Top Things to do in Mount Rainier National Park
What to do and see in Mount Rainier National Park, Mount Rainier National Park: The Best Nature & Parks
Discover the best top things to do in Mount Rainier National Park, United States including Mount Rainier, Mt. Fremont Lookout Trail, Paradise Valley, Skyline Trail, Camp Muir Trail, Burroughs Mountain Trail, Spray Falls, Tolmie Peak Trail, Tolmie Peak Trail, Mowich Lake.
1. Mount Rainier
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,754 reviews
At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the fifth highest mountain in the continental 48 states.
Reviewed By WanderingRoseTravels - Charlotte, United States
Mt. Rainier National Park rises out of the Cascade Mountain Range 14,411 feet and dominates the weather and scenery in the Pacific Northwest, just a short drive from Seattle, WA. The park contains a great trail system taking trekkers to meadows, waterfalls, mountain streams, wildlife, 25 major glaciers and iconic alpine settings such as the morning view of Rainier from Reflection Lake. We love the four-mile, round-trip hike up to Comet Falls, which you can extend to a seven-mile round-tripper to Van Trump Park.
2. Mt. Fremont Lookout Trail
3. Paradise Valley
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 150 reviews
A scenic area attracting more visitors than any other area of the park.
Reviewed By 607megank - Wenatchee, United States
Stunning flowers in peak season, with the stunning Mt. Rainer, looming above. The parking lot fills up fast, so make sure to go early or late in the day. Look out for Mountain goats, marmots, and birds on and around the trail. One can also see surrounding mountains and valleys from the many viewpoints.
4. Skyline Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 308 reviews
With an elevation gain of 1,400 fee, this five-mile hiking trail starts from Paradise to Panorama Point, Stevens-Van Trump Memorial with a final descent into Paradise Valley and Myrtle Falls.
Reviewed By shesekmatok - Los Angeles, United States
Hello fellow travelers ???? Come Early! It's nuts up there ???? **there's cell reception** ???????? The trails start at the visitor center. Huge parking space, loads of visitors and the park is trying to accommodate all the cars arriving. Started my day at 8am and it was hectic. Paradise trails starts with a steep and paved path. I was aiming for the skyline loop trail, but you will see on the way, that one trail meets another and u can combine them and choose ur own path. Started with the skyline loop, then met the lakes trail, added reflection lake, went on the lakes high trail, Narada falls and finished at Paradise. All in all it was about 10 miles long amazing hike. U get the essence of the park in one day ???? see pics enclosed. The skyline trail is covered with snow in some parts. U can find a way around sometimes, but there are some patches u have to cross. I've done one by sliding on my ass. Was fun ???? Wild flower meadows, water streams and breathtaking views all the way. Seen alpine marmots which are so cute. The part of the lakes is an easier hike and still gorgeous. If u have questions, feel free to ask ???? Have fun and be safe ????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️????????♀️
5. Camp Muir Trail
6. Burroughs Mountain Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By TheLongLongTrailer - Hartsburg, United States
I did this hike starting at the white river campground at the glacier basin trail then took the cutoff for the Burroughs mountain, then back to the campground after walking through the sunrise parking lot to get to that trail. Very windy at the top so dont expect to eat lunch or a snack there. Stuff was flying everywhere. Most people just walked to the Burroughs and back from sunrise.
7. Spray Falls
8. Tolmie Peak Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By carlostravels2018 - Miami, United States
This hike is amazing, with lots of great views solong as you check the weather before hand. Unfortunately, we decided to go against the forecast and did not get to see the amazing views from the top due to a massive amount of fog. The hike is 6.5 miles round trip. Elevation gain is about: 1010 ft Hiking time is about 3-4 hours round trip No campgrounds Not very crowded by any means. Highlights: you get two lakes and at the top of the hike is tolmies peak lookout which was an old firehouse see you can see for a long distance out. The first lake is Mowich lake, which is beautiful and at the parking lot of the trailhead. The second lake is about .7 miles away from the top of the hike and is called Eunice lake. Also, just as nice. Hike is moderate with plenty of elevation change and uneven terrain for great mix of everything you want on a trail. The pictures below show both lakes Highly recommend.
9. Tolmie Peak Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By AdventurousAmy77 - Lafayette, United States
One of the best hikes we have done and that says a lot because we hike all over the place. This is a hike for day hikers and it is off the beaten path. From Carbonado, this is a rough 50 minute drive to the Tolmie Peak trailhead. Along the drive there are wonderful views of Mt. Rainier with ample pull-offs. Take Mowich road (165) at the split for 17 miles. The first 2 miles are paved. The rest is very rough gravel on a winding mountain road. At 12 miles there is a National Park pay station. Cash or check is necessary - no credit or debit cards are accepted. The fee is $30 for a 7 day park pass. At this area there is a small parking lot and pit toilets, which were decent. It is also the trailhead to Paul’s Peak. Drive an additional 5 miles to the Tolmie Peak trailhead at Mowich Lake or there is a parking lot in the campground. There are pit toilets at the campground. Go EARLY as parking is limited. We were there by 10:00 am on Tuesday. The hike to Tolmie Peak is roughly 6 miles round trip. The entire hike is just glorious with fabulous views of Mowich Lake and Eunice Lake. And of course once at the Tolmie lookout there is a stunning view of Mt. Rainier and both lakes. Great place to eat lunch. I’d recommend hiking boots. Parts of the trail are very steep and there are a lot of switchbacks. Most people that are in some sort of decent shape can do this hike. If you are not then forget it. Keep in mind there is no cell service or any remotely close medical services. Dogs are not allowed on this trail. Not a good trail for small children or the elderly. Take water and snacks. And then, if you are up to it, at the campground you can pick up the trailhead to Spray Falls. It’s a lot for one day, but doable. Spray Falls is gorgeous. However, If you have to pick between the 2 hikes, pick Tolmie Peak. If you have limited time while visiting Mt. Rainier, and are on the adventurous side then pick this less traveled side of the park. Make sure to gas up beforehand as there are no gas stations or well, anything else. At the end of the day the closest decent restaurants are in Buckley or Enumclaw. Go for the beauty!
10. Mowich Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
A lake within Mount Rainier National Park.
Reviewed By SeattleTvlAgent
drive towards Carbon River entrance, thru Wilkerson, plus 14 miles on dirt road... SO WORTH IT! drive right to Mowich Lake, alpine lake! Spend the day (or use the trails to hike to Eunice Lake, then Tolmie Peak. I brought my kayak, and paddleboard. Nothing like it, seeing the deep, clear water, the high cliffs and Mt Rainer. * be prepared. No cell service, it is remote. Bring everything you need. *pay Mt Rainer entrance fee or get a pass.
