Want to see the highlights of Mount Rainier National Park while only having a single day there? Then this guide is for you. We`ve spent considerable time exploring various sections of Mount Rainier National Park from our home base in Portland over several past years, and we`ll help you determine how to make the most of your limited available time.
Lush meadows, an abundance of wildflowers, and multiple picturesque waterfalls await visitors on a day trip to Mount Rainier.
In the Seattle area, a “nice day” is often defined by whether or not you can see Rainier’s snowy peak from the city.
To really understand why Mount Rainier National Park is one of the country’s best national parks, though, you have to get up close and personal.
From Seattle, you cannot view the towering Narada Falls, the incredible views of the surrounding peaks in the Tatoosh Range and Mount Adams from the Skyline Trail, or the perfect reflection of Rainier in Bench Lake.
By following the provided guide, you’ll experience all of those sights and more, and hopefully leave with a deeper appreciation for Mount Rainier National Park, situated only two and a half hours from Seattle.
And you will see why we rank it highly among the best day trips accessible from Seattle.
It may come as a surprise that Matt, who grew up in the Seattle area of Washington State, did not visit Rainier – or any of the other national parks in Washington – until his 30s. What was he occupied with for those first 30 years of life, one might inquire?
In this guide, we’ll provide you with comprehensive details – the logistical aspects, recommended activities and sights to experience in Mount Rainier in a single day, and some alternate options if hiking is not your preference – to strategically plan an unforgettable day trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle.
All the information in this guide is based on personal experience exploring the park over several trips.
If you have a question that we didn’t cover below, leave us a comment so that we can get back to you (and potentially add it to the guide!).
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).
Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post, like hotel links, are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, we make a little bit of money if you click through and book. That being said, we would never recommend something to you that we don’t stand behind 100%.
Table of Contents
Can You See All of Mount Rainier National Park in One Day?
We wanted to start with this one, because it’s important. Spoiler alert: we think the answer is definitely “NO.”
Mount Rainier National Park encompasses a sizable area, spanning 369 square miles. There are essentially four distinct regions of the park that are pertinent here – Paradise,Ohanapecosh,Sunrise, and Mowich Lake (Carbon River, the fifth region, is indefinitely closed at the time of writing).
Here’s a map.
To give you an idea as to why this matters, here are the drive times between the different regions. We’re going clockwise from Sunrise, ending with Mowich Lake.
- Sunrise to Ohanapecosh: 32 miles // 1 hour
- Ohanapecosh to Paradise: 25 miles // 45 minutes
- Paradise to Mowich Lake: 96 miles // 2 hours
Completing a day trip to visit Sunrise, Ohanapecosh, and Paradise within one day from Seattle would likely require over six hours of driving time when accounting for the travel to and from the city.
For that reason, we would strongly recommend selecting ONE region to focus on for your Mount Rainier day trip from Seattle, as there’s plenty to do and see in each individual area to make it a full day.
And guess what? We have thoughts on which region that should be (it shouldn`t come as a surprise!).
Which Region of the Park Should You Focus On for Your Day Trip to Mount Rainier?
If you`re visiting the park for the first time, we cannot stress enough the importance of focusing your time on the Paradise region.
Let’s put it this way – we think it delivers on the name.
Between the cascading water, alpine lakes, and remarkable excursions (like several making our list of the best trails in Washington State) offering jaw-dropping perspectives, Paradise is Mount Rainier in its most splendid form. Here are a few pictures worth more than mere words can describe.
That is not to say that other parts of the park are not worth visiting. However, we believe Paradise is BY FAR the best option for first timers. It also has the most activities, enough to fill an entire day.
Here is a quick overview of the different regions and what sets them apart:
- Paradise: Epic wildflowers early in the summer, countless alpine lakes, four of the most stunning waterfalls in Washington State, and regarded as the best hike in the park made the name an accurate description.
- Sunrise: The best variety of different hikes in the park, and the highest elevation that vehicles can access in the park (it’s about 1,000 feet higher than Paradise). Outside of hiking, not much else going on.
- Ohanapecosh: This area of the park is highly distinct from others as it consists of an old growth forest. There are some short hikes here that are well suited for children, but the region likely only warrants around half a day of exploration.
- Mowich Lake: Two of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park are here, but unfortunately it’s at the end of a 20 mile long roadway that has some bumps and potholes and should not likely be attempted unless it’s late summer and you have a vehicle with high clearance.
Timed Entry Reservations Are Required in 2024 (Paradise and Sunrise)
In 2024, you must make an entry reservation for Paradise and Sunrise.
This piece of information in the logistics section is extremely important, as it describes a new system for 2024 and how many individuals could miss it and be turned away at the entrance checkpoints.
Between May 24 and Sept 2, 2024, entry to the Paradise Corridor requires a timed-entry reservation.
This covers the road amongst the Nisqually Entrance, up to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, and down to the Stevens Canyon Entrance nearby Ohanapecosh.
Between July 4 through September 2, making a timed entry reservation to enter the Sunrise Corridor is required.
This is the road between the White River Entrance, up to the Sunrise Visitor Center.
These permits exclusively apply if you enter the park between 7am and 3pm, meaning that if you enter before 7am or after 3pm, a permit is not necessary (another reason for an early beginning!).
It’s also worth noting that reserving accommodation at Cougar Rock Campground (Paradise), the Paradise Inn, or National Park Inn could replace needing a timed entry permit for accessing the Paradise Corridor area.
Securing a first-come, first-served site at White River Campground near Sunrise can alternatively replace a timed entry permit for Sunrise.
However, it is also worthwhile noting that a camping or lodging reservation in Paradise does not guarantee access to the Sunrise Corridor, and vice versa.
Permits are made available 90 days ahead in batches.
Below are the 2024 release dates for Paradise Corridor Timed Entry Permits:
- February 21, 2024: Reservations available for May 24 – June 30, 2024
- April 1, 2024: Reservations available from July 1 to July 31, 2024
- May 1, 2024: Reservations available for August 1 – September 2, 2024
Here are the release dates for 2024 for the Sunrise Corridor Timed Entry Permits:
- April 1, 2024: Reservations available from July 4 to July 31, 2024
- May 1, 2024: Reservations available for August 1 – September 2, 2024
It is certainly worthwhile to carefully examine the page detailing timed entry reservations AS WELL AS the frequently asked questions page about timed entry to gather all pertinent facts that may be needed.
Implications of Timed Entry Permits for Your Trip
From my own experience on a two year road trip across the western United States a few years ago, I also witnessed this timed entry reservation process used at multiple national parks.
During that period, we visited every national park west of the Rockies, and saw multiple parks attempting their best to deal with increased attendance numbers.
It`s a complicated scenario, as on one hand, the record number of visits are exerting a huge strain on park amenities and ecosystems.
On the other hand, we want to make our national parks accessible (and we want that access to be equitable) because seeing the national parks in person motivates everyone to unite to protect them!
Nevertheless, putting aside all that, the primary implication that we observed in places such as Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park is that the timed entry permits will force many people to enter the park preceding that 7am window initiates.
The parking lots in Rocky Mountain National Park and Glacier National Park reached full capacity by around 6am as people rushed to enter the park before the permits became necessary.
We expect a similar scenario may occur in this situation as well.
Keep that consideration in mind as you plan your own visit, since parking at Sunrise and Paradise is limited as is.
Tips for Visiting Mount Rainier National Park in a Day
Before getting into the key points of this guide, here are some things to know as you’re planning your trip.
Cell Service is Limited at Best – Download Offline Maps Ahead of Time
You’ll discover extremely limited cellular service in the park. And by very limited, I mean zero cell reception unless you’re at the parking area next to the visitor center.
For navigation, we always download offline maps on Google Maps, which allows you to use routing even if you don’t have cell service (although it doesn’t give you real time traffic, which doesn’t truly matter in this case).
Here’s a guide on how to do that.
“. The text provides a link to instructions for downloading offline Google Maps
You can also find a variety of different park maps on the NPS website here if you prefer a physical map.
Expect Crowds in July and August
July and August are the busiest months at Rainier. The park sees over 2 million people visiting the park on an annual basis.
Roughly half of annual visitors arrive in July or August (according to this fun data on the NPS site), meaning crowds will be encountered during those months.
The two largest places where that matters are the entrance stations and the parking lots at trailheads.
Specifically at the Nisqually entrance station, lines frequently start developing by 9:00am. On our most recent outing to the park, we arrived around 9:15am and had to wait approximately 15 minutes to enter.
Between 10:00am and 12:00pm, anticipate that timeframe to be one hour or more. Get an early beginning! (Note: This applies to the others as well, it`s just that fewer people utilize those).
Crowding is another factor to consider at trailheads where parking lots are located.
The main parking lot at Paradise – the one where the Skyline trail begins – is large. However, it still fills up by 10:00am, earlier on weekends.
We were surprised that it was mostly full at 7:00am on a Monday morning on our most recent trip.
Other trail access points and parking areas, like Comet Falls and Reflection Lakes, have parking for notably fewer vehicles. Be prepared to wait for a spot when you arrive. There’s frequent turnover, so it shouldn’t be too long.
Try to Visit on a Weekday if You Can
We’ve been to the park on basically every day of the week at this point, and it is noticeably busier on weekends.
If your schedule permits flexibility, planning your visit mid-week is highly recommended. Yet be advised that in July and August parking areas are full regardless of day.
Check Road Conditions Before You Leave
Checking road conditions in the week prior to a trip is important.
For example, had we not checked road conditions before we left, we would have lacked awareness that as of August 2022, Stevens Canyon Road from Paradise to Ohanapecosh was closed from Monday to Thursday for repairs on the road, which made traversing between Paradise and Sunrise / Ohanapecosh almost impossible.
Between construction, which can basically only happen in the summer given the weather and conditions at Rainier, and washouts during the winter, roadway conditions are constantly changing.
You can find the NPS report on road conditions here. Definitely review it before departing!
The Last Gas Station near the Nisqually Entrance is in Ashford
This museum – the Museo Storico dello Sbarco in Sicilia 1943 – which is a few minutes away from Catania Centrale on the east side of town near the water, was surprisingly informative.
Note that basically one sole option exists, which is more expensive than gas stations further outside the park boundaries.
If filling up on fuel on your way in BEFORE arriving in Ashford is possible, we’d suggest that to save some money.
Pack All of Your Meals – There Are Limited Options for Food in the Park
Comparable to the gas situation, there are very, very few dining selections within the park boundaries.
You could grab lunch at the Paradise Inn (though often, they’re only doing seated lunches and dinners for hotel guests these days) or at the tiny cafeteria there, which has sandwiches and salads.
But it will be costly, and the cuisine won’t be exceptional.
A considerably superior option is to prepare a picnic lunch to savor on the shore of Reflection Lakes! Sandwiches, fruit, snacks, some sparkling water – all at a fraction of the (outrageous) cost of getting lunch at one of the park facilities.
Bring Plenty of Water and Sun Protection
During our latest visit to Mount Rainier National Park, we noticed how intense the sun feels at five thousand feet above sea level.
Sunscreen offers protection from the sun`s rays. Be sure to bring enough and reapply some at lunchtime.
Getting from Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park (the Nisqually Entrance)
If visiting Mount Rainier from Seattle, you will want to enter the park through the Nisqually Entrance located in the southwest corner of the park near the town of Ashford.
Traveling from Seattle to Mount Rainier takes approximately two and a half hours and 107 miles by road (to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center at Paradise).
There are a couple of potential routes that you could take, and it entirely relies on traffic flow, so check Google Maps before departing.
However, if departing early in the morning, then probably the best route is taking Interstate 5 South to Highway 167 South.
From there, follow Highway 161 South until it ends, then turn left onto Highway 7 / National Park Road which later becomes Paradise Road guiding you to the Nisqually Entrance.
Keep in mind that, if you don’t pass through the entrance station before around 9:00am, there will likely be a line to get in, which will add anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to your journey. Acquiring an early start should be all the motivation needed!
Getting to Mount Rainier from Portland
The outcome generates a very comfortable atmosphere. And it implies that you get to be face-to-face with your barista as they make your drinks, so you are able to inquire questions!
Reaching it from Portland is a longer trip, at around 156 miles and three hours. But for those willing to drive further, it`s worth the journey.
Read More:Hiking the Magical Heather-Maple Pass Trail in North Cascades National Park
Traveling north on Interstate 5, take exit 68 for Highway 12 towards Yakima. Stay on this road for a bit over half an hour, then turn left at the town of Morton onto Highway 7 North. Follow this for 16 miles and turn right onto Paradise Road to reach the Nisqually entrance a short distance later.
Paradise also is the easiest area to access from Portland – getting to Sunrise takes another two hours, which is much less practical.
How to Plan a Picture Perfect Seattle to Mount Rainier Day Trip: A Complete Guide
Now that we`ve covered the significant logistical details and recommendations, let`s dive into the enjoyable part!
If following this guide, your entire day will involve exploring the Paradise section of Mount Rainier National Park, located at the southern end of The Mountain.
Witnessed will be cascades, tremendous mountain panoramas, pristine alpine lakes, and lush vistas too plentiful to enumerate.
In terms of structuring your day, we think you should directly travel to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center to park and get an early start on the Skyline Trail, and then make your way back down Paradise Park Road from there, doing the waterfalls and lakes in the afternoon.
Fortunately, this also takes you in the proper direction to get home, which is beneficial.
We likewise need to make it clear that this day trip incorporates a great deal of climbing – eight miles on the off chance that you skip Bench and Snow Lakes, and around 10 miles, on the off chance that you incorporate that stop.
That’s a SIGNIFICANT number of miles in a day for most, so make sure you have plenty of water, food and snacks, sun protection, and prepare for an epic day of exploring at Mount Rainier.
If hiking extensively is not your preference or feasible for younger members of your group, further below is guidance on alternative activities with less emphasis on lengthy hiking.
7:30am: Start with the Unforgettable Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail is by far our favorite hike in the park.
We’ve now made the journey twice, in opposite directions, and can’t get enough of the experience
The best part is the views along the trail are worth the effort required, which may not be too demanding. However, it could very well be the most busy hike in the entire state and possibly the entire Pacific Northwest region, meaning you’ll have to handle crowds whenever venturing on it.
Getting to the Trailhead
This hike begins from the sizable parking area directly outside the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center ( here on Google Maps), which has numerous parking areas, but usually fills up by 9:30am in the summer months. Which highlights why we’re advising beginning your day early
If you enter through the Nisqually Entrance, you’ll stay on Paradise Road E for a hair under 18 miles, and reach the parking area after considerable climbing and some hairpin turns.
There are restroom facilities available at the trailhead for hikers (the restrooms inside Paradise Inn are much more pleasant), and a station inside Paradise Inn to refill water bottles.
The Route
There are a couple options for doing this trail, and SURPRISE we have views on how you should do it.
First, here’s a map of the trail (courtesy of the NPS) so you can envision what we’re discussing.
The initial consideration regards whether aiming to complete the entire loop or the out-and-back route to Panorama Point.
Taking the loop trail is a much better choice because of the views on the eastern half (the view at Panorama Point, which you`d miss if only doing out and back, is actually the best), but it adds a couple extra trail miles.
The second thing to contemplate is which direction you want to hike. Clockwise denotes a steeper ascent, and then a longer, more gradual descent. Counter-clockwise means a more gradual ascent, and a swift, steep descent.
The busiest section of the trail is the western part (the steep section through the meadows), and it’s crowded anytime after about 10:00am.
Our recommendation is to begin clockwise if starting prior to 8:00am, permitting ascent with fewer fellow travelers on the trail.
If you begin later, we`d do it in the opposite direction to enjoy some solitude on the less traveled eastern half of the loop.
The Hike
As we stated previously, we have a far more thorough guide to the Skyline Trail, which provides all necessary information to safely tackle the trail and have the best experience.
Here is a brief overview of the hike so you have an idea of what to anticipate. If you took our guidance and arrived at 7:30am, you should go clockwise, which is the direction we’re explaining here.
You’ll start from the visitor center, and tackle what might be the most difficult, steep portion of the hike. It’s counter-intuitive, because this section is paved, but it’s no simple task.
As you ascend, you’ll come around a bend and get your first views of the meadows and stunning Rainier views that make Paradise special.
Then comes the long, steep ascent. The views are incredible – make sure to look back behind you for the perspectives of the Tatoosh Range, Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and even Mount Hood on a clear day. But make no mistake, climbing 1,700 feet of elevation in about two miles is tough.
Take your time, drink plenty of water, and you’ll complete it!
Upon completing the climb, you`ll reach Panorama Point, which offers stunning views southward and features virtually every peak in southern Washington and Oregon.
It serves as a suitable pause for refueling and brief respite, AND houses an outdoor convenience in summer (BYO-toiletries).
However, the grandest perspective of Rainier’s southern face is available after a brief climb from Panorama Point, taking you to the highest point on the trail.
The view from the rocky lookout behind Panorama Point is sublime, taking in Rainier itself as well as the surrounding peaks and mountain ranges.
From there, it’s all downhill. You’ll descend through the high alpine landscape, which is noticeably more rocky than the lush meadows on the first half of the trail (we always find this fascinating).
It`s possible you may find lingering snow patches on this section of trail, which often persists into August. Be sure to check with the visitor center before your hike to determine if conditions allow passing.
You`ll enter the forest, then there`s a brief incline immediately before returning to the visitor center.
Do not overlook Myrtle Falls, which is right off of the trail on the way back to the starting point.
Be certain to use the restroom and fill water there before departing!
12:00pm: Lunch at Reflection Lakes
After your hike, it’s time to enjoy your packed lunch! You can absolutely do this at the picnic tables near the visitor center, but we’d recommend taking the short drive over to Reflection Lakes for a picnic with a view.
It is important to note that picnicking along the lakeshore is prohibited.
Rather than eating in the parking area, take a relaxing stroll down to the lake after your meal to enjoy the scenic view.
For what it`s worth, we prefer the viewpoint from here, though you can`t really go wrong in this region.
Optional: The Bench and Snow Lakes Trail
Depending on how you’re feeling after your morning hike, we have another great hike for you to tackle if you’re up for it.
While traversing a distance of but 2.2 miles, this excursion isn`t quite as facile as the statistics may indicate. However, we feel it offers great value, and both lakes are worthy of a visit.
For greater adaptability, this guided trip takes you on a 2-hour journey through the gallery, followed by a walk through Milan’s well known Brera district.
There are two stunning alpine lakes along the route, both of which are appealing. But if hiking has worn you down, we think the nearer Bench Lake at 1.5 miles return is a nice compromise.
The trail rises up from the parking area, and then descends down to Bench Lake. From the shores of the lake, on clear, calm days you can enjoy a picture-perfect mirrored reflection of Rainier.
For those seeking more, another half-mile approximately leads to Snow Lake void of Rainier views but filled with natural beauty – a crystal clear lake nestled in a verdant valley alongside a backcountry campground reachable on foot.
There is a somewhat steep incline right before the lake, and weary legs could make that a little difficult.
The path will split – be certain to go both directions. Left offers a fantastic view of the lake from the wooden footbridge guiding you to the campsites.
Head right and make your way to the far end of the lake, where the trail terminates and you’ll find a great vista of the valley with towering rocky peaks and some fun waterfalls.
Head back to the parking lot, and it’s time to make your way downhill to Ashford and, sadly, the end of your day trip to Mount Rainier.
Two scenic stops present themselves on the return. First is Inspiration Point, on the left of Stevens Canyon Road just prior to making a left onto Paradise Road headed downgrade towards Ashford.
Second is Ricksecker Point, where you’ll have superb panoramas of the Mountain. It lies a few miles down Paradise Road from the exit to Stevens Canyon Road (and it’s literally between Narada and Christine Falls, your subsequent two stops).
3:00pm: Stop at Narada Falls
These next three stops will take you to three impressive waterfalls on your way back down to Ashford.
The first is Narada Falls, which is on your left a mile and a half from Inspiration Point. It’s visible from the parking lot, but BY FAR the better view is down a short trail (it’s maybe a quarter mile) from the viewpoint below the parking lot.
From there, you’ll be able to observe the cascades in all their magnificence. The Paradise River plunges 168 feet over Narada Falls into the waterway underneath.
When the falls is fully illuminated by sunlight, a lovely rainbow can also be seen at the base of the falls (though capturing a good long-term photograph of the falls with this phenomenon is even more difficult).
Restrooms can be found across a stone bridge near the parking area.
3:30pm: Marvel at Gorgeous Christine Falls
Next is one of our favorite waterfalls in the park, not because it’s the most impressive, but because of the composition from a photographic perspective. Compared to Narada and Comet (your next stop), Christine Falls is basically small.
However, the scenery framed by the stone bridge is quite exceptional.
It’s a tiny parking lot, and the falls are right off the road. It can be difficult to park here, and you definitely don’t want to stop in the middle of the road to wait for a parking spot.
4:00pm: End with a Hike to Comet Falls (Plus a Bonus Waterfall!)
In some ways, we’ve saved the finest waterfall for last. It’s an arduous hike up to Comet Falls, but it’s undoubtedly the most impressive of the four waterfalls you’ve seen today.
Plus, there’s a SECOND impressive waterfall on the way up (right before Comet Falls) that we had no idea existed until we unexpectedly came upon it on our way up. Two epic waterfalls for the price of one? Count us in.
At 3.8 miles with 900 feet of elevation gain, the hike to Comet Falls is not too difficult but with heavy legs it will be harder than anticipated.
However, we think the payoff well merits the effort. You`ll climb through the forest, then into a rocky alpine section (keep an eye out for pikas, an adorable little creature somewhat like a cross between a hamster and a bunny), and finally you’ll arrive at an impressive waterfall.
Which is amusingly not Comet Falls! It`s that bonus waterfall we discussed, actually called Bloucher Falls.
From that location, the route shortly arrives at your initial panorama of Comet Falls, where rushing waterplumes descend 380 feet into the levels below. Walkers can advance farther up the trail to a second, closer vantage point of the magnificent cascade.
You can continue from here up to Van Trump Park – “park” effectively refers to “meadow” when discussing alpine regions – but it’s another two miles or so added, and an extra 1,000 feet of climbing in one mile.
Intense, and probably beyond your limits after hiking miles already that day.
After this hike, that’s the conclusion! Continue down Paradise Road, exit the park through the Nisqually Entrance, and head home.
Planning a visit to Mount Rainier National Park? Our in-depth guides to exploring Mount Rainier are based on personal experience and shouldn`t be missed.”
- All the Recommended Activities in Mount Rainier National Park
- How to Plan an Unforgettable Day Trip to Mount Rainier From Seattle
- Places to consider for lodging near Mount Rainier National Park: A complete guide
- This hike in Mount Rainier could be the best in the entire state
- Trekking the Scenic Burroughs Mountain Trail at Mount Rainier
- Hiking to the towering Comet Falls in Mount Rainier National Park
- A hiking route encompassing Naches Peak delivering high reward for minimal effort in Washington
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How to Spend a Day in Mount Rainier National Park if You’re Not a Big Hiker (or Have Kids)
It is certainly true that Mount Rainier is one of the best hiking destinations on the west coast, if not the entire country.
It is also valid that Rainier is worth visiting even if you don’t do one of the major hikes in the park.
Whether you prefer a more relaxed sightseeing experience or need to accommodate small children with less stamina for lengthy hikes, here is an alternative itinerary for still enjoying an excellent day in the park.
Begin your day by traveling immediately to the primary parking lot at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center.
Instead of hiking the Skyline Trail, which is six miles and an aggressive ascent, we would center on two shorter trails (both are paved, if you have a stroller).
First, do the Nisqually Vista trail, which is just west of the visitor center. You’ll find spreads of wildflowers, some pleasant peek-a-boo perspectives of Rainier, and one great perspective of Rainier’s southern face, with some informative signage about the Nisqually Glacier.
Then, returning to the visitor center and heading in the opposite direction leads to Myrtle Falls, one of our favorite waterfalls found in Washington.
There are some stairs that will make accessing the viewpoint with a stroller difficult. Myrtle Falls is backed by the face of Rainier looming in the background, and it’s one of our favorite views in the park.
The view from the wooden footbridge just past Myrtle Falls isn’t half unsatisfactory, either. See?
From there, hop in the car and head to Reflection Lakes for lunch.
If you want to, drive to the trailhead leading to Bench and Snow Lakes ( here on Google Maps) and hike up to Bench Lake, which is around 1.5 miles and involves ~250 feet of elevation gain.
When you arrive, if fortunate enough that it`s relatively calm, you’ll find a picture-perfect reflection of Rainier’s snow-capped peak upon the lake`s surface.
An alternate route to the Bench Lake trail is to head to Ohanapecosh, which is around 40 additional minutes or so down Stevens Canyon Road. There, you’ll encounter a couple comparatively simple hikes ( Grove of the Patriarchs and Silver Falls) that are good for kids and non-hikers.
Note: Grove of the Patriarchs is indefinitely closed as the bridge was washed out, with no set reopening date as of this writing.
From there, you are able to follow the rest of the itinerary mentioned above as written, except for Comet Falls, which is a three mile hike that ranges between easy and moderate in difficulty.
The Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier National Park
As mentioned earlier, the best time of year to tour Mount Rainier is summer, when trails are snow-free, roadways open, and blue skies, warm conditions, and the remarkably lengthy Pacific Northwest days ranging from 6:00am to 10:00pm are likely.
Over the years running this site, we’ve found that “summer” can signify totally different things to different people.
I used to take for granted that everyone knew what I meant when I said “summer is the best time to visit,” not realizing that growing up in the Pacific Northwest shaped my definition of the seasons.
For example, many people from the Midwest and Eastern areas of the country consider “summer” to mean June. However, if you arrive at Rainier in June, you’ll meet with snowfields and closed roadways.
For our purposes here, prominent summer means mid-July through September. You can absolutely visit outside of those months, but there’s a chance you won’t be able to tackle some of the more challenging hikes without proper snow equipment and experience.
If interested in wildflowers, you should try to plan a trip for late July, which is when the wildflowers emerge from hibernation and line the meadows at Rainier with spreads of white, red, purple, yellow, and just about every other hue you can think of.
It’s generally the final week of July through the first week of August, but it depends on weather patterns through the spring and summer each year.
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If you want autumn foliage displays, plan your visit around mid-October. While there aren’t abundant trees that transform colors at Rainier, the plants on the ground morph through a variety of reddish, oranges, and yellow hues as fall arrives at the Mountain.
The weather may become more unpredictable – you could experience sunny and warm conditions, cold and wet weather, or even snowfall – however park roads will remain open through October, allowing access to most areas.
The benefit of visiting Rainier in the winter is that, compared to the summer, it will seem like you have the Mountain to yourself. The downside is that it will be cold and snowy.
There are opportunities for enjoyable snowshoeing to explore, and observing Rainier’s meadows blanketed with snow creates a particularly remarkable scene.
However, many park facilities are closed in the winter, and visitors will need to be ready to drive the winding mountain road climbing from the Nisqually entrance to Paradise in winter weather.
