Two Days in Mt Rainier National Park
I recently had the chance to explore Mt. Rainier National Park, and wow—I'm still in awe! From jaw-dropping waterfalls to scenic drives with epic Cascade mountain views, this park totally blew me away. I’ll admit, I definitely underestimated this gem of Washington state!
Getting up close to Mt. Rainier was an unforgettable experience. Standing before her towering peak (at a jaw-dropping 14,410 feet!) is nothing short of amazing. Did you know she’s home to the largest volcanic glacier cave system in the world and the biggest alpine glacial system outside of Alaska? Mind. Blown.
What really stood out, though, were the amazing hikes. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer or only looking for a leisurely stroll, there are hikes for all skill sets. The diversity of trails makes it super accessible and gives you plenty of options to enjoy the park at your own pace.
Mt. Rainier National Park is definitely one of those places that feels like a must-see. Trust me, it’s 100% worth the trip!
Details about the Park & Reservation System
Mt. Rainier National Park offers five unique areas that are worth exploring:
Paradise (reservation required from May 24 to Sep 2)
Sunrise (reservation required from July 3 to Sep 2)
Carbon River
Longmire
Ohanapecosh
To access the park, you can purchase an annual pass or a private vehicle pass, which is valid for seven consecutive days. An America the Beautiful Pass can also be used to enter Mt. Rainier National Park.
To keep the park from becoming overcrowded and to preserve the ecosystem, starting in 2024, a timed entry reservation system was implemented. The cost of the reservation will be $2, and it will provide a two-hour window for entry. Planning ahead and obtaining a reservation will help both you and the park manage visitation in a sustainable way. If you were unable to secure one in advance you can attempt to make a reservation online the day before starting at 7:00 pm. Be sure to act quickly, as these reservations tend to sell out fast!
Where We Stayed
The Little Owl Cabin & Pine Martin at Mt. Rainier & Ohanapecosh Campground
Where to Stay
-In the park: National Park Inn | Paradise Inn
In Ashford: Nisqually Lodge | Mountain Meadows Inn | LOGE Alta Crystal
Packwood: Little Owl Cabins | Packwood Lodge | Cowlitz River Lodge
Camping in Mount Rainier National Park:
-Cougar Rock: Conveniently situated between Longmire and Paradise, offering a central location for exploring the park.
-Ohanapecosh: Nestled on the east side of the park, renowned for its stunning old-growth forest surroundings.
-White River: Positioned on the east side, perfect for climbers embarking on the glacier route and seeking a base camp with easy access.
Mount Rainier Hiking Trails
Tipsoo Lake Loop - Tipsoo Lake Loop was a short little walk, less of a hike. It is a flat walk around the lake. I definitely recommend you visit during sunset to get that reflective calm water and the beautiful lighting on Mt Rainier.
Hiking Distance: 0.7 mi mile round trip
Trail Elevation gain: 19 feet
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Skyline Trail The Skyline Trail is definitely a more challenging hike, especially when we visited in July, as there was still quite a bit of snow on the trail. We didn’t complete the full loop; instead, we hiked 3 miles in and then retraced our steps because of the snow. Before tackling this hike, I recommend checking trail conditions on AllTrails. We were prepared to take on the snow, but it limited us with how far we could go. Although the snow was rough to deal with it was a relief to cool off in the snow when the summer heat became intense. I highly recommend this hike for the incredible mountain views!
Hiking Distance: 5.5 miles loop
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Trail Elevation Gain: 1,768 ft
Trail Difficulty: Difficult
Location: Paradise
This hike loops around Longmire Meadow Springs and offers a blend of natural beauty and fascinating history. The 0.7-mile trail takes you past bubbling mineral springs and features a replica of an early homestead log cabin. Ian was absolutely in his element during this hike, as he’s a huge history enthusiast. Just a heads-up—no dogs are allowed on this trail, so be sure to leave your pups at home!
Hiking Distance: .7 miles loop
Hiking Time: 15-20 minutes
Trail Elevation Gain: 39 ft
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Location: Longmire
Myrtle Falls Viewpoint via Skyline Trail (this waterfall is a popular sight along the Skyline Trail)
If you're looking for an easy, paved hike at Mount Rainier, Myrtle Falls Viewpoint is the perfect choice. This trail is the starting point for the Skyline Trail and offers a gentle walk with a bit of elevation gain. The reward is a stunning view of Myrtle Falls with Mount Rainier in the background. The hike takes most people about 25 minutes to complete, with beautiful views along the way.
Hiking Distance: 0.9
Trail Elevation gain: 160 ft
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Location: Paradise
This was a fun, paved hike with stunning views all along the way. What I love about the Nisqually Vista Trail is that it offers incredible scenery for all hiking levels. The trail is stroller-friendly, though unfortunately, it isn’t wheelchair accessible due to the staircase at the trailhead. If you're looking for a quick hike with both mountain and glacier views, this is the perfect spot!
Hiking Distance: .9 miles loop
Hiking Time: 20-30 minutes
Trail Elevation Gain: 160 ft
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Location: Paradise
This waterfall is a quick yet impressive stop in Mt. Rainier National Park. The hike to the viewing point and back is just 0.2 miles with a only 59 feet of elevation gain. The viewpoint of Narada Falls is definitely worth the short trek. You’ll be right in front of this stunning waterfall, so close that you can feel the refreshing mist—perfect after a day of hiking and exploring.
Hiking Distance: .2 in and out
Hiking Time: 10 minutes
Trail Elevation Gain: 59 ft
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Location: Longmire
Frozen Lake Via Sourdough Ridge Trail
Hike along Sourdough Ridge and take in views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscapes. The trail starts at the Sunrise Visitor Center and begins with a moderate elevation gain, but overall, it’s a relatively easy hike. I had so much fun hiking along the ridge in the mountains, with stunning panoramic views of Mount Rainier. Although Frozen Lake was a bit disappointing, I really enjoyed the hike for the stunning mountain views.
Hiking Distance: 2.8 in and out
Hiking Time: 1 hr 20 minutes
Trail Elevation Gain: 534 ft
Trail Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Sunrise
Silver Falls Loop I absolutely loved this hike! The Silver Falls Loop takes you through lush woods and along the stunning, turquoise Ohanapecosh River. Along the way, you'll reach Silver Falls, a breathtaking waterfall that’s definitely a highlight. There's also a beautiful bridge that crosses the river, which I couldn’t help but photograph a ton because it was just so picturesque. Unfortunately, the lighting was a bit too harsh when we were there, so the photos didn’t turn out quite as well as I had hoped. Since this is a popular trail, it can get crowded, but if you'd prefer a quieter experience, I’d recommend starting earlier in the day. One thing to note: no dogs are allowed on this trail, so make sure to leave your furry friends at home for this one!
Hiking Distance: 2.9 miles loop
Hiking Time: 1 hr 25 minutes
Trail Elevation Gain: 521 ft
Trail Difficulty: Easy
Location: Ohanapecosh
Here are some of the best hikes in Mount Rainier that we wish we had time for. When I go back, I’ll definitely be hitting up these trails!
Tolmie Peak Lookout | Sun Top Lookout | High Rock Lookout | Summit Lake | Comet Falls Trail | Fremont Fire Lookout Trail