Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary: 10 Best Things To Do in Mount Rainier National Park
A trip to Washington is not complete without a visit to Mount Rainier National Park. Mount Rainier is one of the most beautiful mountains I have ever seen, standing at 14,410 feet tall, and is one of five volcanoes in Washington. There is a variety of things to do in Mount Rainier National Park, including over 260 miles of maintained trails that pass by waterfalls and wildflowers while providing incredible views of Mount Rainier.
This guide will review everything you need to know to visit Mount Rainier National Park, including where to stay, what to do, things to know before you go, and the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park.
Fun fact: Mount Rainier has 25 named glaciers on its mountainside, making it the most glaciated mountain in the lower 48!
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Travel Tips for Creating a Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary
Spend at least 3-4 days in Mount Rainier National Park. Having multiple days to explore the park allows you to visit many of the sections of the park.
Mount Rainier has five sections where the majority of the must-see sights are located: Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River/Mowich Lake. Sunrise and Paradise are the most popular and can become very crowded. Hotels and campgrounds near Sunrise and Paradise book up quickly, so I highly recommend planning out your trip and booking your accommodations as early as you can.
Get your timed entry reservation. Mount Rainier National Park now has a timed entry reservation system for entering the park between 7 AM to 3 PM during May through September for Paradise and July through September for Sunrise. You should get these as far in advance as possible since Mount Rainier National Park is a busy park. If you do not have a permit, you can still enter the park before 7 AM and after 3 PM.
Buy your park pass in advance. If you are visiting other national parks along with Mount Rainier National Park, you can purchase the America the Beautiful Annual Pass. The America the Beautiful Annual Pass will allow you into any national park and federal recreation land for a year!
Start your days early. Mount Rainier National Park is the second most visited national park in Washington, with over 2 million visitors per year. The most popular sights become very crowded, so I recommend arriving at those spots before 8:00 AM or after 4:00 PM. Most of the parking lots are large and have overflow parking, but they still fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Always remember to leave no trace. It’s crucial to pack out what you pack in and leave no trash. Some of these spots have trash bins, so you can easily throw your trash away. If they don’t have trash bins, you can throw your trash away at a nearby gas station or convenience store.
Closest Airport to Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is located just south of Seattle in Washington. The closest airport to Mount Rainier National Park is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. From the airport, it is about a 2-hour drive to Sunrise or Paradise in Mountain Rainier National Park.
I highly recommend renting a car for your trip to Mount Rainier National Park. The national park does not offer a shuttle service, so having a car is essential.
Mount Rainier National Park Lodging
Mount Rainier has four sections where the majority of the must-see sights are located: Sunrise, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, and Carbon River/Mowich Lake. There are a few towns near Mount Rainier National Park that have accommodations, grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations.
If you have or can rent camping gear or a campervan, I highly recommend it because there are campgrounds close to Mount Rainier National Park. If you are interested in renting a campervan, I highly recommend renting from Escape Campervans!
Best Mount Rainier National Park Hotels:
Best Mount Rainier National Park Campgrounds:
White River Campground (near Sunrise)
Silver Springs Campground (near Sunrise)
Buck Creek campground (near Sunrise)
Cougar Rock Campground (near Paradise)
Ohanapecosh Campground (near Ohanapecosh)
What to Pack for a Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary
Hiking Boots: If you want comfort and support on your trip, hiking boots are the go to.
Hiking Socks: Having moisture-wicking and comfortable hiking socks are just as important for exploring.
Hiking Backpack: You need something to carry all your food, clothes, and anything else you need while adventuring, so having a supportive hiking backpack is crucial.
Hydration Reservoir/Water Bottles: While hiking or just exploring, it is important to have enough water! I always pack a hydration reservoir.
Jackets: The weather is unpredictable, so I always pack a rain jacket and insulated jacket.
Ten Essentials: The Ten Essentials are crucial for hiking!
Microspikes: If you plan on winter hiking, you will need to bring microspikes.
Snowshoes: Also if you hike in the winter, you may need snowshoes.
Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary: 10 Best Things To Do in Mount Rainier National Park
Grove of Patriarchs
NOTE: Currently closed due to trail damage. Read more here.
The Grove of the Patriarchs is one of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park for those who are looking for a beautiful and easy trail. An easy 1.5-mile roundtrip trail brings you through an old-growth forest with some of the biggest trees you will ever see!
The thousand-year-old cedars, hemlocks, and Douglas-firs in the Grove of the Patriarchs can be 40-50 feet wide and over 300 feet tall! It is one of the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park that is great for kids, too. The Grove of the Patriarchs Loop will leave you feeling small in a good way.
The Grove of the Patriarchs is very popular and has a small parking lot, so I recommend arriving early to secure a parking spot. We arrived close to noon, and it was difficult to find parking.
Reflection Lakes
One of the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park is photograph a reflection of Mount Rainier in Reflection Lakes. Reflection Lakes is one of the most photographed views in Mount Rainier National Park.
The beautiful lakes provide an incredible opportunity to photograph Mount Rainier with its reflection when the waters are calm. In the summer, wildflowers line Reflection Lakes, and in the fall, beautiful fall foliage reflects in the waters. Reflection Lakes is considered one of the most beautiful parts of Mount Rainier National Park!
Pro tip: Visit Reflection Lakes during sunrise or sunset.
Naches Peak Loop
I was so excited to hike Naches Peak Loop because the beginning of the trail is on the Pacific Crest Trail! Naches Peak Loop is an easy, 3.2-mile roundtrip trail that brings you through beautiful wildflower fields around the base of Naches Peak and provides incredible views of Mount Rainier.
The trail begins in the Tipsoo Lake parking lot and follows the Pacific Crest Trail for over a mile around the base of Naches Peak. This section of the trail may not have many views, but you will be walking through millions of wildflowers, so it is very beautiful!
Once the trail diverges from the PCT, it loops around the base of Naches Peak, and before you know it, you can see stunning views of Mount Rainier over meadows of wildflowers!
Burroughs Mountain
Burroughs Mountain was one of my favorite hikes in Mount Rainier National Park! Burroughs Mountain Trail is a strenuous, 9-mile trail, gaining over 2,500 feet of elevation, but the difficulty is worth it for the views! The trail actually goes over three peaks - First Burroughs, Second Burroughs, and Third Burroughs - all of which have incredible views.
The trail begins in the Sunrise Visitor Center parking lot and has many signs along the trail, so you will always know where you are going. There are many trails off of this one, so it’s important to pay attention and read the signs as you hike.
Burroughs Mountain Trail first brings you past Frozen Lake, which is a water source for Sunrise. The trail then begins to ascend steeply to First Burroughs, which stands at 7,000 feet and provides epic views of Mount Rainier. Burroughs Mountain Trail continues along the ridge to Second Burroughs, bringing you closer to Mountain Rainier.
If you are up for it, I highly recommend continuing to Third Burroughs because the views will not disappoint! The 7,800-foot mountain is right next to Mount Rainier, offering stunning views. It was one of our favorite viewpoints in the park!
Even if you only hike to First Burroughs, Burroughs Mountain Trail will be one of your favorite things to do in Mount Rainier National Park!
Fremont Lookout
Fremont Lookout is the best hike in Mount Rainier National Park, in my opinion. The 5.6-mile roundtrip trail is a classic hike to a cabin on Mount Fremont that was built in 1934. It was one of our favorite hikes, especially for sunset.
The trail to Fremont Lookout begins in the Sunrise Visitor Center parking lot and travels along Sourdough Ridge Trail until the Frozen Lake junction. The trail turns right and continues 1.3 miles to Fremont Lookout. The last section of the trail is very rocky and has a drop-off on one side, so it’s important to be cautious of your footing. Once you arrive at Fremont Lookout, you will have beautiful 360° views of Mount Rainier, Berkeley Park, and Grand Park.
Pro tip: Hike to Fremont Lookout for sunrise or sunset and experience golden hour in this beautiful location. It will become one of your favorite things to do in Mount Rainier National Park for sunrise or sunset!
Alta Vista Trail
The Alta Vista Trail is one of my favorite easy hikes in Mount Rainier and is perfect if you want to hike an easy trail with beautiful views in the Paradise section of Mount Rainier National Park.
The 1.5-mile roundtrip trail follows through meadows of wildflowers and provides stunning views of Mount Rainier. The Alta Vista Trail begins in the Paradise parking lot and follows along a mostly paved path. Although the trail can be steep at times, the views make it easier!
Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail was my favorite hike in the Paradise section of Mount Rainier National Park and is one of the best hikes in Mount Rainier. The 6-mile roundtrip trail gains over 1,400 feet of elevation and provides views of waterfalls, glaciers, and wildflowers. The Skyline Trail Loop brings you the closest you will be to Mount Rainier!
The Skyline Trail Loop begins in the Paradise parking lot and hikes into wildflower meadows. There are many trails along this route, but there are signs to ensure you are following the correct trail. Soon enough, the trail passes Glacier Vista, which offers incredible views of Mount Rainier.
The Skyline Trail continues to ascend steeply towards Mount Rainier and will eventually lead to Panorama Point. Panorama Point offers incredible views looking towards Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Paradise Valley.
From Panorama Point, the Skyline Trail provides incredible, close-up views of Mount Rainier before descending into the valley. You have the option to continue on the Skyline Trail or opting for the Golden Gate Trail, which is a shorter route back to the Paradise parking lot. Either trail will bring you past multiple waterfalls cascading off the trail, including Myrtle Falls.
The Skyline Trail Loop is a strenuous hike, but the breathtaking views make time pass quickly and take your mind off the constant elevation gain.
Myrtle Falls
Myrtle Falls is arguably the most beautiful waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park. An easy, 0.8-mile roundtrip trail leads you to a viewpoint overlooking Myrtle Falls with Mount Rainier in the background. It is common to share the viewpoint with many photographers with their tripods getting the classic shot. Myrtle Falls is one of the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park if you are looking for an easy trail to a beautiful view.
Mount Rainier was in the clouds when we visited, so we didn’t get the classic shot, but Myrtle Falls was still very beautiful!
Tolmie Peak Lookout
Tolmie Peak Lookout has one of the four remaining historic fire towers in Mount Rainier National Park. The 6.5-mile roundtrip trail travels through an old-growth grove, under basalt columns, and past the largest lake in Mount Rainier National Park, Mowich Lake.
The Tolmie Peak Lookout Trail begins in Mowich campground and follows along the shores of Mowich Lake. Once the trail passes Mowich Lake, it begins to ascend steeply to Ipsut Pass and continues past Eunice Lake. The final section of the Tolmie Peak Lookout is steep and will make you work for the beautiful views that await on Tolmie Peak. Once at Tolmie Peak, you are rewarded with stunning views of Mount Rainier!
Pro tip: Hike to Tolmie Peak Lookout for sunrise or sunset. BUT the fire tower is not open for overnight camping, so the Tolmie Peak Lookout Trail must be completed as a day hike.
Wonderland Trail
If you are looking to complete one of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, the Wonderland Trail is for you! This beautiful, 93-mile trail takes about 10-14 days and is nothing short of epic. The Wonderland Trail passes by rivers, lowland forests, and wildflower meadows while providing incredible views of Mount Rainier. The trail is known to be one of the best ways to explore Mount Rainier National Park.
If you want the full information on the Wonderland Trail, please visit the NPS website.
Are you ready to plan a trip to Mount Rainier National Park? This guide includes the best hikes in Mount Rainier and the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park, so you can create the best Mount Rainier National Park itinerary!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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