
BEST HIKES IN MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
A Complete Guide to your outdoor adventure at Mount Rainier!
Mount Rainier National Park, in a nutshell, is a hiker’s paradise.
With over 260 miles of trails, ranging in challenge, the park offers something for every adventurer. You can explore parts of the iconic Wonderland Trail, which circumnavigates the mountain, or find yourself watching the sunset from one of the many lookout towers.
Keep reading for a list of trails in the guide to the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park!

WHEN TO HIKE IN MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Each season brings its own unique appeal. Summer showcases wildflowers, fall is all about color, spring features flowing waterfalls, and winter transforms the park into a wonderland.
Pro-tip: No matter when you visit, be prepared for rapidly changing weather by bringing layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy hiking boots.


SUMMER
Evergreen is the best way to describe hiking in the summer at Mount Rainier National Park. Although summer brings the most crowds, it also offers the longest days and arguably the best weather. The wildflowers can be absolutely epic during this season.
Remember to check trip reports on AllTrails or WTA to see the current bloom status.
Some of my favorite summer hikes in MRNP:
- Naches Peak Loop
- The Burroughs
- Tolmie Peak Lookout
Pro-tip: If you show up a little later in the day and plan for a sunset hike, most people have gone home for the day, allowing you to enjoy the trails without the crowds.


WINTER
While much of the park is inaccessible in winter, reaching Paradise on a clear day is incredible. The Paradise entrance is the best (and nearly only) way to access the park during this season. If Paradise is closed, there are a few hikes at Longmire.
Check the National Park’s website for winter updates.
Favorite Winter Hikes in MRNP:
- Snowshoeing up to Panorama Point + Glacier Vista Trail at Paradise
- High Hut Trail in the Tahoma Forest
- Reflection Lake via Narada Falls
If you are looking to get into snowshoeing check out my post on how to get started: https://www.thetrekkingmama.com/outdoor-guides/start-snowshoeing-in-washington-state-all-you-need-to-know/



FALL
In Fall, the hikes in Mount Rainier National Park explode with color. The blueberry bushes turn bright red, while meadows transform into shades of gold. The weather is also generally good in early fall.
Favorite Fall Hikes in MRNP:
- Grand Park Trail
- Crystal Lakes
- Skyline Loop
You might also like: Best Fall Hikes in Washington from a Local

SOME TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR VISIT.
When visiting Mount Rainier, depending on the season, planning ahead is essential.
There are four main entrances: Carbon River, Sunrise, Stevens Canyon and the Nisqually Entrance.
To make the most of your visit, plan your itinerary and familiarize yourself with the park. Select the hikes and sights you want to experience, then check their locations to base yourself nearby. Alternatively, you might consider splitting your time to explore different areas of the park.
Keep in mind that the roads are windy, and visitors often drive slowly to take in the scenery.
In 2024 the park put a reservation system into action requiring reservations to get into the park in the Summer from 7am -3pm. This could be subject to change next summer. Make sure to check the parks website for all the up to date information. Check out the parks website here: https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm

WHERE TO STAY IN THE PARK?
Personally, I think Camping in one of the four campgrounds at Mount Rainier National Park is an incredible experience. Book early, they fill up fast.
These campgrounds include:
(1) Cougar Rock Campground, located near the Paradise area.
(2) Ohanapecosh Campground, situated near the southeast entrance.
(3) White River Campground, which is accessible from the Sunrise entrance.
(4) Mowich Lake Campground.
Pro-tip: The booking window typically opens six months in advance, and sites go fast. However, if you don’t secure the campsite you want, don’t worry—keep an eye out for cancellations.
Alternatively, there are lodging options in nearby towns if you prefer not to camp.

MUST DO HIKES IN MOUNT RAINIER NATIONAL PARK
Okay, the reason you are here…. the list of best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park in ascending order of difficulty.
As you set out on your hike please practice No Trace Principles. By practicing Leave No Trace principles, you help ensure that Mount Rainier National Park remains a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy!
SUNTOP LOOKOUT
This “hike” is technically not in the National Park but it is an epic place to watch the sunset with minimal effort. In fact you can drive right up to this lookout and then walk 50 ft or so to the tower itself.
1.0 miles |446 ft of elevation gain (You can hike it or drive to it)
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/suntop-trail–2


GROVE OF THE PATRIARCHS
Short and sweet trail through an ancient old-growth forest. It’s fun to cross the suspension bridge, skip stones in the water, and, for my kids, run along the boardwalk beneath the towering trees. Overall, it’s a wonderful and easy family-friendly hike.
1.1 miles | 52 ft of elevation gain.
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/grove-of-the-patriarchs-nature-trail



NACHES PEAK LOOP
This popular hike is a great choice for all ages and abilities. In fact, the first time we did this hike, it was a multi-generational adventure. My mom, in her 60s, joined us alongside my 4- and 5-year-old kids.
Naches Peak Loop offers stunning views, vibrant wildflowers, and beautiful fall colors, making it a wonderful spot to watch the sunset by Tipsoo Lake. Additionally, this hike sits outside the park entrances, allowing you to skip the sometimes long lines to get into the park.
3.5 miles | 369 ft of elevation gain
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/naches-peak-loop-trail



COMET FALLS
Plunging 320 feet over a rocky cliff, this stunning waterfall cascades down with lots of force, especially during the spring melt. Comet Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in Mount Rainier National Park. The hike is moderately challenging.
3.5 miles | 1,286 ft of elevation gain
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/comet-falls-via-van-trump-trail

FREMONT LOOKOUT
This hike offers not only one of the best sunsets in all of Mount Rainier National Park but also epic views during most of the hike. In addition, it features a gentle grade, making it a hike that you could definitely do with the kids. Although there is one section close to the lookout that has a bit of a drop-off, the trail is fairly wide, and with a little support, it should be just fine.
If you don’t make it all the way to the lookout, it doesn’t really matter with this hike. In fact, you can see the sunset from the last half of the trail!
5.7 miles | 1,108 ft of elevation gain
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/mount-fremont-lookout-trail-via-sourdough-ridge-trail



TOLMIE PEAK
Hiking to Tolmie Peak to watch the sunset is without question, one of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park.
This hike is great for all hiking abilities. There is really something for everyone. Newts and frogs at Eunice Lake for the kids (this provided endless hours on entertainment), mountain views for me and my husband and shade most of the way for everyone.
5.6 miles |1,555 ft of elevation gain
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/tolmie-peak-trail–2



PLUMMER PEAK
This hike offers a lot of bang for your buck. While your back is to the mountain on the way up, the views from the top are outstanding—and, of course, the scenery is just as impressive on the way down!
From the summit, you can not only see Mount Rainier but also Mount Adams. If you’re looking for an extra challenge, consider tackling Pinnacle Peak, which is right next door and shares the same trail at the start.
3.1 miles | 1,440 ft of elevation gain
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/plummer-peak-via-pinnacle-peak-trail

CRYSTAL LAKES
This is one that I feel is underrated. While the stats listed here only go to the lakes, you can continue up to Sourdough Gap for an extra special view. The upper lake is the most impressive. The reflection is absolutely beautiful. f you want to stay longer, you can camp at either lake or simply enjoy a day hike—just be sure to obtain a permit.
7.8 miles | 1,993 ft of elevation gain
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/crystal-lakes-trail



GRAND PARK
The views are, in a word, grand. The name truly suits the trail, as it feels like a giant park of meadows with unobstructed views of Mount Rainier. In the summer, the fields are vibrant with wildflowers, while in the fall, they transform into gold. The trailhead is conveniently located outside the park, which means there’s no entrance fee or waiting in line—though I don’t mind supporting our national parks!
9.2 miles |1,548 ft of elevation gain
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/grand-park-via-lake-eleanor-trail

THE BURROUGHS
Starting from the Sunrise parking lot, it doesn’t take long before the views begin—and they never seem to end. You gradually get closer and closer to Mount Rainier. You can choose to stop at the Second Burroughs or continue on to the Third Burroughs, both of which offer an epic sunset.
During our visit, we made this hike into a backpacking trip, setting up camp at Sunrise just a mile in. Then, we hiked up to the Burroughs to catch the sunset. Afterward, we headed back to camp by headlamp and crawled into our sleeping bags. It’s truly a great way to end a sunset hike!
9.5 miles | 2,601 ft of elevation gain
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/burroughs-mountain-loop-trail



SKYLINE LOOP
I often hear people say “if there is one hike to do at Rainier make it Skyline”. Its definitely an epic hike, with a mix of everything. Crazy views of the surrounding mountains and of course of Rainier herself. Meadows that are lined with wildflowers in the summer and color in the Fall.
Located near the Paradise area, one of the most visited spots in Mount Rainier National Park. It’s easily accessible for both day hikers and those looking to explore a bit more. Make sure to check out Myrtle Falls as you hike the loop.
5.6 miles |1,771 ft of elevation gain
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/skyline-trail



SUMMERLAND TO PANHANDLE GAP
Some say this is the prettiest hike in the park, and it certainly offers a lot of diversity. As you hike, you’ll enjoy miles of lush green scenery, with vibrant wildflowers and views of Mount Rainier around Summerland—perhaps that’s why it’s called Summerland! However, as you head toward Panhandle Gap, the landscape changes drastically to snow and rock, revealing breathtaking views of the mountains in all directions. For an epic adventure, consider obtaining a sought-after permit to spend the night at Summerland Camp!
11 miles | 2,998 ft of elevation gain
Link to Alltrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/camp-summerland-and-panhandle-gap-via-wonderland-trail



A few others to note: Narada Falls, Snow + Bench Lakes, Silver Falls, Spray Park and Reflection Lake!
Activities in the Rainier National Park
If you aren’t that into hiking or cant hike too much, here are some great alternative activities to enjoy:
Drive Up To Paradise – you can get the magnitude of Mount Rainier from the parking lot! And perhaps a slice of pie at the hotel. So delicious.
Participate in ranger led stargazing – there are various ranger led programs out of Paradise. Be sure to ask about them when you enter the park.
Ranger Programs for Kids – National Park Ranger programs are a favorite among kids. Pick up your book at the ranger station and earn your badge. Its an experience your kids will remember!
Camp at one of the 4 National Park Campgrounds – Spend the night in nature! The four campgrounds all offer something different.

Conclusion
I am always looking to help so if you have any questions, please comment below and I will be sure to get back to you as quickly as I can!
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