Hiking in Mount Rainier National Park (For First Timers)

The Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park: A Complete Hiking Guide

There are numerous excellent opportunities to appreciate the incredible natural splendor of Mount Rainier accommodating all experience and fitness levels.

Here are our top selections, organized by area to avoid too lengthy a drive to a loved trail.

If you’re making us choose our absolute preferred Mount Rainier hikes, here are our top five choices.

1. . A classic trail, with wildflowers scattered through sweeping meadows, a challenging climb with views improving all along, and an up-close view of Mount Rainier.
2. . Similar outlooks to the Skyline Trail, but rather than trekking through meadows, it’s a barren alpine landscape.
3. The scenic Comet Falls Trail (Paradise). Without a doubt the most spectacular waterfall in the park, and it`s a lovely hike following the creek to the viewpoint. Additionally, a second unanticipated waterfall.
4. . The best hike for the money in the whole park (maybe the whole state?).
5. Bench and Snow Lakes (Paradise). A relatively less busy hike in Paradise with two alpine lakes and a beautifully reflected Mount Rainier.

If you’re looking for wildflowers in late July / early August, travel to Berkeley Park near Sunrise, or the High Lakes Trail near Paradise, which are locations we’ve had the most success finding them.

The best thing to do though is to speak with the rangers stationed at the visitor center when you arrive to inquire where they`ve heard wildflowers are blossoming.

Important for 2024: To cope with the ever-growing crowds touring Rainier yearly, the park has put in place a timed access pass for visitors to the Paradise and Sunrise corridors in 2024. For more data, head to the NPS website (linked above).

The Best Hikes at Paradise

Paradise is the most visited section of the park, and our top recommendation for first-time visitors. In this southern region, some of the best trails suited for newcomers can be found.>

A variety of moderate and simple hiking trails exist here, so whether you`re an experienced trailwalker or a novice hiker, you`ll find something fitting. And it will have spectacular views of Mount Rainier.

This part of the park also has the highest concentration of waterfalls. While we aren’t including them as separate hikes here (because they’re basically a short walk from the parking lot), Christine Falls, Narada Falls, and Myrtle Falls are all definitely worth visiting.

The views of Rainier and the surrounding Tatoosh Range from Panorama Point are simply breathtaking, and along the way you’ll be treated to blooming wildflowers (in the summer) and an abundance of wildlife, with cute and fluffy marmots bothering you for snacks on the way up. DO NOT FEED THEM.

It’s a VERY busy trail, so you’ll want to get on the trail relatively early. We started right around 7:00 am, and the parking lot was already half full.

Before we went, we read various recommendations on which direction to travel – clockwise or counter-clockwise. We’ve now done it both ways, and here’s the essence.

Essentially, if starting early, travel clockwise where you`ll have the sight of Mount Rainier straight ahead throughout the steeper climb.

If embarking on the hike later in the day, travel counterclockwise so the latter three miles on the easterly side will offer more solitude before making the descent on the busiest section of the path.

Definitely make sure to stop by Myrtle Falls on the way up, which is potentially the most dramatic waterfall I’ve ever seen thanks to the snow capped peak of Mount Rainier in the background (though Comet Falls, which we’ll get to in a bit, is more striking as a standalone waterfall).

, which provides far more detail and covers everything necessary to confidently and safely hit the trail.

While they won`t be empty of others – you remain within a national park boundaries after all – the brief hike in means you`ll have comparative quiet compared to the popular Reflection Lakes locale.

We did this trail in the mid-afternoon on a summer weekday and found only a few groups sharing the path with us.

The trail begins from the parking area positioned alongside Stevens Canyon Road, just east of Reflection Lakes, offering space for 12-15 vehicles. Plan to arrive early to find parking, or later in the day after visitors on a day trip from Seattle have started departing.

The first quarter mile of the trail starts with an uphill climb, gaining 200 feet via a set of stairs.

There are some pleasant parts of the trail where you’ll find yourself in an open field – be sure to glance over your shoulder to see Mount Rainier towering behind you.

From that point, the trail climbs down again to the level of the parking area, where you`ll find the primary of two charming lakes on this hike, Bench Lake, at just under a mile in.

This body of water is where amazing reflections of Rainier can be seen on the water`s surface, providing the conditions are calm and clear.

Another quarter of a mile on the trail brings you to Snow Lake, the second lake on your hike.

If you go left you can walk along the northwestern shore of the lake, which is where you’ll have the best perspective of the lake itself. You can also head right, where you’ll be able to get down to lake level.

You’ll begin from the southeast part of the parking area at the Henry M. Jackson Visitors Center, heading south away from the Mountain on the Lakes Trail.

Take a left at the first fork, then a right at the second fork to continue on the Lakes Trail, which will carry on to Reflection Lakes.

The panoramas here are utterly spectacular – we came here at sunset and sunrise during our last visit, and the picture perfect mirrored reflection of Mount Rainier in the water is stunning.

You are able to drive here, if the hike seems too strenuous for you.

Loop around the south end of the lakes, appreciating the views all along the route, and start the return journey, heading north along the Lakes Trail to meet up with the Skyline Trail.

Proceed left at the junction with the Skyline Trail and halt briefly by Myrtle Falls on the return drive to the vehicle parking area.

If wanting a longer hike, adding the 1.2 mile out-and-back to Narada Falls allows experiencing one of the best waterfalls in the park, or the 1.4 mile loop on the Nisqually Vista Trail (below) possessing incredible views of Rainier and the quickly receding Nisqually Glacier.

The climb here is no joke, which is why we ultimately opted out of it (it scared us away, since we had done the Skyline Trail in the morning).

This climb is fundamentally directly up, then directly back down again. In any case, the end point at Pinnacle Peak gives you a viewpoint across the valley to Rainier’s south face.

Something important to note here: You can (and should) stop at Pinnacle Saddle, which is around a mile into the hike, if you’re an inexperienced hiker uncertain navigating a narrow trail with loose gravel.

The last half mile or so of the ascent up is essentially scrambling up loose rock, which can be somewhat difficult to navigate.

The trail to get up here is incredibly steep. To the point where Alysha and I were remarking that it’s the steepest trail we’ve ever faced. It is paved, though, which probably assists.

Keep an eye out for marmots up here! 

Additionally, this route would make an excellent path for snowshoeing during winter months.

The small parking area at this location, which accommodates approximately 10-15 vehicles, implies setting out early would be a wise strategy. We camped near Cougar Rock Campground and arrived at 7:00 am, placing us as the second group on the trail.

The soothing sound of Van Trump Creek provides company along the entire trail, helping mask noise from the road or hikers using speakers. It makes for a peaceful journey from the parking spot to Comet Falls.

Ascending the trail involves a steady climb the entire way, with just one section that may prove tricky: visitors will scale a steep portion of the route using a ladder maintained by park staff.

Nothing too extreme, but something to know going in if you’re apprehensive about elevations.

An added bonus of this hike is the immediate presence of a second waterfall before reaching the destination of Comet Falls. Called Bloucher Falls, it would likely be considered a scenic spot worthwhile in its own right had Comet Falls not been nearby.

As you approach the falls, you’ll get your initial view of the 300 foot towering Comet Falls from the outlook, and then you can continue getting closer by hiking along the trail that hugs the hillside to the right.

A Note: In the late fall, winter, and spring, the crossing over Van Trump Creek about a quarter mile in can be overwhelmed due to the raging water of the rising creek, and it becomes dangerous to cross the creek. Read trail reports to check trail conditions before you go!

Van Trump Park

• Length: 6 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 2,000 ft.
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate 
• Access point details

If you want to get a little further away from the crowds and take in some less frequented views, this is an excellent addition to the Comet Falls Trail (above).

The trail leaves from the same parking area, and requires additional climbing to access one of the most scenic mountain meadows in the entire park.

Van Trump Park sits at around 6,500 feet above sea level with abundant wildflowers in early August (depending on the year) with views of Rainier towering in the distance.

It follows the trail out to Comet Falls, then adds an intense 0.5 mile ascent that gains 600 feet of elevation, placing you in prime meadow territory.

Regrettably, we tackled the hike to Comet Falls on our last morning in the park, and had to skip this addition since we had to get back home by the afternoon.

However, Van Trump Park in particular is on our list for our next foray into Paradise!

The Best Hikes at Sunrise

The Sunrise Visitor Center parking lot in Mount Rainier National Park is the highest elevation accessible by vehicle.

This area is home to the finest collection of epic hikes in the park, most of which leave right from the Sunrise Visitor Center (though you’ll find a few trailheads along the road in as well).

If direct perspectives of Mount Rainier are sought, Sunrise is a suitable location to discover them.

Especially on the Mount Fremont Lookout trail, and the Burroughs Mountain Trail, both of which rival the Skyline Trail in showcasing the Mountain in all its magnificence.

The hike up to the lookout is just as magnificent, with wildflowers, a herd of curious mountain goats, and the ruggedly breathtaking mountain terrain. It can be busy but it is well deserving braving the crowds.

You’ll embark from the Sunrise Visitor Centre and head along the Sourdough Ridge Trail to the junction at Frozen Lake. I provide a preview: the following several hikes all pursue this route and split off at the Frozen Lake junction.

To head to the Mount Fremont lookout, you’ll turn right and begin ascending the rocky ridge, which is a superb place to view marmots and, if fortunate, mountain goats. You’ll follow the ridge as it levels out and ultimately guides you to the fire lookout.

Remember to bring binoculars for views along with insect repellent given the mosquitoes also enjoying the panoramas at the lookout point. Indeed, the bugs are no joking matter.

Also, you should go either at sunrise or sunset – though expect to share the sunset with around 100 of your new acquaintances, at least during the summer months.

The Sourdough Ridge Trail to Frozen Lake

• Length: 3.0 miles
• Elevation Gain: 600 ft.
• Trail Type: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy
• Area Of The Trail`s Commencement

If all of these long, strenuous hikes near Sunrise are making your palms sweat a little bit, here’s a suitable alternative for you.

Sourdough Ridge is the elevated landmass situated above the Sunrise Visitor Center, and most hikes here follow this exact route to Frozen Lake before branching off.

The views along this portion of the Sourdough Ridge Trail are spectacular, with Rainier towering over the White River Valley in the distance.

It’s a very, very highly frequented trail though (as stated above, most of the major hikes here follow this route), so don’t expect to have the trail to yourself.

There is another option, which involves hiking from this parking location all the way out to Frozen Lake, and then back with a side trip up to Dege Peak, which is almost 9 miles in length.

Scarcely an easier substitute, but undoubtedly worthwhile if you’re searching for something somewhat distinctive.

This is the best Mount Rainier hiking trail for wildflowers in late July. It is a hike with an inverted order, which means it is mostly downhill there and mostly uphill back, which is novel for hiking paths in Washington.

Plan to go on a weekday if possible as it can be really troublesome to get a parking spot on the weekend, particularly during July when the wildflowers are at their peak.

The early part of the walk is rugged alpine landscape, which soon gives way to lush meadows, bubbling creeks, and cascading waterfalls.

If you hike during wildflower blooming season, you’ll climb Sourdough Ridge to the same trail junction as the previous two hikes mentioned, and as you begin to descend into the valley below, you’ll notice small clusters of lupine here and there at first. More bunches will come into view as you continue on.

Until surrounded by wildflower meadows completely overflowing with purple, red, white, and yellow blossoms covering the landscape around you.

Continue descending into the valley all the way to the bubbling brook on your left side, making an ideal spot to stop for lunch and turn back.

This is an exceptionally picturesque hike, at least when wildflowers are blooming, and tops my recommendations for trails in Mount Rainier National Park.

If traveling outside of wildflower season, one may wish to explore other options – the views of Mount Rainier disappear behind Burroughs Mountain during the descent from the junction.

Let’s be completely clear – this is not an easy hike. But if you’re up for a challenge, it offers some breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, but makes you work hard for them. Which, in our opinion, is the best kind of hike.

Panning vistas across the park`s eastern region keep energy high throughout the journey, with the third lookout promising an outlook sure to leave feet refreshed. Mount Rainier appears close enough for touching.

Even in summer some of the trail may be covered in snow, so it is important to head out mid-summer once the snow has had an opportunity to melt. Aside from that, the trail is well-liked enough that it is in good condition.

Technically the last portion of the trail to the third burroughs is unmaintained, but it’s easy enough to follow.

The distance and elevation gain above reflect the hike to the third burroughs, which adds a significant amount of elevation (it nearly doubles it!) because you have to descend into a valley after the second burroughs before you make the final climb to the third one.

To the second burroughs, it is six miles and just under 1,200 feet of elevation gain.

Read More:Hiking the awe-inspiring Burroughs Mountain Trail at Mount Rainier

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This short looped hike in Mount Rainier National Park introduces hikers to walking in the park while also giving a taste of the Pacific Crest Trail portion that is included. It provides an easy, family-friendly option.

The scenery is full of wildflowers in summer, with stunning perspectives of Mount Rainier reflected in Tipsoo Lake that have photographers flocking here attempting to capture the perfect mirror image photograph.

We’d start at the parking lot at Tipsoo Lake, which has restroom facilities and the largest parking area. To see the best views of the mountain, take the looped trail in a clockwise direction.

Tipsoo Lake is also a fantastic place for sunrise or sunset, depending on what your schedule appears like.

Source: we went there for sunrise before tackling the trail. Here’s a picture.

The trail ascends steadily for the initial half, passing a couple of picturesque small lakes and blossoming fields on the route up to the high point, where you’ll find yourself above Dewey Lake, which sits in the valley below you.

Both day hikers and backpackers will join you in enjoying the gradual changes in the scenery as you travel along this trail.

It seems you experience all the diverse terrains of the area, starting in meadows and woodlands and crossing streams before reaching steep rocky outcrops with spectacular views of Mount Rainier.

It is very likely you will come across mountain goats who love the steep rocky terrain; it is joyful to sit and observe them climb and frisk, although while hiking the Enchantments in Washington we were harassed by a male mountain goat with a serious case of toxic masculinity.

He even headbutted our tent while we were inside it – so keep your awareness about you (and keep your distance) in their presence!

While this hike is highly enjoyable, it is also fairly challenging, and I would advise hiking poles as it can be steep and gravelly in parts.

The Two Hikes at Mowich Lake

In this remote northwest section of the park, the finest hiking options at Mount Rainier offer a bit more seclusion.

Why the peace and quiet, you ask?

You should know that the roadways to arrive here are notoriously terrible, which significantly reduces the visitors in this part of the park.

We resided at Jenny Lake Campground. Its facilities were relatively basic, with only one lavatory, but the vicinity a few hundred yards from the shoreline of Jenny Lake truly couldn`t be outmatched. It`s considered the premier campground in the park, as recognized by most.

The road into Mowich Lake opens in peak summer, and is a white-knuckle journey over a potholed road that will probably take longer than planned.

Still, two of the superior hiking trails in Mount Rainier are at the end of that road, so it’s worth the journey if you have the proper kind of vehicle. Take a high-clearance 4WD vehicle (it’s doable in a normal passenger vehicle, but it’s not going to be pleasant), go slow, and you’ll be fine.

You’ll park at Mowich Lake Campground, and start your hike by heading left around the lake, where you’ll find the beginning of the trail up to Tolmie Peak. You’ll hit a fork in the trail a little ways after the lake – head left here (right puts you on the Wonderland Trail that goes around Rainier).

The trail starts out easy enough, basically flat for the first mile and a half, before starting the ascent up to the fire lookout at the peak. You’ll climb 1,000 feet in just over a mile. It’s nothing terribly difficult, but it’s definitely in the moderate category.

Eunice Lake, the aforementioned azure lake visible from above, makes for an excellent lunch spot after rising to the Tolmie Peak fire lookout. However, insect repellent is advised – the bugs during summer can be intense.

It should be noted that there is no accommodation for overnight stays in this area, so backpacking will not be possible here.

You’ll climb a hair under 1,500 feet in a mile and a half – that’s 1,000 feet per mile, for those of you counting – which is why this hike earns a “moderate / difficult” rating from us.

The breathtaking views from the top of Mt. Pleasant are worth it, although you’ll be feeling this hike in your thighs and posterior for a few days afterwards. This is one of the better sections of meadows in the entire park, and the proverbial juice is definitely worth the squeeze (we think).

The Two Hikes at Ohanapecosh

Two hikes within this part of the park merit undertaking, although panoramic mountain vistas rivaling those at Sunrise or Paradise should not be expected.

Instead, it’s a dense woodland – including an impressive old growth forest – with rivers running through it, and some nice family-friendly walks through the woods.

It features an entertaining suspension bridge, towering Douglas firs, and interpretive signs imparting knowledge about the ecosystems.

It is one of the easiest hikes in Mount Rainier National Park and can get particularly crowded on weekends as families seek an escape from the city.

If visiting over a weekend, doing so early is best, which is also the prime time to explore the forest. Going during the week, especially earlier in the day provides the best opportunity to avoid crowds, but not everyone can arrange that scheduling.

Critical Update for 2022/2023: This trail is closed due to a washed out bridge. It’s not anticipated to be accessible until 2024.

It’s an easy stroll along the river that climbs gently for the first mile, before leveling off and tracking the river to Silver Falls. You’ll descend a brief set of switchbacks to transport from the ridge you’ve been trekking along down to the river – don’t neglect the overlook about half way down the switchbacks.

From there, loop back along the other side of the Ohanapecosh River, and it’s a slight downhill walk back to the campground and Visitor Center.

The Best Mount Rainier Hikes, Mapped

As promised, the following contains a visualization of the hikes included in this guide, with colours used to represent the four distinct areas of the park (Paradise, Sunrise, Ohanapecosh, Mowich Lake).

To view a full size version of the map, click on the “expand” icon in the top right.

Things to Know Before You Visit Mount Rainier National Park

Here are a few things to know before embarking on the trail.

Canine companions are not permitted on any hiking routes through Mount Rainier. No exceptions to this rule exist. This type of policy is standard procedure for national parks. Dogs are allowed in campgrounds if their human is present, and they can go anywhere accessible by vehicle. However, that means canine companions cannot embark on any trails used for hiking.

Summer is considered mid-July through September.We cover the best times to visit above, but it bears repeating here as it can surprise visitors unfamiliar with the Pacific Northwest climate. While summer technically starts on June 21, the high country trails in the Cascades really begin opening up in the middle to later parts of July, when you can expect them to be snow-free.

Do not, under any circumstances, feed the wildlife. Yes, that means you. Yes, that means the chipmunks. No, you don’t need an Instagram picture with a chipmunk eating from your hand. The chipmunks at Mount Rainier are fearless at this point, and they will steal your food. Keep an eye on your pack!

Bring a meal and snacks. There are only a few places to eat inside the park, and they are fairly mediocre and expensive. You could head outside the park to Packwood or one of the other bordering communities, but that is a long drive (an hour or more).

Any hike near a lake will have mosquitoes in the summer. Come prepared with long sleeves and insect repellent.

Entrance fees for the park. Similar to nearly all national parks in the United States (like the three national parks in Washington State), visitors will need to pay an access fee. There are a few payment options available here, and at the most basic level it depends on how many national parks one anticipates visiting in the next 12 months.

• If the anticipated number is three or more, procure an America the Beautiful Pass. It shall cost $80 and provides access to every national park in the USA (and national forests and monuments, as was recently learned) for a full year from the time of purchase. Purchase it online in advance at REI, or procure in person at one of the entrance stations.
• If it’s two national parks or less, then pay the $30 entrance fee, which covers entrance to Mount Rainier for your vehicle for seven days from the time you purchase it.

The Best Time Go Hiking in Mount Rainier National Park

Like most hikes in the Cascades, there’s a very short and very specific time frame where the trails in Mount Rainier National Park are snow-free.

It`s essential to know that most higher elevation trails in the park are blanketed in snow between late October and mid-July.

I know several persons who visited in the late month of June, which is generally considered summer, only to be let down that the hikes they wanted to experience were largely inaccessible.

Even when hiking at Mount Rainier during the last week of July a couple of years ago, snow still covered the well-known Skyline Trail! And not a light coating – a significant amount of snow.

The summer months bring about clear skies and warmer temperatures, making it the ideal time to explore the hiking trails found within Mount Rainier National Park.

July to August provides the most consistently nice weather for hiking, but it is also the peak tourist season – expect accommodations and flights to cost the most if you’re visiting from out of town.

During these peak summer months falling within the latter half of July, most if not all trails will likely be free of snow and wildflowers will be in full magnificent displays persisting 7-10 days (the precise timing varies yearly, though we’ve had good success around the last week of July).

Try not to visit on Labor Day and any other major holidays if you can – the crowds are going to be borderline unbearable.

Mosquitoes are commonly found near bodies of water during summer, so remember to pack insect repellent.

September and October can be pleasant if you want to avoid peak prices and crowds, but there will definitely be a higher chance of gray and drizzly days (or even some early snowfall).

In addition to the weather conditions, which often persist into October, you’ll encounter fewer people on the trail as most families with school-age children return to their studies.

Adding to that, the changing of the leaves to shades of orange and red blankets many fields around the Mountain in October, making fall an excellent duration to tour.

Winter at Rainier offers many cool activities and sights to see, but hiking is not recommended during that time. Though, there is some good snowshoeing available!

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