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Mount Rainier rises more than 14,000 feet above the forests southeast of Seattle, an ice-capped stratovolcano that dominates the skyline across much of western Washington on clear days. The national park around it, established in 1899, protects glaciers, old-growth stands of Douglas fir and western red cedar, and subalpine meadows that bloom in a short, intense burst each summer. The mountain is still considered an active volcano,.
Most first visits center on Paradise, where the Skyline Trail climbs through wildflower slopes toward close views of the Nisqually Glacier. The road up from Longmire, the park's historic headquarters area, passes Christine Falls and Narada Falls, and a short detour leads to Reflection Lakes, known for mirror images of the summit on calm mornings. On the east side, Stevens Canyon Road threads past the narrow slot of Box Canyon, while Sunrise, the highest point reachable by car, looks straight at the Emmons Glacier. Tipsoo Lake marks the start of the Naches Peak Loop.
Hikers and photographers get the most from the park. The quieter northwest corner, with the rainforest of Carbon River and the trail from Mowich Lake to the Tolmie Peak lookout, suits travelers avoiding crowds. Several high roads open only once snow melts, so summer and early fall are the practical window.
WiserMap travel guideMount Rainier Washington Paradise and Reflection LakesPlan Mount Rainier National Park: Paradise, the Skyline Trail, Reflection Lakes, Narada Falls, Sunrise, Tipsoo Lake and Carbon River, with seasonal access tips.Read the guide
Paradise is a high meadow area on the south slope of Mount Rainier, famous for wildflowers from about late July to August and home to the historic Paradise Inn. The Skyline Trail is a loop of about five and a half miles climbing to Panorama Point beside glaciers. Parking fills early in summer, so arrive in the morning.
Tipsoo Lake sits near Chinook Pass in the park's northeast corner, with Mount Rainier reflected in its waters. The Naches Peak Loop starts nearby and circles a peak for about three and a half miles through meadows with wildflowers in summer and ripe huckleberries in fall. Hike it clockwise for mountain views ahead.
Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in the park, reached by a long gravel road in the northwest. From its shore, a trail of about six and a half miles round trip passes Eunice Lake and climbs to the Tolmie Peak fire lookout, with a classic view of Mount Rainier. The road usually opens only in midsummer.
A steep trail starting near Christine Falls on the road to Paradise that climbs through forest to Comet Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the park, dropping in a long, narrow plume. The round trip is under four miles but steady uphill. Strong hikers can continue to the wildflower meadows of Van Trump Park.
A powerful waterfall on the Paradise River that drops in a wide veil beside the road between Longmire and Paradise. A short, steep path leads down from the parking area to a viewpoint where spray often creates rainbows on sunny days. The path can be icy or slippery, so wear good shoes and use the railing.
A two-tier waterfall just off the road between Longmire and Paradise, framed by a graceful stone arch bridge built in the 1920s. A short path leads from the small parking area to a viewpoint below the bridge, giving the classic photo. Parking is limited, so stop early in the day or on your way back down.
Small subalpine lakes along Stevens Canyon Road just east of Paradise, known for perfect reflections of Mount Rainier on calm mornings. Wildflowers bloom along the shore in summer, and the lakes are a short walk from roadside parking. Come at sunrise when the water is still and the mountain is often clear.
The park's original headquarters area in the southwest, with the rustic National Park Inn, a small museum in one of the oldest buildings in the park system and a wilderness information center. The short Trail of the Shadows loop passes old mineral springs and a homestead cabin. It is a good first stop from the Nisqually entrance.
At about 6,400 feet, Sunrise is the highest point in the park reachable by car, with close views of the Emmons Glacier on Mount Rainier's northeast side. Trails such as Sourdough Ridge lead through meadows to wider views. The road is usually open only from early July to late September, so check dates first.
Stevens Canyon Road links Paradise with the park's east side, winding past lakes, waterfalls and big mountain views. Midway, Box Canyon is a narrow, deep slot carved by a glacial river, crossed by a road bridge and seen from a short loop trail. Allow extra time, as the road has many pullouts worth stopping at.
In the park's northwest corner, the Carbon River area protects a rare inland temperate rain forest of huge, moss-covered trees. The old road is now closed to cars and used as a walking and biking trail toward Ipsut Creek, with longer trails leading toward the Carbon Glacier. Bring rain gear, as it is often damp.
The main visitor center at Paradise, with exhibits on glaciers, volcanoes, wildlife and climbing on Mount Rainier, a short film and a relief model of the mountain. Rangers offer guided walks and talks in summer, and it is the starting point for many trails. Check here for current trail and weather conditions.
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Log in to add photosPhoto: Mount Rainier National Park from Ashford, WA, United States, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
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