16 Epic Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park (Day Hikes + Map!)
Looking for some of the best Mount Rainier day hikes? How about a few Mount Rainier hikes for beginners? Whatever your hiking level, be it an easy hike or something a little more challenging, Mount Rainier National Park has plenty of beautiful hikes to choose from!
Mount Rainier has 30+ hiking trails throughout the park’s five sections. From scenic viewpoints to lakes, waterfalls, and meadows full of wildlife, Mount Rainier doesn’t fall short of stunning vistas or views!
As avid hikers, we knew we would be in for a treat when visiting Mount Rainier National Park. From conquering challenging hiking trails to strolling along the more accessible paths, we fell in love with the Mount Rainier hikes we tackled throughout our trip!
One of the things we loved the most, outside the AMAZING views, is that the National Park offered diverse trails catering to different needs.
For instance, accessible trails are available for those who need assistance or for parents with strollers! There are a plethora of easy hikes, which are lovely options for those wanting a more casual jaunt and to enjoy the outdoors at a relaxed-paced
And, of course, the park is PACKED FULL of the most challenging routes and hikes for those wanting to push themselves and chase those elevation gains!
So let’s get to it then! Some of the best hikes in Mount Rainier are just below! Which will be your favorite?!
The Best Hikes in Mount Rainier
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Best Time To Go Hiking in Mount Rainier National Park
Planning your hikes in Mount Rainier from July to September is best to avoid snow and road closure issues.
The weather will be fantastic, and park facilities will be open.
In addition, wildflower season in Mount Rainier is in mid-to-late-July, which is exceptional to see! While we missed wildflower seasons in Mount Rainier, if it was half as good as what we saw in Crested Butte, it’s well worth planning a hiking trip in July!
If you plan to visit over a holiday weekend like the 4th of July or Labor Day, be prepared for crowds! We HIGHLY recommend making any accommodation reservations well in advance and getting to the National Park early to avoid long queues at the entrance stations.
PRO TIP: Before visiting Mount Rainier, check the latest road conditions and construction schedules to avoid delays or hiccups!
Can You See Mount Rainier Without Hiking?
Like other U.S. National Parks, you don’t have to do much to see exceptional views within Mount Rainier National Park.
In fact, without ever leaving your car, you can see Mount Rainier!
Mount Rainier TOWERS in the center of the park. Standing tall at 14,411 feet in elevation, Mount Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington.
So yeah, you can see her no problem when you’re driving the park roads or stopping at the Visitor Centers. And on clear days, you can see her from Seattle!
Only have one day in Mount Rainier?! Get our one day travel itinerary here!
Hiking in Mount Rainier
Entrance Fees & Time Entry Permits
To access the hiking trails in Mount Rainier NP, you must pay a $30 Entrance Fee at one of the entrance stations. Your entrance fee is good for seven consecutive days.
For anyone visiting Mount Rainier National Park starting Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, a time entry permit is required for the hours from 7 AM to 3 PM for entry into the Sunrise and Paradise sections of the National Park.
The timed entry ticket costs $2, which is in addition to the $30 park entrance fee.
You can reserve your time entry ticket online through Recreation.gov.
A timed entry ticket is not needed if you are:
- Visiting the Carbon River section of the park
- Visiting outside of Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day Weekend
- Outside of the hours of 7 AM – 3 PM
PRO TIP: If you plan to visit more than three National Parks in a year, you should buy the America The Beautiful National Park Pass to help save you on entrance fees! It’s good for 12 months from the purchase date!
National Park Entrances
To get to Mount Rainier, you have four entrances to choose from. Depending on where you enter, you’ll be taken to one of the five park sections.
But which hikes are in which section? No worries! We break out hikes by each section so you can plan your route and Mount Rainier itinerary accordingly!
Below is an overview of the park sections and their entrances to help you get your barring of the National Park before you arrive.
Tips For Hiking in Mount Rainier
- No dogs are allowed on any hiking trails at Mount Rainier. No exceptions. If you’re looking for more dog-friendly National Parks, Acadia and Black Canyon of The Gunnison are GREAT!
- Bicycles are also not allowed on any park trails.
- Download Maps: To avoid experiencing any issues with navigational maps, download maps to use offline when cell reception is unavailable.
- Do not feed the wildlife. No matter how cute those marmots and chipmunks are, please do not give them any of your food. And fair warning, the chipmunks at Mount Rainier are FIESTY! They’ll crawl up your leg or hop in your backpack if it means they can have a bite of your trail snacks.
- Leave your drones behind. Drones are not permitted to be flown in Mount Rainier National Park.
- Pack your lunch, plenty of snacks, and water! While there are food options in the Sunrise, Paradise, and Longmire sections of the park, they are a little pricey. Depending on where you are in the park, the closest restaurant could be 30 minutes to 1 hour away. So, pack as much food as you feel you’ll need!
- Bug Spray & Sunscreen. Especially in the summer months, mosquitos are alive and well. And as for sunscreen, you are hiking at higher altitudes, making the sun rays stronger, so lather up!
- Gas Stations: No gas stations are in the park, so fill up before entering the National Park boundaries
- Start Early. To beat the crowds, the heat, and any potential weather that the afternoon winds can bring in.
- Bears. No grizzlies, just black bears and mountain lions. While they are there, you are not likely to see them. However, if you wish to carry Bear Spray, that is up to your discretion. Whatever you choose for your bear protection, know that you cannot carry a gun within Mount Rainier National Park regardless of whether you have conceal-and-carry. Guns are prohibited.
PRO TIP: If you hike any trails in Mount Rainier at sunrise or sunset, pack layers, a first aid kit, a headlamp, and plenty of snacks!
Leave No Trace
Finally, and most importantly, LEAVE NO TRACE when hiking in Mount Rainier and anywhere else you hike and explore. Stay on the trail to avoid harming fragile ecosystems, and pack out and throw away trash or waste.
Essentially, leave the trail better than you found it.
Mount Rainier Trail Map
Use the + and – icons to zoom in and out of the map to understand where each trail discussed in this guide is located within Mount Rainier National Park. The above colors denote different park sections.
Hikes In Mount Rainier – Paradise
1. Skyline Loop Trail
miles: 5.7 | elevation gain: 1,768 ft | difficulty level: hard | trail type: loop
The most popular trail in Mount Rainier National Park is arguably Skyline Loop Trail. If you are tight on time but want a great hike, this is the hike!
We recommend tackling this loop clockwise, starting with MASSIVE views of Mount Rainier and fields full of flowers and marmots. And if you’re lucky, like we were, you may see a Wolverine!
You’ll ascend until you reach Panorama Point, where you can stop for a snack and enjoy the views. Just beware of the chipmunks! They’re ruthless, snack-hungry monsters!
After Panorama Point, you’ll start your descent and be greeted with expansive views of the Tatoosh Range. Eventually, you’ll reach Myrtle Falls and, finally, the trail’s end, which so happens to end near Paradise Inn.
You should 100% stop at Paradise Inn for an ice-cold Mount Rainier Lager Beer and enjoy it on their outdoor patio.
PRO TIP: This hike gets very busy! If you want to avoid the crowds as much as possible, start hiking by 7 – 7:30 AM.
ALT Variations Of The Skyline Loop Trail
If you still want to experience the Skyline Loop Trail but the miles are giving you a little angst, no worries!
You can skip the 5.7 loop and hike different sections of the Skyline Loop Trail to reduce the miles and time.
Below are alternate options for those who may be short on time or do not feel equipped to hike 5.7 miles but still want to see epic views!
Above is a map overview of the Skyline Loop Trail and the alternate options we’ll discuss below! Map Courtesy of NPS.
Skyline to Panorama Point
miles: 3.8 | elevation gain: 1,322 ft | difficulty level: hard | trail type: out-&-back
You can start either direction, but like above, we recommend clockwise. Hiking clockwise, you’ll experience the first part of the Skyline Loop Trail, ending at Panorama Point.
At Panorama Point, you’ll have views of the Tatoosh Mount Range. Once at Panorama Point, you’ll hike back down the way you came. If you hike the other way, you’ll do the entire Skyline Loop Trail.
Skyline to Alta Vista Trail
miles: 1.7 | elevation gain: 568 ft | difficulty level: moderate | trail type: out-&-back
You have two options on where to start this trail. Begin at the trailhead at the lower parking lot entrance or the Skyline Trailhead next to the Paradise Visitor Center.
With some steep sections, the hike provides views similar to those on the Skyline Loop Trail, with significantly less mileage and elevation gain.
Deadhorse Creek Trail & Return on Skyline
miles: 2.5 | elevation gain: 725 ft | difficulty level: moderate | trail type: loop
Deadhorse Creek Trail offers a close-up view of the Nisqually Glacier Valley and the massive Mount Rainier.
The trailhead is located at the end of the lower parking lot. You’ll hike up Deadhorse Creek Trail. Instead of hiking up Deadhorse and coming back down Deadhorse, it’s recommended that you hike back down Skyline Trail for different views and to experience part of the most popular trail in Paradise.
PRO TIP: If you are unsure which trail variation of the Skyline Loop Trail to do at any point, ask a Park Ranger. They’ll be more than happy to assist and offer their recommendation. Plus, they’ll be able to update you on trail conditions!
2. Myrtle Falls (Easy Hike!)
miles: 0.7 | elevation gain: 154 ft | difficulty level: moderate | trail type: out & back
Starting counterclockwise at the Skyline Trailhead, you’ll walk less than 1 mile (round trip) on a paved walking path to Myrtle Falls.
While you won’t get as close to Mount Rainier as you would if you hiked the Skyline Trail Loop, you’ll still have beautiful views of Mount Rainier and its meadows, ending with a visit to a 72-foot-high waterfall!
3. Comet Falls
miles: 3.5 | elevation gain: 1286 ft | difficulty level: moderate | trail type: out & back
Comet Falls is a 301 ft waterfall, making it one of the tallest waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park.
And the best part? You’ll see a few other waterfalls along the way!
The trail takes you through the forest, over some flat and steep sections, before coming to Lower Van Trump Falls, Bloucher Falls, Comet Falls Lower Falls, and then Comet Falls Upper Falls!
Visitors must hike 3.5 miles to see Comet Falls on an out-and-back trail, usually taking 2 to 3 hours to complete. Of course, this time depends on how much you stop to take photos 🙂
4. Nisqually Vista Trail (Easy Hike!)
miles: 1.1 | elevation gain: 180 ft | difficulty level: easy | trail type: loop
Another easy Mount Rainier hike is the paved 1.2-mile Nisqually Vista Trail.
This loop trail is just off one of the lower parking lots near the Paradise Visitors Center. The trail weaves through the forest with some incline but ultimately provides excellent views of Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier.
When walking the Nisqually Vista Trail, we saw many families and a few strollers! So, this is a great trail if you’re looking for a pleasant family stroll.
5. Bench and Snow Lakes Trail
miles: 2.2 | elevation gain: 449 ft | difficulty level: moderate | trail type: out & back
Unlike all the hikes listed up to this point, the Bench and Snow Lakes Trailhead are not located at the Visitor Center. Rather, it’s located 5 miles away on Steven Canyon Road.
Compared to the hikes at the Paradise Visitor Center, the Bench and Snow Lakes Trail is far less traversed by visitors to Mount Rainier National Park.
On this 2.2-mile hike, you’ll see not one but two subalpine lakes. You can choose which one you like more!
On your way to the first lake, Bench Lake, you’ll pass by fields of wildflowers (during the summer months) until you eventually reach a spur trail, taking you 0.75 out to Bench Lake.
After walking the 0.75 miles back to the main trail, you’ll have a 0.5-mile walk to the second and last lake, Snow Lake.
6. High Lakes Loop
miles: 2.8 | elevation gain: 551 ft | difficulty level: moderate | trail type: loop
Starting at one of the most photographed lakes in Mount Rainier, Reflection Lake, the Lower Lakes Trail turns into the High Lakes Loop, which circumnavigates the area around and above Reflection Lake.
Hikers can start in either direction because it’s a loop trail. It’s recommended you start from the west side of the lake (the less steep side), where the trail climbs to Fairway Rock, the ridge that overlooks the lake.
After that, the trail descends back down to Reflection Lake. However, you’ll see Louise Lake, the Tatoosh Range, and Stevens Canyon before descending.
7. BONUS HIKE: High Rock Lookout
miles: 3.2 | elevation gain: 1328 ft | difficulty level: hard | trail type: out & back
Ok, so while technically outside of the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park, we did not want to exclude this hike from the list as it offers UNREAL views of MASSIVE Mount Rainier.
Oh, and we wanted to fly our drone, so this hike is perfect for those who want aerial footage of Mount Rainier or just some AMAZING photos.
Located about 1 hour from the Nisqually Entrance is the trailhead for High Rock Lookout. The hike up is fairly short but very steep ascent, but the 360-degree views from the top are well worth it.
Once at the top, you’ll be situated on a rocky outcrop with expansive views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountain ranges, valleys, and forests.
High Rock is quite possibly one of Washington’s best lookout hikes. Yes, we said it!
Hikes In Mount Rainier – Sunrise
8. Burroughs Mountain Trail
miles: 9.5 | elevation gain: 2601 ft | difficulty level: hard | trail type: loop
Sitting against the northeastern face of Mount Rainier is Burroughs Mountain, one of the most popular trails within the Sunrise section of Mount Rainier.
If you’re looking for a longer hike with stunning views of Mount Rainier, the ENTIRE hike, this Mount Rainier hike is for you!
The trail starts at the visitor center parking, where you’ll hike on the dirt Sourdough Trail until you eventually spur off to the Burroughs Mountain trail.
You’ll make your way uphill until you eventually reach the top of the First Burroughs Mountain (7000 ft) and carry on for another mile or so until you reach the Second Burroughs Mountain.
PRO TIP: You cannot camp on Burroughs Mountain itself. However, Sunrise Camp, on the way to Burroughs Mountain (1 mile from the parking lot), is a popular campsite for those looking to backpack into camp. Permits are required for camping, and fires are prohibited.
9. Naches Peak Loop
miles: 3.5 | elevation gain: 659 ft | difficulty level: moderate | trail type: loop
Beginning at Tipsoo Lake, Naches Peak Loop is a perfect summer hike for those wanting to experience wildflowers in Mount Rainier!
The famous Pacific Crest Trail actually makes us part of the Naches Loop Trail, so it is a fun little thing to say, “I hiked a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail,” even if it’s a super small portion 🙂
Naches Peak Loop will take hikers up hillsides, past lush valleys, and lake viewpoints. And not to mention views of Mount Rainier throughout this incredibly picturesque area of the National Park.
10. Emmons Vista Overlook (Easy Hike!)
miles: 0.025 | elevation gain: n/a | difficulty level: easy | trail type: out & back
Starting at the Sunrise Rom Trailhead, located just off the parking lot from the Sunrise Visitor Center, is the Emmons Vista Overlook. A short, easy stroll to an overlook.
While there are a few trees that obstruct a completely clear view of Mount Rainier and the Emmons Glacier, you can continue a short distance on either the Silver Forest Trail or Sunrise Rim Trail (either trail to the left or right of the overlook) and be treated with a flat trail that offers excellent views with less of a crowd.
It’s short and sweet, making this the easiest hiking trail within the Sunrise section of Mount Rainier.
11. Mount Fremont Lookout Trail
miles: 5.7 | elevation gain: 1108 ft | difficulty level: moderate | trail type: out & back
One of THE most popular hiking trails in all of Mount Rainier National Park is hiking to Freemont Lookout.
Starting at the visitor center, the 5.7-mile out-and-back trail to Freemont Lookout gives you UNREAL views of Mount Rainier and the valleys below.
You’ll pass by Frozen Lake and continue up and alongside hillsides until you eventually reach Freemont Lookout.
Once at Freemont Lookout, you’ll be greeted with views as far as the eye can see of the Cascades, Olympic Mountains, and the spectacular meadows of Grand Park.
Built in 1934, Freemont Lookout’s purpose was to provide rangers a place to keep an eye out for wildfires.
Today, the lookout remains for visitors of Mount Rainier National Park. You can climb to its second story, sit on the railing, and take in the dramatic views and mountainous peaks surrounding it.
And while you cannot sleep in the lookout tower, a trip up for sunrise or sunset is well worth it!
12. Summerland To Panhandle Gap
miles: 12 | elevation gain: 3150 ft | difficulty level: strenuous | trail type: out & back
Summerland to Panhandle Gap is one of the longer day hikes in Mount Rainer National Park and one of the park’s least crowded trails.
Part of this trail overlaps with part of the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile trail that circles Mount Rainier. More on that below 🙂
Unlike other trails in Sunrise, this trailhead does not start on the Sunrise Visitor Center Parking Lot. Instead, the trailhead is on Sunrise Park Road, about 11 miles from the Visitor Center.
PRO TIP: Arrive early, around 7 am to the trailhead. There are only 25 parking spots, and they’ll fill up quickly!
At the start of the trail, you’ll walk through an old-growth forest before eventually coming to an uphill hike through fields of wildflower meadows. After the meadows, you’ll push up a series of switchbacks where afterward, you’ll reach the Summerland section of the hike, where you can find campsites and a toilet.
You’ll continue past meadows, crossing a creek, and hiking uphill to reach the highest section of the Wonderland Trail, Panhandle Gap.
Don’t be surprised if you encounter snow-covered grounds and trails! Even in the summer months, snow patches are common. Basically, if you want to experience a long hike with a wide variety of terrain and great views of Mount Rainier and Mount Adams, this is for you!
Hikes In Mount Rainier – Carbon River
13. Tolmie Peak Trail (Tolmie Peak Lookout)
miles: 5.6 | elevation gain: 1555 ft | difficulty level: moderate | trail type: out & back
Beginning from the north side of Mowich Lake, the deepest lake in Mount Rainier, hiking to Tolmie Fire Lookout is among the top things to do in the Carbon River area.
You’ll pass through forests and by Eunice Lake as you weave up 1,010 ft until you come to the Tolmie Peak Lookout, an old fire lookout situated around 6,000 ft. Take a seat on one of the railings and enjoy stunning views of Mount Rainier and the lakes and valleys below.
PRO TIP: To get to the trailhead, you’ll have to drive on Mowich Lake Road, an unpaved, gravel road open from mid-July to mid-October. Before planning your visit, check out the latest road conditions on the National Park Service website.
14. Spray Park Trail
miles: 8 | elevation gain: 1700 ft | difficulty level: hard | trail type: out & back
Unlike the Tolmie Peak hike’s starting direction, the Spray Park trailhead begins at Molwich Lake and heads south.
You’ll begin on a mostly flat trail as you meander through forests for a few miles until you reach Spray Falls. Once you arrive at Spray Falls, that’s when the incline kicks in!
You’ll climb about 1,500 ft in the first 1.5 miles, but once you reach Mount Pleasant, you’ll hopefully think the views were worth that elevation gain!
The hike is constantly touted as one of the best places to see wildflowers in Mount Rainier National Park!
Hikes In Mount Rainier – Ohanapecosh
15. Grove of The Patriarchs (Easy Hike!)
miles: 1.5 | elevation gain: 52 ft | difficulty level: easy | trail type: out & back
An easy 1.5-mile nature trail that takes you over a river via a suspension bridge and through some of the oldest trees in Mount Rainier National Park is Grove of The Patriarchs.
It is a perfect hike for those staying in Packwood and looking for an easy jaunt through ancient trees like Douglas Firs, Western Red Cedars, and Hemlocks.
PRO TIP: Due to flooding, sometimes the Grove of The Patriarchs closes. Check the NPS website to ensure the Grove of The Patriarchs is open during your visit.
16. Silver Falls Loop (Easy Hike!)
miles: 3 | elevation gain: 521 ft | difficulty level: easy | trail type: loop
If you plan to camp at the Ohanapecosh Campground, this is a great, easy trail to tackle! It is perfect for those looking for a family-friendly trail, too!
The trailhead starts at the northeast corner of the Ohanapecosh Campground and will take you along a leisurely riverside stroll.
Eventually, the trail descends, taking you to an overlook where you can see Silver Falls!
The Wonderland Trail (10-14 Day Hike)
miles: 93 | total elevation gain: 24,547 ft | difficulty level: strenuous | trail type: loop
The mack-daddy of all hiking trails in Mount Rainier National Park is the Wonderland Trail, a 93-mile hiking trail that circumnavigates around Mount Rainier herself.
It’s a serious trek, requiring planning and preparation, not to mention camping gear, hiking gear, and wilderness permits. You cannot hike the Wonderland Trail without a permit.
PRO TIP: Check out the NPS here for more information on Wonderland Trail wilderness permits.
Arguably one of the best trails in Washington, it’s also one of the most challenging. You can expect daily elevation changes that range from 2,500 to 3,500+.
Most hikers start the Wonderland Trail in Longmire and loop Mount Rainier from there. Taking anywhere from 10-14 days (sometimes longer) to complete, you’ll traverse some of the best hiking trails and get INSANE views of Mount Rainier.
WANT MORE INFORMATION?!
2 and 3 Day Mount Rainier Itinerary
How to Spend 2 to 3 Days in Olympic National Park
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Happy Travels,
– Lauren & Jesse Stuart (The Stu’s)
