Introducing the Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park (By a Local!)
Home to many of the most breathtaking hikes in Washington State, Mount Rainier is basically heaven for hikers. As a 26-year-old who was born and raised here, these are the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park that you simply cannot leave off of your list.
Photo taken from the trail. Please keep your feet on trails to protect wildflowers!!
Say Hello to Mount Rainier, aka Mount Tahoma
Traditionally, the name of the icon of Washington State was Mount Tahoma or Tacoma. Today, the name it is officially known by dates back to the British voyages who named many other landmarks in the state. However, it is worth noting that local awareness around the indigenous name seems to be increasing in my personal experience. For example, growing up I only heard it referred to as “Rainier,” but in my 20s I’ve heard “Tahoma” and “Tacoma” used as well. Of course, to us locals we tend to lovingly refer to it as “The Mountain.”
Located in the Southwest area of Washington State, Mount Rainier National Park is the 5th national park in the United States. When flying in or out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, it’s hard to miss the 14,410′ foot tall giant. In total, it is covered by 25 glaciers — the most glaciated surface in the contiguous US.
To make things even more interesting, Mount Rainier is an active volcano. It’s last eruption was ~1,000 years ago. Learn all about it in the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center or Sunrise Visitor Center!
What to Know Before Hitting the Trails
Within an high-elevation area like Mt Rainier, it is especially important to do your due diligence in checking current trail conditions. This is because a lot changes in nature — particularly during winter. Trails get covered by snow (that lasts into summer), bridges get washed out, impassable trees fall. Noting these changes and making repairs can take months, or years (like the currently closed Grove of the Patriarchs trail).
How to Check Trail Conditions
- National Park Service website
- Read trail reports on Washington Trails Association (free)
- Read trail reports on AllTrails
- Speak with a park ranger in-person
Leave it Better Than You Found it on the Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
Did you know that over 2 million people visit Mount Rainier National Park every year? When you think about it, that equates to a lot of footsteps on trails, waste generated, and wildlife encounters. We can be excited that so many people get to experience the wonder that is Mt. Rainier, while doing our part to keep it wondrous.
To keep these protected lands as pristine as possible, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace Principles during your visit.
- Plan Ahead and Prepare: Research how conditions vary on the trails you’re considering. Also, be aware of weather forecasts. And, opt for weekdays over weekends in the summer to avoid the largest crowds.
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Keep your feet on trails. Wildflower meadows are fragile, so when you step on it you cause damage. Trust me, you can get amazing photos from the trail!
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Be conscious of where restrooms are located, as using these has the least impact on the environment. If you must go elsewhere, make sure you’re 200 feet away from water sources and dig a hole 6-8 inches deep (covering when finished).
- Leave What You Find: Appreciate rocks and plants without disturbing them
- Respect Wildlife: View / photograph wildlife from a safe distance, allowing space to cross the trail if they’re headed that way. In addition, do not share your food with them (not even birds!)
- Be Considerate of Other Visitors: When you are on a decline, let hikers pass who are hiking up. If you want to listen to music, use headphones so it doesn’t disturb other hikers’ experience.
To learn more, check out the Leave No Trace online course.
NEW in 2024: Timed Entry Reservations
Due to the growth of visitors at the park in recent years, a new timed entry reservations system will be rolling out in the summer of 2024. In comparison, these are similar to systems at Glacier National Park, Arches National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
What does this mean for you? Whether you are a resident of Washington or are visiting from out-of-state, you will need to secure and show a reservation in order to enter the park. This applies between 7am and 3pm for the following dates:
- Sunrise Corridor: July 24-September 2
- Paradise Corridor: May 24-September 2
Reservations will be checked at the entrance gates, in addition to the entrance fee (covered by the $80 annual America the Beautiful pass). Check out the NPS website for more details on booking in advance or next-day.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through my links (at no extra cost to you). Thanks for your support, and happy adventures!!
What to Pack While Hiking at Mt. Rainier
Trusty Hiking Boots
After hiking one some of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park (+ beyond haha) these are my tried-and-true recommendations for women’s hiking boots.
Sun and Bug Protection
If you follow me on Instagram, then you may know that I own a lot of hats.. But the one that is by far the most practical for hiking, paddling, and kayaking is the one below!
And, we love this bug spray. It is effective and, honestly, smells sooo good.
Durable Boot Socks
As I’m writing this guide, I am currently wearing Darn Tough Socks. As you may have guessed from the name, they are longlasting and durable on hikes. In fact, they are guaranteed for life!
Additional Hiking Accessories
Not going to lie, when my partner first purchased these inflatable sitting pads I didn’t think we’d ever use them. Fast forward a few years, and I make sure they are in my backpack on EVERY trail we go on! In a matter of seconds, you can rest on a cushion instead of an uneven rock. Game changing!
As always, pack the 10 Essentials to be as prepared as possible.
9 Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
Burroughs Mountain Trail (to 2nd Burroughs)
– Location: Sunrise
– Nearest City: Enumclaw
– Best Time to Hike: August-September
– Must-Know Notes: Timed entry permit required July 24-September 2 (if entering between 7am and 3pm). Road closed seasonally due to winter conditions.
– Distance: 7 miles, 900 ft gain
– Required Pass: America the Beautiful
As someone with a habit of checking if the mountain is out, I still am awed by Mount Rainier on a daily basis. No time is that more true than when hiking Burroughs Mountain Trail. Of all of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park, none have in-your-face-views that compare.
That being said, expect to earn the views! As a general rule of thumb, hiking trails in the Sunrise area tend to be pretty rocky, dry, and exposed to sun and wind. So, remember to pack and reapply sunscreen, bring layers, and wear boots with proper ankle support.
In case you haven’t heard of Burroughs before (I hadn’t before doing this trail), they are hills. So in order to get to the top of the 2nd Burrough, you must first climb the 1st Burrough, descend it, and then climb the 2nd. I’ll admit, it’s a little frustrating. However, some hikers prefer to turn around at the 1st Burrough. Still, they get great views!
Up for a challenge? You can continue your hike to the 3rd Burrough.
At the top, be aware that the chipmunks will try to swipe your snacks. Keep your backpacks closed, shoo them away, and please do not feed them!
Mount Fremont Fire Lookout
– Location: Sunrise
– Nearest City: Enumclaw
– Best Time to Hike: August-September
– Must-Know Notes: Timed entry permit required July 24-September 2 (if entering between 7am and 3pm). Road closed seasonally due to winter conditions
– Distance: 5.6 miles, 900 ft gain
– Required Pass: America the Beautiful
No guide to the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park would be complete without a fire lookout! Basically, fire lookouts are structures that were used to spot wildfires. As you might expect, they were built in locations with wide, expansive views of the forests and foothills. Today, those that remain service as a historic relic and fascinating visitor attraction. Let’s not forget the incredible views, either!
Hands down, the most popular fire lookout in the park is Mount Fremont Fire Lookout. In comparison to some of the others in Washington, it’s a manageable difficulty and does not need to be accessed by a rough Forest Service Road. Instead, you’ll start Mount Fremont (and 2nd Burroughs) from the Sunrise Visitor Center Parking Lot. This is a great place to take advantage of visitor amenities like restrooms, gift shops, and a museum.
Bestie Tip: If you’re looking to get an early start, plan on spending an entire day in Sunrise, and are physically prepared, consider first hiking the Mount Fremont Trail and then linking it with 2nd Burroughs. I have done this, and it was one of the most memorable hikes I did all summer long! (Although my body was certainly tired afterward).
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Naches Peak Loop
– Location: Chinook Pass (near Sunrise)
– Nearest City: Buckley
– Best Time to Hike: September-October
– Must-Know Notes: No timed entry reservation needed
– Distance: 5.6 miles, 900 ft gain
– Required Pass: America the Beautiful
If I had to choose one of these best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park to do for the rest of my life, it would be Naches Peak Loop. Over the last few years, I’ve done it with snow on the ground, brilliant fall foliage, and as the sun set. Truly, it’s the type of trail that I can see being the reason a a beginner hiker falls in love with hiking!
Loop trails are great because you don’t see the same view twice! And, personally, I find that because I don’t have to turn around and go back from where I came from they feel often feel mentally easier.
Naches Peak Loop is located on Chinook Pass, which you drive through on the way to Sunrise. This is a wonderful scenic drive, and when paired with this hike, makes for an amazing day trip from Seattle.
While hiking, you’ll pass a handful of beautiful lakes. In addition, terrain also includes subalpine meadows, forests, and views of Mount Rainier! During the summer, I’ve seen many families on this trail so it seems to be family-friendly. There are pit toilets and a few picnic tables available at the trailhead.
Bestie Tip: Fall along Naches Peak Loop trail is heavenly. Look for a sunny day in September to hike, and you may even still get to experience warm summer-like temperatures. Without a doubt, late in season is my favorite time to hike it!
Bench and Snow Lakes
– Location: Reflection Lake / Tatoosh Mountains
– Nearest City: Ashford
– Best Time to Hike: July-September
– Must-Know Notes: Timed entry permit required May 24-September 2 (if entering between 7am and 3pm)
– Distance: 2.5 miles, 500 ft gain
– Required Pass: America the Beautiful
If you’re standing up at Paradise looking South, the jagged, old mountains in front of you are known as the Tatoosh Range. This hike and the following will take you into the Tatoosh. To access, park just east of Reflection Lake in a small gravel lot off of Stevens Canyon Road.
Although this trail is fairly short in duration, it is technical. Expect roots and rocks. So, again, wear hiking boots with solid ankle support!
Reaching the shore of Bench Lake is a bit of a scramble through bushes, but it is worth it! On a clear day, this spot offers mesmerizing reflection of The Mountain without the crowds at Reflection Lake.
To continue onwards to Snow Lake, scramble up back to the main trail (you cannot hike around Bench Lake). Once there, soak up the views of Unicorn Peak, snow in the distance, and the enchanting blue-green waters. Usually, I find it too tempting not to soak my feet. For others, they decide on a swim!
If you’re considering entering the water, know that even on a hot summer day it will be COLD. That snow you see? It’s the source of the lake. Brush up on safety tips before!
Pinnacle Peak
– Location: Reflection Lake / Tatoosh Mountains
– Nearest City: Ashford
– Best Time to Hike: August-September
– Must-Know Notes: Timed entry permit required
– Distance: 2.5 miles, 1,050 ft gain
– Required Pass: America the Beautiful
Many, if not most, visitors to Mount Rainier see Paradise. But how many get to actually see Paradise? From Pinnacle Peak, hikers get an astonishing view of the mountain and of the most popular area in the park. If this is your first visit and you’re spending a few days, then I recommend heading to Pinnacle Peak first to get your bearings. Then, you can later get up-close-and-personal with the features of Paradise that you saw from afar.
Plus, this trail leads you up into the mighty Tatoosh Mountains. At the top, you’ll be standing at over 6,500′ feet! Look North to Paradise and South to Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens, on a clear day. It’s pretty surreal to be able to see so far!
That being said, the combination of steep elevation and short trail length means that this is a challenging hike. And, parts of the trail are pretty exposed. So if you’re afraid of heights, this may not be the best option.
To access the Pinnacle Peak trail, head to the Reflection Lakes parking lot. And yes, it is as scenic as it sounds! This spot is highly popular for it’s easily accessible views of Mount Rainier and her reflection, so you’ll want to arrive early to snag a spot.
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Narada Falls
– Location: Paradise Corridor (1 mile away from Paradise)
– Nearest City: Ashford
– Best Time to Hike: June-October
– Must-Know Notes: Timed entry permit required May 24-September 2 (if entering between 7am and 3pm)
– Distance: 0.4 miles, 200 ft gain
– Required Pass: America the Beautiful
You didn’t think we’d forget a waterfall on our guide to the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park did ya?! Picture-perfect Narada Falls is well-worth the short but steep walk down to view it in its entirety. Each way, the distance is only .2 mile. But, since it does gain/lose 200′ on the mostly dirt path I’d still categorize this as a hike.
Surely, this is one of the most stunning roadside stops on the Paradise corridor. On sunny days, Narada Falls is known for its signature rainbow. It’s one of those views that’s hard to believe — even if you are looking with your own eyes!
If visiting when winter conditions are present, consider bringing microspikes for traction. Personally, I have used them here when the trail was icy.
Nisqually Vista
– Location: Paradise
– Nearest City: Ashford
– Best Time to Hike: July-October
– Must-Know Notes: Timed entry permit required May 24-September 2 (if entering between 7am and 3pm)
– Distance: 1.2 miles, 200 ft gain
– Required Pass: America the Beautiful
A fun fact that you’ll probably hear during your visit is that Mount Rainier is the most glaciated peak in the continuous United States! In other words, its glaciers are a big part of what makes it so special!
So, getting “close” to a glacier should definitely be on your list of things to do at Mt. Rainier National Park. How? Hike the Nisqually Vista trail from Paradise. Since it is paved and an overall easy trail, this is popular with families.
On the trail, you’ll be surrounded by wildflower meadows in the summer. I’ve seen deer and marmots here — be sure to give them respectful space and avoid feeding them!
Once you reach the viewpoint, read the interpretive signs, overlook the valley of the Nisqually River, and enjoy standing in the presence of the Nisqually Glacier.
Myrtle Falls
– Location: Paradise
– Nearest City: Ashford
– Best Time to Hike: June-October
– Must-Know Notes: Timed entry permit required May 24-September 2 (if entering between 7am and 3pm)
– Distance: 1 miles, 100 ft gain/ or 9.6 miles, 2,050 ft gain
– Required Pass: America the Beautiful
Another equally beautiful and easier hike in Paradise that is one of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park is Myrtle Falls. Again, this is a paved trail. So, you may be able to take wheelchairs and strollers. While there is an excellent view of the upper falls from a wooden bridge, there is an option to take a steep dirt trail down to the lower falls.
To get here, you’ll hike on a portion of the Skyline Trail.
Skyline Loop Trail
– Location: Paradise
– Nearest City: Ashford
– Best Time to Hike: August-October
– Must-Know Notes: Timed entry permit required May 24-September 2 (if entering between 7am and 3pm)
– Distance: 5.5 miles, 1,700 ft gain
– Required Pass: America the Beautiful
It’s safe to say that the Skyline Trail may be one of the most highly regarded hikes in Washington State. Continuing past Myrtle Falls, the trail gains a significant amount of elevation to reach Panaroma Point. Here, you can expect, well, panoramic views. On a clear day, hikers are treated to a wide view of the Cascade Mountains — its most prominent peaks towering above the rest.
Since navigating the trail system here can be tricky, be sure to pick up or bring a printed map of the Paradise trails. And, chat with a park ranger about current conditions. Even in to late July, snow can be present on this trail!
In this area in particular, I have seen many people 1) underprepared for the hike (for example, not wearing appropriate footwear) and 2) going off trail to cut switchbacks. Please do not make these mistakes! Paradise has a beautiful view of the mountain from the parking lot, so if you plan on hiking then do be prepared to hike and Leave No Trace!
During peak summer season, wildflowers like Paintbrush, Avalanche Lilies, and Bear Grass abound. Take your time enjoying their beauty. And, remember that your footstep on meadows hurts the wildlfowers.
This post was all about the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park.