Mount Rainier is a stunningly beautiful mountain!
The largest peak in the Pacific Northwest, Mount Rainier is an active volcano sitting just 2.5 hours outside Seattle, Washington. The national park it sits in is dominated by its 14,410-foot peak and is an iconic state marker.
Wildflower meadows, snowy volcanic precipices, deep verdant forests, and gushing waterfalls all grace this national park and are ready for explorers to come and enjoy. However, only the adventurous get the best views.
The Mount Rainier area was home to 6 Native American tribes: Nisqually, Puyallup, Yakama, Coast Salish, Muckleshoot, Cowlitz and Squaxin Island. The mountain’s original names are Tahoma or Tacoma.
There are 5 regions of Mt Rainier NP
- Paradise: it’s the most popular and located in the southern area, nearest to the mountain. Hiking trails are phenomenal, but the crowds can be pretty intense, especially if you go on a weekend. Be prepared to start your day early.
- Longmire: on the southwest region, it’s one of the more quiet areas of the park with just a few trails. Get ready for lots of trees and some beautiful views.
- Ohanapecosh: located on the southeast part of the park, this area has some of the oldest trees, coolest lakes and best camping in the park.
- Sunrise: located in the northeast area and a personal favorite, this area has so much to offer. And stunning views of Mt Rainier!
- Carbon River/Mowich Lake: on the northwest corner and the least accessible part of the park. You’ll experience fewer crowds but amazing views.
Note: I have visited Mount Rainier only one time, and hiked in the Paradise and Sunrise areas only. That being said, I most certainly don’t claim to be an expert on the park. There are many trails in the park that I have not done, however I will give you details on the trails that I did explore.
1. Skyline Trail
Distance: 6.2 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
If you are going to do any Mount Rainier trail in Washington, make it this one. The Skyline Loop Trail never fails to impress and packs in views, waterfalls, mountains, and more.
You start in the Paradise area of the park, and you are then in for a real treat. No matter if you go clockwise or counterclockwise, expect some SERIOUS Mount Rainier views that will take your breath away. But that is far from all.
You can also expect to see flower-clad meadows, epic vistas, and even a HUGE waterfall. If you have done this trail before others, you might as well pack up and go home, as the others will not compare (we are joking, they are all epic!).
Different hikers prefer different ways around, but going clockwise gives you impressive views the entire way round. There is a pretty steep climb up to Panorama Point, but you get the most strenuous bit out the way first which is a bonus.
It is definitely achievable for most hikers, but trust us when you say your legs are going to be burning. If you don’t have much time but still want to take in the views at Panorama Point, you can take the Golden Gate Trail instead.
2. Dead Horse Creek Trail
Distance: 2.2 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Easy
Take a breather on this nice and easy hike before tackling some of the bigger Mount Rainier trails that Washington offers. Don’t get us wrong, it is still steep, but is really just a small hill compared to some of the other Mount Rainier hikes on this list.
The nice thing is, you’ll be on a paved path, saving you from slipping and sliding all over the rocks, so you will have the chance to look up at the views without the worry of breaking your ankle.
Head northeast across Dead Horse Creek from the small parking lot and then stroll along next to it. The elevation gain is pretty gradual and provides some lovely, clear views of Mount Rainier.
After a short while, the trail intersects with the Skyline Trail, where you can decide to turn around or enjoy the Skyline Trail some more.
3. Christine Falls Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
Yes, a waterfall hike! There is no better feeling than finishing a hike with the majestic sight of a waterfall as a reward! Surrounded by stunning thick forest, there will be plenty of shade.
For most of the walk, you will be heading uphill, so expect a serious calorie burn. Some parts are so steep that crib ladders help you up. Once you have worked up a sweat, the spray of the waterfall does the perfect job of cooling you down.
Now, let’s talk about the waterfalls. Comet Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Mount Rainier, plunging at least 320 feet in a single drop. Christine Falls is much smaller but still provides a wow moment, especially when you see it through the strategically placed Christine Falls Bridge.
4. Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail
Distance: 9.4 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Hard
Before we start, let us tell you one thing about this trail—It’s the highest maintained, non-mountaineering hiking trail in Mount Rainier National Park. Does that put you off or make you all the more eager to tackle it??
It climbs a staggering 7,402 feet but sits right up against Mount Rainier and the Winthrop Glacier. Because of this, the views are some of the best in the park.
Start this Mount Rainier hike from the Sunrise parking lot, and begin climbing almost immediately. Due to the altitude, expect to see snow on the trail depending on the time of year, so make sure you do your research and have the right equipment with you.
The Burroughs is made up of three distinct peaks, all of which offer some great views from the barren landscape. You could stop at any of the peaks to take in the sights, but it is worth hiking to the third so that you can see the bottom of Mount Rainier.
Along the loop, you may see some mountain goats so keep your eyes peeled. This trail is entirely exposed as well so bring sun protection.
5. Grove of the Patriarchs Nature Trail
Distance: 1.1 miles
Type of Trail: Loop
Difficulty: Easy
The Grove of the Patriarchs Nature Trail is so much more than just a walk through the forest. It is absolutely magical. Some of the trees along this Mount Rainier hike are over 1000 years old, and they will tower above you as you traverse the well-marked trail lined with helpful interpretive signs.
Red cedars mark the entrance to the trail, and before long, you will cross the Ohanapecos River via a suspension bridge, until you are standing on an island that sits in the middle of the river. At this point, the trail turns into a loop, and you can choose which way you would prefer to go.
6. Narada Falls Trail
Distance: 2.4 miles
Type of Trail: Out & Back
Difficulty: Moderate
With so much rain in the area (good luck avoiding it!), it is hardly surprising that Mount Rainier National Park boasts waterfall after waterfall. What is great about Narada Falls is that it is both impressive and accessible, which is a great combination.
You will be walking steadily downhill from the get-go, so make sure you are wearing some sturdy footwear. For some of the way, there is a railing to help keep you steady, but this soon disappears, and you are on your own.
It won’t be too long before you can see the viewpoint, giving you prime positioning to see the nearly verticle 168 feet drop of the waterfall. The trail then continues, connecting with the Wonderland Trail with options for further hiking adventures, or you can return to the parking lot.
