Discover Mount Rainier - Washington's Majestic Icon

Day 1: Paradise’s Peak Perfection

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Begin your adventure by entering Mount Rainier National Park via the Nisqually Entrance (Southwest). Important: During peak season, a timed entry reservation may be required for Paradise. Check the NPS website (nps.gov/mora) before your visit. Make a brief stop at the Longmire Historic District to visit the museum and pick up maps (allow 30 minutes). Continue the scenic drive along Paradise Road, enjoying early views and a stop at Christine Falls. Arrive at Paradise (approx. 5,400 ft elevation) and park at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. Embark on a moderate hike along a portion of the iconic Skyline Trail. Follow the paved path to the beautiful Myrtle Falls (0.5 miles round trip, easy, 30-45 minutes). Continue further up the trail as desired to gain elevation and broader views of Mount Rainier and wildflowers, turning back when ready for lunch.
  • Practical Tips: Arrive early for parking at Paradise. Wear layers as mountain weather can change quickly. Hydrate frequently.
  • Cost: Park entrance fee: $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 consecutive days).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy a packed picnic lunch with views of the mountain, or grab a quick bite at the Paradise Inn Dining Room (seasonal) or National Park Inn Dining Room (Longmire) if open and desired (expect $20-30+ per person for a sit-down meal). After lunch, continue your exploration of Paradise. For an immersive experience, continue further on the Skyline Trail towards Panorama Point for breathtaking 360-degree views (approx. 5.4 miles round trip, 1700 ft elevation gain, 4-5 hours total for the full loop). Alternatively, for a shorter, easier option, walk the Nisqually Vista Trail (1.2 miles loop, easy, 1 hour), offering great views of the Nisqually Glacier. Conclude your Paradise visit by exploring the exhibits at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center.
  • Practical Tips: Sturdy hiking shoes are a must. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
• Evening Drive south out of the park towards Ashford, WA (approx. 30-45 minutes from Paradise). Check into your pre-booked lodging in Ashford (e.g., Mountain Meadows Inn, Wellspring Spa & Retreat - expect $200-300/night for two). Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
  • Dining Recommendation: Wildberry Restaurant (serves hearty American and European dishes, ~$25-40 per person) or the historic Copper Creek Restaurant (known for its blackberry pie and home-style meals, ~$20-35 per person).

Day 2: Sunrise Spectacle and Mountain Panoramas

• Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM) Start your day early for the scenic drive to Sunrise, the highest point in the park accessible by car (6,400 ft). From Ashford, this drive will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, traversing through the Ohanapecosh area and taking State Routes 123 and 410. Important: Similar to Paradise, a timed entry reservation may be required for Sunrise during peak season. Upon arrival, take in the expansive views of Mount Rainier, the Emmons Glacier, and the surrounding Cascade Range from Sunrise Point and the Sunrise Visitor Center. Begin your hike on the Sourdough Ridge Trail, heading east. Even a short walk along this trail offers incredible views and a great warm-up. Hike for about 2-3 miles round trip (1.5-2 hours) before finding a scenic spot for an early packed lunch.
  • Practical Tips: The air is thinner at Sunrise; take it easy and stay hydrated. Check park alerts for road openings (Sunrise Road is typically open late June/early July to early October).
• Afternoon (12:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy your picnic lunch amidst stunning alpine scenery. Then, embark on the classic Mount Fremont Lookout Trail (5.6 miles round trip, 1200 ft elevation gain, 3-4 hours). This trail offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of Mount Rainier and culminates at a historic fire lookout with unparalleled panoramas. The initial section follows Sourdough Ridge before branching off. For a slightly less strenuous option, consider the Dege Peak Trail (3 miles round trip from Sunrise, moderate, 2 hours) or Shadow Lake Trail (3 miles round trip, easy-moderate, 1.5-2 hours) for beautiful meadow and lake views.
  • Practical Tips: Bring binoculars for potential wildlife viewing (marmots, pikas, deer). Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile subalpine ecosystem.
• Evening Begin the beautiful drive back to Ashford (approx. 2-2.5 hours), enjoying the changing light on the mountain landscape. Have dinner in Ashford.
  • Dining Recommendation: Rainier BaseCamp Bar & Grill (casual American fare, ~$20-30 per person) for a relaxed meal, or revisit a favorite from Day 1. Rest up after a day of high-elevation exploration.

Day 3: Cascading Waterfalls and Fond Farewells

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Check out of your Ashford lodging. Head back into Mount Rainier National Park for a final exploration before departing. Your first stop will be the easily accessible Narada Falls, just off Paradise Road (short walk from parking, easy, 30-45 minutes). This magnificent 188-foot waterfall offers excellent photo opportunities. Continue a short distance to Reflection Lake, where on a clear, calm morning, you can capture the iconic mirrored image of Mount Rainier in the lake. Enjoy the tranquil setting and short walks around the lake (45-60 minutes). Next, drive along Stevens Canyon Road to Box Canyon, where a short, easy loop trail (0.3 miles) leads to a bridge offering dramatic views into a narrow canyon carved by the Muddy Fork of the Cowlitz River (30 minutes).
  • Practical Tips: Reflection Lake is best visited on a calm morning for the clearest reflections. These stops are less strenuous, allowing for a relaxed pace.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) Enjoy a final packed picnic lunch within the park or at a scenic viewpoint. Depending on your departure direction and remaining energy, you have a couple of options:
  • Option A (Historical & Nature Walk): Revisit Longmire for a deeper look at the museum or walk the peaceful Trail of the Shadows (0.7 miles loop, easy, 30-45 min), showcasing old-growth forests and meadows.
  • Option B (Waterfall & Forest): If you’re heading east out of the park, consider driving towards the Ohanapecosh area to hike to Silver Falls (approx. 3 miles loop, moderate, 1.5 hours), a beautiful blue-green waterfall surrounded by lush forest. This would mean exiting via the Stevens Canyon Entrance. Begin your journey home, departing the park via the Nisqually Entrance (if staying on the west side) or Stevens Canyon Entrance (if you ventured to Ohanapecosh).
  • Practical Tips: Allow extra time for potential traffic on the park roads, especially on weekends.
• Evening Depart Mount Rainier National Park, carrying memories of its majestic peaks, vibrant meadows, and powerful waterfalls. Stop for dinner en route to your next destination.

Day 1: Gateway to Giants & Historic Charm

• Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Arrive at Mount Rainier National Park via the Nisqually Entrance. Purchase a 7-day vehicle pass ($30). Begin your deep dive at the historic Longmire district. Explore the Longmire Wilderness Information Center and the National Park Inn. Stretch your legs on the easy Trail of the Shadows (0.7-mile loop, 30-45 mins), an interpretive path through old-growth forest.
  • Practical Tip: Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy within the park, saving time and money.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM) Drive up to the iconic Paradise area (approx. 30 mins from Longmire). Take in the stunning views of Mount Rainier. Enjoy a relatively easy hike on the Nisqually Vista Trail (1.2-mile loop, 1 hour), a paved path offering panoramic views of the glacier. Then, hike to Myrtle Falls (1 mile round trip, 45 mins - 1 hour) via a section of the Golden Gate Trail, an accessible waterfall with Rainier as a dramatic backdrop. Visit the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center.
• Evening Drive down to the town of Ashford (approx. 30 mins from Paradise). Check into your comfortable lodging, such as an Airbnb cabin or a B&B. (Estimated lodging cost: $200-250). Dinner Recommendation: Indulge in a hearty meal at Wildberry Restaurant in Ashford, known for its Northwestern cuisine (Entrees typically $20-35 per person).

Day 2: Paradise Peaks & Ancient Forests

• Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Start early to beat the crowds at Paradise. Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike on a section of the Skyline Trail, aiming towards Panorama Point. (Approx. 4-5 miles RT, 3-4 hours, 1700 ft elevation gain). This quintessential Rainier hike offers continuous, breathtaking views of glaciers, wildflowers (seasonal), and surrounding peaks. Turn back when you feel comfortable.
  • Practical Tip: Bring plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters per person), high-energy snacks, layers of clothing (weather can change rapidly), and trekking poles for stability.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy your packed lunch with the majestic views at Paradise. Then, embark on a scenic drive east towards the Ohanapecosh area (approx. 1 hour 15 mins from Paradise, crossing Cayuse Pass). Immerse yourself in the tranquility of old-growth forest with a stroll on the Grove of the Patriarchs Trail (1.5-mile loop, 1 hour). This easy, flat trail leads to ancient trees across a suspension bridge (check park conditions for bridge status; if closed, consider the nearby Silver Falls Trail).
• Evening Check into Ohanapecosh Campground (reservations highly recommended, or first-come, first-served if available). (Estimated camping cost: $20-30). Dinner: Prepare a satisfying camp dinner at your campsite (e.g., grilled hot dogs, pasta, or pre-made sandwiches). Enjoy the sounds of nature and a relaxing evening by your campfire.

Day 3: Sunrise Splendor & High Alpine Views

• Morning (7:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Enjoy breakfast at your campground. Drive to the Sunrise area, the highest point in the park accessible by car (approx. 45 mins from Ohanapecosh). Hike the Fremont Lookout Trail (5.6 miles RT, 3 hours, 1200 ft elevation gain), starting from the Sunrise Point parking lot. This trail leads to a historic fire lookout with unparalleled 360-degree panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascades.
  • Practical Tip: The elevation at Sunrise (6,400 ft) means thinner air. Pace yourselves, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Savor your packed lunch at the Sunrise Picnic Area or a scenic overlook. Then, take a leisurely hike on a portion of the Naches Peak Loop Trail (approx. 2-3 miles, 1.5-2 hours, minimal elevation gain for the park section). Starting from Tipsoo Lake (just outside the park entrance on SR 123), hike counter-clockwise for the best initial views of Rainier. This trail is famous for its stunning wildflower displays in summer. Explore the Sunrise Visitor Center and its various viewpoints.
• Evening Return to Ohanapecosh Campground for a second night, or if it’s full, try White River Campground (closer to Sunrise). (Estimated camping cost: $20-30). Dinner: Another relaxed camp dinner. If the skies are clear, enjoy some exceptional stargazing away from city lights.

Day 4: Deep Dive to the Northwest Wilderness

• Morning (8:00 AM - 1:00 PM) Enjoy breakfast, then break camp. Begin a significant scenic drive to the remote Northwest side of the park, circulating around the park via Enumclaw (approx. 2-3 hours from Ohanapecosh/Sunrise). Your destination is the Mowich Lake area. Note: The 17-mile gravel road to Mowich Lake is unpaved and can be rough; check park conditions for seasonal opening dates (typically late June/early July). Embark on the wilderness hike to Tolmie Peak Lookout (5.6 miles RT, 3-4 hours, 1100 ft elevation gain). This trail starts from Mowich Lake and leads to a historic fire lookout, offering stunning reflections of Mount Rainier in Eunice Lake—a true “deep dive” experience away from the main crowds.
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy a packed lunch either at Mowich Lake or at the Tolmie Peak Lookout with its incredible views. Spend some time exploring Mowich Lake, the largest and deepest lake in the park, enjoying its serene beauty. You might take a short, exploratory walk along its shores or a section of the Spray Park trail for different forest perspectives.
  • Practical Tip: There are no services (food, gas, visitor center, potable water) in the Mowich Lake/Carbon River area. Ensure you are self-sufficient with all necessities.
• Evening Drive out of the park towards the nearby towns of Wilkeson or Carbonado (approx. 45 mins - 1 hour from Mowich Lake). Check into your comfortable lodging, such as an Airbnb cabin or a local inn in the Wilkeson/Carbonado/Orting area. (Estimated lodging cost: $200-250). Dinner Recommendation: Grab a casual dinner at a local establishment like the historic Wilkeson Saloon, or pick up groceries for a simple meal at your lodging.

Day 5: Carbon River Rainforest & Departure

• Morning (8:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Enjoy breakfast at your lodging or a local cafe. Drive to the Carbon River Entrance (approx. 15-20 mins from Wilkeson). Note: This area is unique as a “rainforest” and is primarily accessed by foot or bicycle due to a washed-out road. Embark on the Green Lake Trail to Ranger Falls (6.4 miles RT, 3-4 hours, 1000 ft elevation gain). The first 3.5 miles follow a relatively flat, old roadbed through a lush, temperate rainforest before ascending to Ranger Falls and then Green Lake. This trail truly embodies a “deeper connection with nature,” showcasing a different ecosystem of Mount Rainier.
  • Practical Tip: If you have bikes, you can cycle the first 3.5 miles of the old roadbed to the Green Lake trailhead, saving time and energy for the ascent.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 3:00 PM) Enjoy a final packed lunch amidst the vibrant green of the Carbon River rainforest. Begin your journey home or to your next destination, carrying memories of Mount Rainier’s diverse wilderness. If time permits and you’re interested in local history, make a quick stop at the Carbonado Historical Museum.
• Evening Depart from Mount Rainier National Park.