.

* Summer Flashback * Whether you're there to hike, snap photos, or simply to just enjoy the scenery, Mount Rainier is one of the top sites in Washington State. I don't consider myself much of a hiker, but upon arriving, I found myself eager to trek through as many trails as possible in one day. Regardless of when you visit, I recommend coming early to ensure parking and avoid the crowds. We drove into the Paradise area on a Thursday morning in August and still found parking in the main lot around 10:30A, but I'd suggest arriving even earlier during the weekends. (Quick note that you can purchase a single-vehicle pass for $30, which is valid for seven consecutive days.) After stopping by the park rangers' station for a couple maps, we followed the main pathways to the right which guided us to beautiful Myrtle Falls, followed by the popular Skyline Trail. It's an uphill trek up a set of sandy steps, but the trail is a relatively gradual climb with a pleasant view of the fields below. Once we reached some grassy areas of level ground, we came across a large patch of snow. We stopped here for a snack and even met a couple friendly marmots who were getting a drink of water from the nearby creek. The Skyline Trail continues even further, but we turned back to venture into the other areas of Paradise. We wandered off to the Nisqually and Waterfall trails on the left side of the park, which were semi-connected. The pathways for these are paved and well-defined, bordered by lush foliage and a variety of wildflowers with colors ranging from purple to yellow to pink. We only spotted one small waterfall / stream along the Waterfall trail, but nonetheless enjoyed our stroll. On a Thursday, the paths weren't too crowded either. While we encountered others on the trail, we still had plenty of space to ourselves. There is no doubt why they refer to this area of Mount Rainier as Paradise. It's so beautiful and I felt rejuvenated after a full day of connecting with nature. Even the 20 minute (or so) drive through the forest up to Paradise is like no other and something to enjoy. Next time, I'd love to head into the Sunrise region of the park... there is so much more exploring to do!

Trueeeee beauty right here! We went a few years ago when visiting a family friend in Washington. We were able to see Mount Rainier in the distance during the entire trip and were so excited to finally get to go explore it. We drove out and didn't get there until almost sunset. While that's clearly not ideal, we found that it had taken us much longer to get there, wind our way up the mountain, and decide where to hike. We found a few amazing, short trails that people had recommended and loved feeling the cool mountain air as we hiked amongst great waterfall views. We drove out of the park as the sun was setting and it was truly gorgeous and memorable. We wanted to be out of the park by dark, as it gets REALLY DARK there. Such a fun trip and I can't wait to go back and stay longer.

I've spent 41 years in Washington, which equates to my entire life. As a kid (see last photo), my parents would take me here on the relatively short drive from Yakima, up Chinook Pass and into the National Park itself. Rainier, of all the National Parks in the system, is my most visited of them all. Having lived in the Seattle area for the last 20+ years, Rainier was always the most accessible of the 3 NP's in WA and if a free day popped up and the weather was decent, I'd make a trip down to the mountain. I've made it 3 times in the last 12 months, seeing some pretty incredible scenery, hiking the Skyline Trail (bring LOTS of water for that one!) and on this last trip, an evening spent, star gazing from Tipsoo Lake. Tipsoo, as most locals know, sits at the top of Chinook Pass, which opens up for a few short months during the summer season. During the day, you can hike the Naches Peak loop trail, see wildflowers blooming near the lake (stay on the path!) and picnic at one of the many spots in the picturesque locale. I've shot senior photos up there and photographed wildlife as well. It truly is a magnificently beautiful spot. But behind all that, of course when the weather is clear, looms the massive volcano that is Mount Rainier. Some days, she pops out in full view, while others, she's shrouded in her own clouds, swirling around, completely enveloping the mountain. If you catch it on a clear day though, there isn't much else like it. So when I wanted to do some dark sky viewing last week, I picked Tipsoo Lake as the place from which to do just that. The end of July brings with it a few meteor showers, so with the hopes of seeing a few flaming debris trails across the sky, I posted up for sunset and watched the inky darkness settle in. Residual lights from the city, behind Rainier made it a little harder to see as thoroughly into the sky above the mountain, but when I turned around and let my eyes settle into the night, what I saw, was absolutely amazing. With my own eyes, the Milky Way came into view, while I watched the International Space Station fly past. Stars came into view, innumerable for the mind to fully comprehend. Meteors streaked past the skies, past the silhouettes of trees and peaks that surrounded me. This, was what I came for. Of all the incredible things to see and do in Mount Rainier National Park, I'd placed my bets on it being a good location to peer into space and for that, I wasn't disappointed. My Dad passed away last year, but even as I sat there that night, looking upward into the sky, I thought he would have been as amazed as I was. What a sight.

Lovely park, I unfortunately made the mistake of not checking the weather and taking a chance that it would work out. That wasn't the case as it had just been snowing heavily there and all of the roads around the park were closed. Unlike other parks they wouldn't let anyone walk on the roads that were closed. I assume that was because they were still being plowed. Everything that is normally open to pets were closed off so there was nothing we could do except to go to the gift shop and drive up and down the main road that is between the entry gate and the gift shop. I will be back here and will update my review then. My main disappointment was there were two trails open but no pets allowed. We will try again in the spring when the roads are open and more options to do.

Awesome visit to Mt. Rainier!!! We went on October 7, 2022. Arrived at around 8:30 AM. Dropped by the Narada Falls to show my co-worker and her husband since they were visiting from Omaha, NE. It was their first time to Seattle, WA, so had to take them to the mountains for the great scenery. Enjoyed our 5-mile hike at one of the trails, went to the main tourist spot right in front of Mt. Rainier, took a whole lot of pictures and liked the nature, the fall colors and the beautiful views of the mountain! We all really enjoyed our visit! Definitely a favorite spot of ours!

Mount Rainer National Park is a picturesque, 2 hour drive from Olympia. One of the interesting parts of the drive is that you are driving towards the biggest mountain around, with the mountain enlarging the closer you get there. After Yelm, Washington, it's all wilderness. The National Park appears to start at the base of the mountain. Upon entering, the climb to the top begins. This is at least how the park appears coming in from Ashford, Washington. The Park begins as dense forest and maintains it's dense forest for most of the climb, with turnouts for views and trailheads along the way. The main trailhead is at the top, Paradise, with the best views of Mount Rainer and the surrounding jagged peaks. There are plenty of trail options, some paved so the trail is accessible during rainy season. The main difficulty with these trails is that most people driving to Mount Rainer are coming from the coast, sea level, while Paradise sits at 6,400 feet. If you are appropriately acclimated, this is not very high, but if you are driving the entire distance in one day, the hiking will be slow with plenty of stops for breath. Aside from those difficulties, the views are incredible. There are great views of the snowcapped mountain, yes, snow covers it even in September, and the nearby mountains. Mount Rainier is one of my favorite national parks and I hope to do a lot more exploring in the future.

Me and my family attempted to go to the Mount Rainier Park, there's snow even when it's June, it's about 2.5 hours away from Seattle, but we were so impressed and amazed on the things we see there, such as the snowy mountains to see and forests on the way, there's a hotel there and plenty of bathrooms; it is not recommendable to go there during the winter if a person is not used to extremely low temperatures, otherwise amazing experience I'll never forget.

After years of wishful thinking, scrolling through pictures imagining I'd finally hike through the national Park. I finally had the opportunity to see the beautiful volcano on a brisk day. At the end of my hike I was amazed at how much more I still had to discover. So many routes to take, sights to see, and awaiting to take on another adventure!! Here are some of my tips as a first-timer: 1.) PLEASE GO EARLY. The value of "Early bird gets the worm" couldn't be more true. My friend and I slept in and arrived around 11am, hit traffic and sang songs while watching the people behind us dread the wait. We made it fun, though inside we wished we had woke up earlier. You can spend up to 1-2 hrs in traffic, you decide ‍. 2.) Have a FULL gas tank. I can not emphasize this enough. You do not want to make it half way to reflection lakes and realize you need to turn back. Make sure you're prepared with all the resources you need. 3.) Bring water, snacks, essentials for a hike. There are a couple of restaraunts along the way there. But there won't be any while you're in the park. So pack lightly but pack mindfully. 4.) You can hike miles and miles!! Have fun! Or if you want to tour your family and some members are unable to walk for miles, the viewpoints are accessible by car as well. Which is great, considering that I saw families who were able to enjoy the accessibility. 5.) it's beautiful. If you've been thinking whether or not you should take a trip here, just please do yourself a huge favor and treat yourself to a hike in this national park. ALSO on the way here, don't miss out on the turquoise, glimmering, lake.. my friend and I were in complete awe. 6.) Just in case you forget...Or a toddler needs to go potty. The first viewpoint has bathrooms. Make sure to bring wipes. Trust me on this. 7.) Ticket prices start at $30, there are discounts for seniors. The pass is also valid for a week!! Which is pretty sweet if you decide to lodge! Until next time Mt.Rainier!

Updating my review. While my 5 star review still stands for the Wonderland Trail, I'd downgrade the overall park experience for a few key reasons. First, getting into the park is ridiculous. On weekends, we're talking a 1-2 hour car line just to get through the gate house. Just a big bummer. Surely they can come up with a better approach rather than hundreds of cars spewing fumes at the park entrance. Second, the park has a monopoly on food and other goods, and they take advantage of guests to the extreme. A small bundle of firewood for $16. An outrageous restaurant that rips you off with low quality food at insane prices. Few amenities (how about a shuttle?). And I could go on. The park is beautiful, and if you get off the beaten path it's super serene. But next time I'll bring my own food, my own firewood, and come the day before the weekend so I don't have to wait in line.

What more can I say than what has been said? Mount Rainier is stunning anytime of the year! Beautiful vantage points throughout with fun pull-outs and waterfalls all along the way! This National Park is a little off the beaten path but it's well worth the time!

There are 5 areas within the park. I was being too ambitious by trying to go to Sunrise, Ohanapecosh, Paradise, and Longmire. We started the day by driving up to Sunrise, the highest point in the park reachable by car. It was not our intent to drive to the top, but once we realized we went the wrong way we decided to go all the way. The road is only open July to early October. We stopped at Sunrise Point, and also Emmons Vista. Then we headed back down toward Tipsoo Lake, where we originally wanted to go. I wanted to do a hike there, but there was so many mosquitos. I didn't come prepared with insect repellant, so I decided to turn around. We needed to get gas, so we drove out past the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center and back. Due to time constraints, I decided not to stop anywhere within the Ohanapecosh area. Paradise was next. We stopped at Reflection Lakes, but wasn't able to see a reflection of Mount Rainier in the lake- foggy. When we parked in Paradise, it didn't feel like Paradise to me. There were so many people. Once again, because of time we only went to see Myrtle Falls and saw deer along the way. We went to the visitor center to get my obligatory souvenir. Unfortunately, they only took cash and I didn't have any on me. Lastly, we ended our trip by making a quick stop at Christine Falls and then exited the park through Longmire. The three stars are not the parks fault, but on my experience that day. The lesson here for me is that one day is not enough. I was in the car more than out. If I was to do this over, I would've mainly focused on Paradise/Longmire.

#THANKYOUTHURSDAY Is it weird to write a Thank You Thursday review for a National Park? Maybe. But here I am, doing it anyways. It's been yeeeeears since I've been to MRNP. It was back when I really couldn't care less about some trees and mountains. Fast forward to now, I'm a pretty regular hiker and love all things outdoors, so this trip was such a treat. We hiked the Mount Fremont Fire Lookout Trail, which is accessible at the same trailhead as Sunrise. Get here EARLY. Seriously, no excuses. When we were leaving the park at 11:30 or so, there was literally a mile long (maybe longer) line to get into the park and people were parked, outside of their cars, waiting. I dunno about you but I'd rather take the 4 am alarm than go through that! On top of that, the earlier you go, the less people which makes it much easier to social distance. Also worth noting: you need to buy a day pass ($30) if you don't have an annual pass ($55), and the trailhead has restrooms and basic service - so you're not completely isolated without it in case something happens with your car or any other issue arises. The trail we did was spectacular. Seriously just SO beautiful. At a little over 5 miles RT and 1100 feet of elevation gain, it's definitely doable for newer and veteran hikers alike. There were even people who brought their kiddos. AND FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS HOLY, DO NOT BRING YOUR DOG. IT IS NOT ALLOWED. We saw one couple carrying their little Pomeranian down on the trail... There's one rule. DON'T BRING YOUR DOG. I digress. Not only are the views on this hike otherworldly, but we saw a good deal of wildlife which was really fun! Quite a few deer, a few marmots (much bigger in person than I expected), an absolutely gorgeous fox, chipmunks, and more! It was really cool to see. They're pretty used to humans so they were just going on about their life as we passed by on the trail. The view from Mount Fremont Fire Lookout is absolutely insane. Being THAT CLOSE to Mt. Rainier was amazing. I can't recommend it enough. But I can recommend bug spray - the mosquitos up there are like a different breed. I had some MONSTER bites! Absolutely stunning morning that I'll never forget. I can't recommend coming here enough. Even if you're not a hiker, it's worth it for the one time to get the experience. Thank you, MRNP, for breathtaking beauty and an experience I'll always remember!

I really recommend coming during the week. Less people, easier to find parking. However, we scored on parking and it was easy. The visitors center was busy and also wished the eating area was big enough to accommodate some seating areas. I'd also recommend they have more than 2 cashiers on a busy day. All in all, the place looks majestic with blue skies. Bring hat, sunscreen and plenty of water/snacks/lunch. You dont want to wait in line for exorbitant costs to the sandwiches.

It's hard not to like any federal national park, and this is no exception. The federal government does a great job in maintaining these parks and keeping it clean and safe. We were fortunate to arrive pretty early (around 9am), so there was no line to get in. The cost for a car was $30 which was good for 7 days, but if you're not hiking much or camping, you can see the whole park in several hours. I heard the park is a loop, so you probably won't get lost driving around. We were worried that we'd miss some attractions, but I don't think that's possible. Also, if you stop where you see a lot of other cars, it's very likely something worth checking out, which is what we did. I think the only downside is that sometimes the attractions had too many cars, so it was hard to find a parking spot. Otherwise, it's a great place to visit and see nature. When we left around 4pm, the line to get in was very, very long, so it's better to arrive early so you won't have to wait in that long line.

SO BEAUTIFUL!!!!! the main mountain/trails were closed due to COVID but the rest of the park did not disappoint. We hiked a few small trails but for our big one, we did Summerland trail. It's about an 8 mile hike which takes around 4 hours, depending on your pace.

#800 for Mt Rainier NP! (It took me almost 6 years to get from #700 to #800) We visited around mid Sept and spent about 4 days at the Park. Honestly, it still didn't feel like enough time!! The must do hike is the Skyline trail to Panorama Point (~6-7 miles) in the Paradise area. Save your sunny day for that hike! The weather is quite unpredictable so it was nice to have so many days to play around with depending on the forecast. We stayed in Packwood for the entire trip (bring your own groceries in - food options are super limited) and felt that it was a good hub for getting in/out of the park. You avoid the super busy main entrance near Ashford and it is about 1 hour to Paradise or the Sunrise area. There is a lot of driving time between spots so plan to stick around in 1 area each day to save time. Mt Rainier has something for everyone and we are so so lucky to have the NPS!

I haven't been to Mt. Rainier in years! Made a day trip out here but pro tip.....start your day early, I mean real early! It's a pretty far drive from Seattle, just under 2 hours with no traffic in the early morning time. Add time for wait time to get into the park, but when we got there, it only took 10 mins to get into the park. Be sure to bring your passes or you will need to pay the 1 day pass to get into the park. We went to the Sunrise side of the mountain and hit up the Fremont Lookout trail, Sourdough, Burroughs, and parts of Wonderland. It's a wonderful and beautiful view! You can see for miles and miles and sit there and enjoy the view, ponder & reflect on your life decisions and all that....but that view is absolutely amazing! Early in the morning it was a little foggy but it was still beautiful. Parking at Sunrise was plenty at that time of the morning, there's a visitors center, bathrooms, gift shop, place to get burgers and other foods. Depending on which trail you do, it can be easy to difficult. If you there for IG purposes only, it's a good place to do that to take your photos and all that stuff. Weather up there was about 15-20 degrees cooler so be sure to bring a light shell/jacket. There was still snow on certain parts of the trails in mid July. It was a beautiful day for a hike, well worth making the trek out there and spending most of the day there. I was pretty tired when we finished and my dogs were barking! When we left the park later in the afternoon, the line to get through the Ranger Station into the park was ridiculous! The line of cars was over a half mile backed up.... So again, start your day early! A wonderful National Park to visit, so many different parts to visit depending on what you are into.

This National Park is stunningly beautiful. I was in awe when we drove around a bend and there stood, with a all its majestic appeal, the mountain originally named "Tahoma," by the Northwest Native Americans, but later named after Rear Admiral Peter Rainier. The national park and Mt. Rainier are certainly would of the great wonders of a country. At 14,410 feet above sea level, the mountain stands out and makes the rest of the surrounding mountains appear so juvenile. When We got out of the car at a nearby look out, we just stood there a starred for several minutes with a saying a word to each other. We came up from the east side on the 410 and then eventually south along the 123. Driving through the park was some of the most beautiful forest I have seen in some quite time. It was green, and then it was more green. Everywhere there was green filled trees and shrubs, streams, rivers, and snow capped mountains loomed as we drove through the national forest. Being a native of Southern California, the appreciation of so much green was first rate. Mt. Rainier National Park is a place I was always remember and hopefully return to some day.

Absolutely stunning! I came here earlier this month for a solo-hike, right before all the winter snows were coming. Even though it wasn't snowing, there was a lot of snow to be had at Paradise and along the trails. Unfortunately for me, many of the trails were closed for the season due to the snow. But, I still had a great time! Mount Rainier is about a 2.5 hour drive from Seattle, and is well worth visiting for multiple days. I had a little less than a day, and did a day trip on the day I was departing Seattle for home. A little rushed, but given the somewhat snowy conditions I had, it was the right amount of time. The night prior, I double checked the weather conditions both on Google and on the Mt. Rainier website to check if it was safe to travel (you should always do this!) and what entrances were open (or closed). On my day of travel, it was actually a very sunny day and the entrance via Longmire (via Ashford) was open. Roads connecting to the Reflection Lakes were closed (sadly) due to the road conditions. I spent aut 3-4 hours hiking with the snow-filled trails. I didn't bring the right shoes or clothes for hiking in snow, but I still made it alive. My clothes didn't get wet, but my shoes were pretty soaked by the end of the hike. There is no cell reception here, so don't get lost! Fortunately for me, I had my maps cached on my phone so I was able to use my phone to check where I was on the trails. This was especially helpful for a particular connector trail I was looking for (which led me to a main road, which apparently was closed, unbeknownst to me). Nobody knew where it was, but I was able to find it via my phone maps app. My phone was my best friend and companion on this trip, since it helped guide me in the right direction. This was my first solo hike in a national park in the snow. Would I do it again? Not alone.... it's a little scary hiking by yourself, especially given the suboptimal road conditions with snow. At least I can check off something off my bucket list of doing something adventurous and somewhat risky! Mt. Rainier is supposed to be very gorgeous in the spring time. I definitely would love to come back to see the wildflowers bloom. At least then the trail conditions wouldn't be as bad. Hoping to be back very soon!

Cannot say enough wonderful things about this national park. We came out to visit Rainier and Olympic during a two week trip. We allocated just a few days at Rainier and, honestly, I wish we had had more time there. The hikes are INCREDIBLE, with many walking nearly up directly beside the massive Mt Rainier. It was truly awe-inspiring. I can't wait to get back here and do more of the trails -- maybe even try for a trip up Rainier itself too.

Here's the thing, this is normally my kinda thing, but what really irritates me, is spending 30 dollars to drive 30 min up a mountain. that's a dollar a min, them old 1800 numbers are literally cheaper then that... and then they have almost everything closed. The dining area, the mountain exhibition, it was all closed except the gift shop, of course, so they can get a little MORE money out of you. I'm pretty not happy about it.