Things to do in Mount Rainier National Park
An active glaciated stratovolcano ringed by old-growth forest, alpine wildflower meadows, and waterfalls.
Best months: July, August, September
What is worth your time in Mount Rainier National Park
Skyline Trail LoopDo not miss
The premier Paradise hike: wildflowers, Myrtle Falls, glacier views, and Panorama Point.
Hike · 5 hr4.9
Reflection LakesDo not miss
Mirror reflections of Mount Rainier on still mornings; one of the park's top photo spots.
Viewpoint · 40 min4.8
ParadiseDo not miss
The park's signature destination: wildflower meadows directly beneath the glaciers, with the main visitor center and trailheads.
Viewpoint · 3.5 hr
SunriseDo not miss
The highest point reachable by car (6400 ft), with sweeping face-to-face views of the mountain and Emmons Glacier.
Viewpoint · 3.5 hr
Burroughs Mountain Trail
A tundra-like ridge hike to close, face-on views of the Emmons Glacier and summit.
Hike · 4.5 hr5
Mount Fremont Lookout Trail
A ridge hike to a historic fire lookout with huge mountain and valley views; frequent goat sightings.
Hike · 4 hr4.9
Narada Falls
A powerful 168-foot waterfall right off the road to Paradise, often with a rainbow in its mist.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.9
Stargazing at Sunrise
High, dark skies beside the glaciers on clear summer nights.
Stargazing · 1.5 hr4.9
Christine Falls
A photogenic waterfall framed by a stone bridge arch, steps from the road.
Viewpoint · 20 min4.8
Grove of the Patriarchs
A flat loop through 1000-year-old old-growth cedars and firs on a river island.
Hike · 1.1 hr4.8
Myrtle Falls
A short paved walk to a waterfall framed perfectly by Mount Rainier behind it.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.8
Naches Peak Loop
A short alpine loop bursting with summer wildflowers and a Rainier view over a tarn.
Hike · 2.5 hr4.8
Tipsoo Lake
A roadside subalpine lake with wildflowers and a classic Rainier reflection.
Viewpoint · 40 min4.7
Comet Falls
A steep forest hike to one of the park's tallest and most spectacular waterfalls.
Hike · 3.3 hr4.6
And 2 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- The 14,411-foot icon of the Cascades, famous for its summer wildflower meadows at Paradise and Sunrise and for being the most glaciated peak in the contiguous US.