Mount Rainier National Park
The big picture: a 14,410-foot glaciated volcano, subalpine meadows, old-growth forest and four distinct corners of the park, all within a morning's drive of Seattle.
Washington
Mount Rainier
Mount Rainier is the volcano that defines Washington: a 14,410-foot glaciated giant that hangs over Seattle and Tacoma on clear days and, up close, turns into wildflower meadows, thundering waterfalls, old-growth forest and some of the deepest snow in the country.
This guide books the mountain properly, from the classic Paradise and Longmire side to the open alpine ridges of Sunrise, the quiet southeast corner at Ohanapecosh and the rainforest of the Carbon River. It pairs the park with the day tours from Seattle, a heritage steam railroad, a wildlife park, a summer gondola and a summit climb for the ambitious, and it matches you to the right base, from historic lodges in Ashford to cabins in Packwood and resort rooms at Crystal Mountain.
Don't miss
Mount Rainier National Park
The big picture: a 14,410-foot glaciated volcano, subalpine meadows, old-growth forest and four distinct corners of the park, all within a morning's drive of Seattle.
Paradise and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center
The park's most famous meadow and viewpoint at about 5,400 feet, with glacier views from the visitor center, waterfalls on the way up and wildflowers that peak in midsummer.
Skyline Trail Loop at Paradise
The park's signature day hike: a loop of about five and a half miles above Paradise with waterfall views, glacier overlooks and the best wildflower walking in the state.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
A 435-acre wildlife park near Eatonville where a tram carries you past free-roaming bison, elk and moose, with bears, wolves and a hands-on kids area.
Things to do in Mount Rainier
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Paradise and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center
The park's most famous meadow and viewpoint at about 5,400 feet, with glacier views from the visitor center, waterfalls on the way up and wildflowers that peak in midsummer.
Sunrise and the Emmons Glacier Viewpoints
The highest point you can reach by road in the park, at about 6,400 feet, with big-sky views of the Emmons Glacier and trails across open alpine ridges.
Longmire Historic District and the Nisqually Entrance
The park's oldest developed corner: a historic village, a small museum, a National Park Inn and the Trail of the Shadows, open on the road that stays accessible in winter.
Skyline Trail Loop at Paradise
The park's signature day hike: a loop of about five and a half miles above Paradise with waterfall views, glacier overlooks and the best wildflower walking in the state.
Narada Falls, Christine Falls and Reflection Lakes
Three roadside stops between Longmire and Paradise: a 168-foot waterfall, a stone-bridge cascade and a lake that mirrors the summit on calm mornings.
Ohanapecosh, Silver Falls and the Grove of the Patriarchs
The quiet southeast corner: towering old-growth trees, a hot-spring-fed river, Silver Falls and an island grove of giants reached by a suspension bridge.
Chinook Pass and Tipsoo Lake
A high mountain pass on Highway 410 with an easy lakeside loop, wildflower meadows and a direct view of Rainier, ideal on the way to or from Sunrise.
Crystal Mountain Gondola and Summit House
A summer gondola ride to nearly 7,000 feet above Crystal Mountain Resort, with Rainier straight across the valley and a restaurant at the top.
Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad
A heritage steam and diesel train running from Elbe through the forested foothills, with a logging museum, caboose stays and special event trains.
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
A 435-acre wildlife park near Eatonville where a tram carries you past free-roaming bison, elk and moose, with bears, wolves and a hands-on kids area.
Guided Day Hike on Mount Rainier: Old Forest, Falls and Glacier Views
A small-group guided hike from Seattle that mixes old-growth forest, waterfalls and glacier viewpoints, for people who want a naturalist with them on the trail.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Alexanders Lodge
Ashford (Nisqually entrance)
A historic country inn in Ashford, a few minutes from the Nisqually entrance, with a restaurant, quiet rooms and a classic Rainier-gateway feel.
Check rates →Mountain Meadows Inn
Ashford
A quiet bed-and-breakfast style inn in Ashford, designed for hikers and couples who want a homemade breakfast and an early start at the park.
Check rates →Paradise Inn
Paradise (inside the park)
The historic national park lodge at 5,400 feet, with a soaring log-beamed lobby, a dining room and the meadows and glaciers outside the door.
Check rates →Copper Creek Inn at Mt Rainier
Ashford
A longtime Ashford favorite with simple rooms and cabins and a restaurant known across the region, a few minutes from the park's main entrance.
Check rates →Crystal Mountain Hotels
Crystal Mountain (Highway 410)
Slope-side lodging at Crystal Mountain Resort, with ski access in winter and gondola and Sunrise-side access in summer.
Check rates →Cowlitz River Lodge
Packwood (Highway 12)
A mountain lodge-style hotel in Packwood, the best base for the park's southeast corner, Ohanapecosh and White Pass.
Check rates →Mountain View Lodge
Packwood
A friendly Packwood lodge with rooms and cabins and mountain views, a relaxed base for the southeast corner of the park.
Check rates →GuestHouse Enumclaw
Enumclaw
A straightforward hotel in Enumclaw, the northern gateway town on Highway 410, with easy access to Sunrise, Chinook Pass and Crystal Mountain.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Mount Rainier National ParkStay
Alexanders LodgeAshford (Nisqually entrance)
Do
Paradise and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor CenterStay
Paradise InnParadise (inside the park)
Do
Skyline Trail Loop at ParadiseStay
Mountain Meadows InnAshford
Mount Rainier guides
Mount Rainier for First-Timers: Which Corner, Which Season and How to Plan
A first-visit guide to Mount Rainier National Park: the four corners of the park, when roads open, how long to stay and what to book in advance.
Mount Rainier Day Trip from Seattle: Tours, Driving and a Realistic Itinerary
How to do Mount Rainier in a day from Seattle: drive versus tour, the best route, what you can realistically see and how to beat the traffic.
Where to Stay Near Mount Rainier: Ashford, Packwood, Enumclaw and Inside the Park
A guide to choosing a base near Mount Rainier: the gateway towns, the in-park lodges and which corner of the park each one suits.
Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier: Wildflowers, Snow and Open Roads by Season
Month-by-month and season-by-season advice for Mount Rainier: when wildflowers bloom, when roads open and when to go for snow or quiet.
Mount Rainier Hiking Guide: Easy Walks, Classic Day Hikes and Big Objectives
A hiking guide to Mount Rainier National Park: easy walks, the Skyline Trail, forest and waterfall hikes, long-distance routes and safety tips.
Mount Rainier with Kids: Easy Trails, Animals, a Steam Train and Snow Days
Plan a family trip to Mount Rainier: stroller-friendly walks, the wildlife park, the scenic railroad, snow play and tips for children.
