Best Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
A Complete Guide to your outdoor adventure at Mount Rainier!
Mount Rainier National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering over 260 miles of trails ranging from easy nature walks to challenging alpine climbs. Whether you’re exploring the iconic Wonderland Trail, chasing waterfalls, or catching a sunset from a lookout, there’s something for everyone. This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip, from the best time to visit and where to stay to must-do hikes and alternative activities.
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.
SUMMER (July–September)
- Best time for wildflowers, clear trails, and accessible high-elevation hikes.
- Long daylight hours, but also peak crowds.
- Pro-tip: Arrive later in the day for sunset hikes to avoid crowds.
- Top Summer Hikes:
- 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 (November–March)
- Snow blankets the park, transforming it into a winter wonderland.
- Paradise is the primary area accessible in winter; Longmire also offers some hiking options.
- Top Winter Hikes & Snowshoeing Routes:
- Panorama Point + Glacier Vista Trail (Paradise)
- High Hut Trail (Tahoma State 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 (September–October)
- Vibrant red and gold foliage, especially in alpine meadows.
- Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Top Fall Hikes:
- Grand Park Trail
- Crystal Lakes
- Skyline Loop
Pro-tip: No matter when you visit, be prepared for rapidly changing weather by bringing layers, waterproof gear, and sturdy hiking boots.
Some Tips for Planning your Visit
Entrance Information & Road Conditions
Mount Rainier has four main entrances: Carbon River, Sunrise, Stevens Canyon, and Nisqually.
- Sunrise & Nisqually are the most popular, with the best trail access.
- Nisqually (southwest entrance) is the only entrance open year-round.
- In Summer 2024, a reservation system is in place from 7 AM–3 PM. Be sure to check the National Park Service website for up-to-date information: NPS Rainier Website
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.
Camping in the park is a fantastic experience, but campsites fill up fast! Book as early as possible.
Campgrounds in Mount Rainier National Park:
- Cougar Rock Campground (Near Paradise)
- Ohanapecosh Campground (Near the southeast entrance)
- White River Campground (Best for Sunrise hikes)
- Mowich Lake Campground (Most remote, no reservations required)
Pro-Tip: If campgrounds are full, keep checking for cancellations, especially in the days leading up to your trip.
Alternatively, there are lodging options in nearby towns if you prefer not to camp.
List of Must-Do Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
Okay, the reason you are here…. the list of best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park listed in order of difficulty:
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’re not up for a big hike, here are other great ways to experience the park:
- Snowshoeing & Winter Sports: Rent snowshoes and explore the park in winter.
- Scenic Drives: Drive up to Paradise for jaw-dropping views (and maybe a slice of pie at the lodge!).
- Ranger-Led Stargazing: Join a free program at Paradise to see the night sky like never before.
- Junior Ranger Program for Kids: Pick up an activity book at the ranger station to earn a badge.
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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