Looking for the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park? You’re in the right place!
Mount Rainier holds a special place in my heart as my favorite destination in Washington. From its majestic volcano to its stunning views and beautiful waterfalls, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
In this guide, I’ll take you through 10 amazing things to do in Mount Rainier, along with travel tips and must-see attractions.
With these tips, you’ll be ready for a smooth and unforgettable adventure. Let’s dive in and explore Mount Rainier National Park!
Table of Contents
1. Skyline Trail: A Top Choice for the Things to Do in Mount Rainier
One of the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park is to hike the Skyline Trail. This trail offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, making it an experience you won’t forget.
Located near Paradise, the trail takes you through beautiful meadows filled with colorful flowers, past glaciers, and along impressive rock formations.
The Skyline Trail is about 9 km (5.7 miles) long and usually takes 3 to 4 hours to complete.
Start your hike with a climb up Alta Vista and continue north, where you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the volcano and the Nisqually Glacier.
As you hike, enjoy the breathtaking scenery and keep an eye out for marmots along the way.
The trail reaches its peak at the Panorama viewpoint, where on a clear day, you can see not only Mount Rainier but also other famous volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest.
On your way back, you’ll pass through scenic meadows and hear the peaceful sound of babbling streams.
To top it all off, the trail ends with a view of the Myrtle Falls, a beautiful waterfall that’s the perfect way to finish your hike.
2. Mount Fremont Fire Lookout
Another incredible thing to do in Mount Rainier National Park is hike to the Mount Fremont Fire Lookout, located in the Sunrise area.
The trail to this historic lookout is about 9 km (5.4 miles) and usually takes around 3 hours to complete.
The hike is moderately challenging, so I recommend starting early to catch the magical sight of sunrise over the peaks, with clouds floating above them – it’s a moment you won’t forget.
As you make your way along the trail, you’ll pass through beautiful forests and wide-open meadows, eventually reaching Frozen Lake.
From there, the trail continues along a rocky ridge until you reach the lookout tower. The views from the top are absolutely breathtaking!
On one side, you’ll be wowed by the towering Mount Rainier, and on the other, you’ll be treated to amazing views of the Cascades and Olympic Mountains.
3. Nisqually Vista Trail: One of the Best Things to Do in Mount Rainier
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park, don’t miss the Nisqually Vista Trail in the Paradise area.
This easy loop trail is about 1.9 km (1.2 miles) long, making it a great option if you’re short on time or just want a shorter hike.
The trail is paved, so it’s a perfect choice for families with kids.
Even though it’s a quick hike, you’ll be treated to amazing viewpoints with breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, the lush valleys around it, and the Nisqually Glacier.
The whole trail takes less than 30 minutes to complete, giving you plenty of time to soak in the stunning scenery.
If you’re lucky, you might even spot some wildlife along the way, adding a bit of magic to your walk.
Hiking the Nisqually Vista Trail lets you enjoy some of the park’s best sights without a lot of effort, making it a must-do on your visit!
4. Stargazing
Mount Rainier National Park is an amazing spot for stargazing and definitely one of the top things to do here.
It’s one of the few places in the U.S. where you can fully enjoy the night sky without any distractions.
With minimal light pollution, you get fantastic views of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way.
When I visited during a meteor shower, it was a magical experience I won’t forget anytime soon — the sight of shooting stars was simply mesmerizing.
For the best stargazing experience, I recommend heading to the Sunrise region, one of the highest points in the park.
It’s the perfect place to kick back and watch shooting stars glide across the sky with Mount Rainier’s silhouette in the background.
5. Sunrise Nature Trail: Among the Best Things to Do in Mount Rainier
The Sunrise Nature Trail is another fantastic spot in Mount Rainier National Park that you definitely shouldn’t miss. It’s a great way to get up close with the park’s unique flora and fauna.
Even though it’s a short trail at just 2.4 km (1.5 miles) and takes less than an hour to complete, it still offers incredible views, rivaling the breathtaking sights at Nisqually Vista.
As you walk, you’ll pass through stunning meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers, with the towering Mount Rainier as a backdrop.
It’s a scene that might remind you of the Alpe di Siusi in the Italian Dolomites — simply unforgettable!
If you’re pressed for time, the Sunrise Nature Trail is a perfect choice.
I recommend starting in a counterclockwise direction to enjoy the best views of the lush valley and the iconic volcano.
6. Myrtle Falls
For fans of stunning waterfalls, hiking to Myrtle Falls is one of the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park.
This beautiful waterfall is just a ten-minute walk from the Paradise parking area, making it a perfect choice for a quick but rewarding outing.
The view of the waterfall with Mount Rainier‘s snow-capped peak in the background feels like stepping straight into a fairy tale.
As you stroll along the short trail, keep an eye out for the park’s rich biodiversity.
Mount Rainier National Park is home to a variety of unique plants and animals, adding an extra layer of charm to your walk.
You might even spot some friendly marmots along the way, making this magical spot even more special!
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7. Wildlife Watching
One of the most awesome things to do in Mount Rainier National Park is wildlife observation.
The park is home to a diverse array of fascinating animals, including black bears, coyotes, cougars, and foxes.
With about 65 mammal species and over 180 bird species, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.
If you’re hoping to spot majestic mountain goats or charming marmots, I highly recommend hiking the Skyline Trail.
Seeing these animals in their natural habitat adds a special touch to the hike, making it even more memorable.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars — they’ll be essential for making the most of this incredible experience!
8. Bench and Snow Lakes Trail
Mount Rainier National Park is a beautiful place with not just majestic mountains and waterfalls, but also gorgeous lakes that really add to its charm.
One trail you shouldn’t miss is the Bench and Snow Lakes Trail, about 4 kilometers (2.6 miles) near Paradise.
It’s a moderate trail, taking around 2 hours to complete, and it takes you through a lovely forest to some peaceful alpine lakes.
You’ll start at Bench Lake, with views that will take your breath away. Keep going, and you’ll reach Snow Lake.
While you won’t get a view of Mount Rainier from here, the surrounding meadows and mountains are still amazing.
What’s great about this trail is that it’s less crowded, so you can really enjoy some quiet time surrounded by nature.
9. Reflection Lake
Another hidden gem in Mount Rainier National Park you shouldn’t miss is Reflection Lake. Located right by the main road, it’s an easy stop for those not looking for a long hike.
In the right conditions, especially at sunrise, you can catch a perfect reflection of Mount Rainier on the still waters.
It’s a breathtaking sight and a photographer’s dream, offering one of the most picturesque views of the volcano in the park.
If you’re up for it, there’s also a scenic 5.2 km (3.2 miles) trail around the lake, perfect for a shorter hike while enjoying the views.
10. Wildflowers Watching
The final must-see in Mount Rainier National Park is the breathtaking wildflower display, a highlight in itself.
As summer arrives and the snow melts, the park becomes a vibrant tapestry of blooms, bursting with all kinds of colors and shapes.
Whether you’re hiking the Sunrise or Paradise trails, you’ll be surrounded by tons of beautiful wildflowers like daisies, asters, and lilies.
And the best part? You’ll have the stunning snow-capped volcano as your backdrop the whole time.
I recommend visiting during the peak bloom, which typically happens in July and August, when the park transforms into a stunning natural canvas.
Useful Tips
What is the Best Time to Visit Mt. Rainier?
The best time to explore Mount Rainier National Park is during the summer months, from July to September.
This is when the trails are fully accessible, the weather is usually stable, and it’s perfect for checking out the park’s top attractions.
Plus, it’s the ideal time to see the meadows in full bloom and get amazing views of the park’s majestic mountains.
What to Pack for a Hike in Mount Rainier?
- Water, Water, Water: Pack a backpack with a spot for a water bottle. Staying hydrated is super important on the trail! Here’s my favorite water bottle.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to keep the sun at bay. I swear by this sunscreen.
- Comfy Hiking Shoes: A good pair of hiking boots is a must for a smooth and safe hike. These are my recommended pair.
- Trekking Poles: These make it easier to stay balanced and tackle uneven paths. These are the ones I use.
- Snacks: Grab some energy bars or nuts – they’re perfect for keeping your energy up while you explore. These are my top picks.
Is One Day Enough for Mt Rainier National Park?
Mount Rainier National Park is huge, so getting between key spots like Sunrise and Paradise can take 2-3 hours.
If you’re just visiting for a day, you might not get to see everything the park has to offer.
To really enjoy all the highlights, I’d recommend sticking around for 2-3 days. This way, you’ll have time to explore and fully take in the beautiful views.
What is Special About Mount Rainier National Park?
It’s all about the stunning active volcano, vibrant wildflower meadows, and massive glaciers.
With amazing views, diverse landscapes, and plenty of trails to explore, it’s a paradise for nature lovers.
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10 EPIC Things to Do in Mount Rainier: Conclusions
Mount Rainier National Park is a true paradise for nature lovers, offering so much to see and do.
From scenic trails and breathtaking viewpoints to exploring the untouched wilderness, there’s something for everyone.
With so many amazing attractions, you’ll want to keep coming back for more!
If you enjoyed this guide on the best things to do in Mount Rainier, feel free to share it with your friends!
And if you’ve been to the park before, I’d love to hear your tips and recommendations in the comments!