One of the questions I get asked the most is about my favorite things to do in Mount Rainier National Park.
So, I thought I’d put together this blog post with the 10 best activities to check out in the park!
Mount Rainier is super special to me—it’s hands down my favorite spot in Washington. From the massive volcano to the killer views and waterfalls, it’s a place you won’t forget.
In this guide, I’ll take you through 10 awesome things to do in Mount Rainier, plus some travel tips and must–see spots.
With these tips, you’ll be ready for an epic adventure! And hey, you might just end up falling in love with the place—trust me, it’s hard not to.
1. Skyline Trail: One of the Best Things to Do in Mount Rainier
One of the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park? Hike the Skyline Trail, no doubt. The views of Mount Rainier are straight-up epic.
The trail’s near Paradise and takes you through killer meadows full of flowers, past glaciers, and by some rad rock formations.
It’s about 5.7 miles long, and it’ll probably take you around 3 to 4 hours to finish, but trust me, it’s totally worth it.
Start your hike with a climb up Alta Vista, then head north, and boom—amazing views of the volcano and Nisqually Glacier.
Enjoy the sick scenery and keep an eye out for marmots just chilling on the trail.
You’ll hit the peak at the Panorama viewpoint, and on a clear day, you’ll see Mount Rainier plus other epic volcanoes in the Pacific Northwest.
On the way back, you’ll walk through meadows, listening to the calming sound of streams babbling.
And to finish it all off, the trail ends with a killer view of Myrtle Falls—perfect way to wrap up your hike.
2. Mount Fremont Fire Lookout
Another awesome thing to do in Mount Rainier is hike up to the Mount Fremont Fire Lookout over in the Sunrise area.
The trail’s about 5.4 miles and takes around 3 hours to finish.
It’s a bit of a challenge, so I’d say start early if you want to catch that epic sunrise over the peaks, with clouds just floating above—trust me, it’s a moment you don’t want to miss.
As you hit the trail, you’ll cruise through some gorgeous forests and big open meadows, then eventually make it to Frozen Lake.
After that, the trail keeps going along a rocky ridge until you hit the lookout tower. And let me tell you, the views from up top are next level!
On one side, you’ve got the massive Mount Rainier staring you down, and on the other, you’re getting sick views of the Cascades and Olympic Mountains.
3. Nisqually Vista Trail
If you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park, you should definitely check out the Nisqually Vista Trail in the Paradise area.
It’s a super chill loop, just about 1.2 miles, so it’s perfect if you’re short on time or just want an easy stroll.
The trail’s paved, making it a solid choice for families with little ones.
And even though it’s a quick hike, you’ll still get some amazing views of Mount Rainier, the valleys around it, and the Nisqually Glacier.
The whole trail’s less than 30 minutes, so you’ve got loads of time to just chill and soak in the views.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch some wildlife vibing along the way, which just makes it even more epic.
Hiking the Nisqually Vista Trail is a perfect way to see some of the best sights without putting in too much effort – totally a must-do while you’re there!
4. Stargazing
Mount Rainier National Park is an epic 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 really take in the night sky without any distractions.
I went during a meteor shower, and it was straight-up magical — watching those shooting stars was next-level.
For the best stargazing, head to the Sunrise region, one of the highest points in the park.
It’s the perfect spot to kick back and watch shooting stars zip across the sky with Mount Rainier’s silhouette in the background.
With barely any light pollution, you’ll get killer views of stars, planets, and even the Milky Way.
5. Sunrise Nature Trail
The Sunrise Nature Trail is another awesome spot in Mount Rainier National Park that you definitely can’t miss. It’s a chill way to get up close with the park’s wild flora and fauna.
Even though it’s a short 1.5-mile trail that takes less than an hour, it still has views that rival those at Nisqually Vista.
As you walk, you’ll cruise through meadows filled with vibrant wildflowers, with the massive Mount Rainier in the background.
It’s the kind of scene that’ll remind you of Alpe di Siusi in the Italian Dolomites — totally unforgettable!
If you’re short on time, the Sunrise Nature Trail’s perfect.
I’d say go counterclockwise to catch the best views of the lush valley and the iconic volcano.
6. Myrtle Falls
If you’re into epic waterfalls, hiking to Myrtle Falls is hands down one of the best things to do in Mount Rainier National Park.
This beautiful waterfall is only a ten-minute walk from the Paradise parking lot, so it’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick but totally rewarding outing.
The view of the waterfall with Mount Rainier’s snow–capped peak in the background? It’s like stepping into a freaking fairy tale.
As you stroll along the short trail, keep an eye out for all the cool plants and wildlife around you.
Mount Rainier’s got some seriously unique flora and fauna, which just adds to the magic of the place.
You might even catch some friendly marmots chilling along the way, making this spot feel even more special!
Don’t Want to Read? Watch the Video
7. Wildlife Watching
There are some super lit things to do at Mount Rainier National Park, and checking out the wildlife is definitely one of them!
This place is packed with all sorts of cool animals like black bears, coyotes, cougars, and foxes.
With around 65 types of mammals and over 180 bird species, it’s basically a playground for nature lovers.
If you wanna spot those majestic mountain goats or those adorable marmots, you have to hike the Skyline Trail.
Trust me, seeing these critters relaxing in their natural vibe definitely makes the hike way more memorable.
Oh, and don’t sleep on bringing binoculars – they’re a total must–have for making the most of this awesome experience!
8. Bench and Snow Lakes Trail
Mount Rainier National Park isn’t just about those epic mountains and waterfalls—it’s got some seriously beautiful lakes that make the whole place even more stunning.
You have to hit up the Bench and Snow Lakes Trail, around 2.6 miles near Paradise.
It’s a moderate hike, takes about 2 hours, and takes you through a chill forest to some super peaceful alpine lakes.
You’ll start at Bench Lake, and trust me, the views will blow your mind. Keep on walking, and you’ll get to Snow Lake.
You won’t get that classic Mount Rainier view here, but the meadows and mountains around it are still next level.
What’s awesome about this trail? It’s way less crowded, so you can just vibe and soak in all the nature in peace.
9. Reflection Lake
Another hidden gem in Mount Rainier National Park you definitely don’t wanna miss is Reflection Lake. It’s right by the road, so no crazy hike required.
When the conditions are right, especially at sunrise, you’ll get the perfect reflection of Mount Rainier on the water — it’s seriously unreal.
If you’re into photos, this place is a total goldmine, offering some of the best views of the volcano in the park.
And if you feel like stretching your legs, there’s a chill 3.2-mile trail around the lake, perfect for soaking it all in.
10. Wildflowers Watching
The final thing you have to check out in Mount Rainier National Park is the wildflower display – it’s straight-up amazing.
When summer hits and the snow melts, the whole park just pops with colors, with flowers everywhere.
Whether you’re hitting up the Sunrise or Paradise trails, you’ll be surrounded by all sorts of beautiful wildflowers like daisies, asters, and lilies.
And the best part? You’ve got that epic, snow–capped volcano chilling in the background the whole time.
If you’re gonna go, try to visit when the flowers are at their peak in July or August – that’s when the park turns into a total natural masterpiece.
Helpful Tips
What is the best time to visit Mt. Rainier?
The best time to hit up Mount Rainier National Park is definitely summer, from July to September. All the trails are open, the weather’s super chill, and it’s prime time to check out the park’s must–see spots.
Plus, it’s when the meadows are popping with flowers, and the mountain views are straight-up unreal.
I went in July and August, and it was epic. One day, it was sunny and 85°F, giving me clear views of the volcano. The next, clouds rolled in and hid Mount Rainier, but the Skyline Trail was still a blast!
What to pack for a hike in Mount Rainier?
- Water, Water, Water: Pack a backpack with a spot for a water bottle. You need to stay hydrated on the trail! This is the bottle I always use.
- Sun Protection: Don’t forget a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to keep the sun at bay. I’m all about this sunscreen.
- Comfy Hiking Shoes: A good pair of hiking boots is a must for a smooth and safe hike. These are my faves.
- Trekking Poles: These help you stay balanced and crush those uneven paths. This is the pair I swear by.
- Snacks: Grab some energy bars or nuts – they’ll keep you fueled while you explore. These are my top picks.
Is one day enough for Mt Rainier National Park?
Mount Rainier National Park is massive, so bouncing between spots like Sunrise and Paradise can take a solid 2-3 hours.
If you’re only there for the day, you might miss out on some of the park’s best stuff.
To really take it all in, I’d say stick around for 2-3 days. That way, you’ll have time to check out everything and soak in all those epic views.
What is special about Mount Rainier National Park?
Mount Rainier National Park is awesome because of its active volcano, stunning wildflower meadows, and massive glaciers.
The views are insane, and there are so many great trails to check out.
I especially loved seeing the volcano surrounded by colorful meadows and getting up close to the glaciers.
Travel Budget Calculator
Get your free Travel Budget Calculator now and plan your trip without the stress of overspending!
10 EPIC Things to Do in Mount Rainier: Wrapping up
Now you know what to do at Mount Rainier! Hope I’ve got you pumped to check out this epic spot.
This place is a total paradise for nature lovers. There’s so much to see and do – from scenic trails to insane viewpoints and just soaking in the wild vibes.
Once you’re here, you’ll definitely want to come back. I’ve been a few times, and every visit, I fall in love all over again.
If this guide on the best things to do at Mount Rainier helped, feel free to share it with your friends!
And if you’ve been to Mount Rainier National Park, hit me up with your recommendations – I’d love to hear them!
Pin it for later!
More articles you might be interested in:
- The 10-Day Pacific Northwest Travel Itinerary You’ll Want to Steal
- 10 of Oregon’s Hidden Gems You Won’t Want to Miss
- 15 Absolute Best Things to Do in Seattle, Washington (2024)
- 20+ Absolutely Good Places to Eat in Portland, Oregon (2024)
- 15 Awesome Things to Do in Portland, Oregon for First-Timers