Mount Rainier towers above the skyline at 14,411 ft elevation and is a snow-capped, breath-taking vision of nature year-round. Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and fitness levels travel to come experience the trails and the accompanying views. The transcendent peak is visible in the distance from over 100 miles away, and is a beautiful reminder of the vast topography within the park. The different regions of the park offer unique viewpoints of Mt Rainier. When you’re exploring someplace new, you want to be sure to make the most of your time. We’ve outlined the six best day hikes in Mount Rainier… the hardest part will be choosing which one to do first!
Whether you’re new to outdoor adventures or a seasoned wilderness explorer, there’s abounding beauty for everyone to savor. The views make hikes of any length fly by and steep elevations feel worth it. Grab your trekking poles and pack your bags!
Five Mt. Rainier Park Regions
It comes as no surprise that the landscape varies in different regions of the park. With over 250 miles of trails, there’s enough forests, rivers, lakes, and streams to stay enchanted for weeks. Before you get hiking, it helps to get your bearings. Due to the sheer size of the park, trails are sorted into five different areas.
- Sunrise — Northeast
- Ohanapecosh — Southeast
- Paradise — South
- Longmire — Southwest
- Carbon River & Mowich — Northwest
The mountain for which the park is named stands tall and impermeable in the center. There’s no way to drive through the center of the park, but there are ample trails to explore its surroundings.
Our Six Favorite Hikes
1. Mount Fremont Lookout Trail
The Sunrise area of the park showcases the impressive rocky terrain on the northeastern side of Mount Rainier. The Mt. Fremont hike was one of the first hikes we took in the park as continues to be a favorite, with its 360 degree views from the old fire tower lookout. While it wasn’t easy, we didn’t find it to be too overbearingly challenging at 6 miles with a little over 1,000 feet of elevation, and we felt we were rewarded in spades with both the magnitude of Mt. Rainier as well as the seemingly endless stretch of green valleys to the north. It boasts one of the best Rainier summit views in the park!
2. Burroughs Mountain Trail
The Burroughs Mountain Trail also stems from the Sunrise Visitor Center and stretches 9 miles, tackling nearly 2,500 feet of elevation to climb the three Burroughs. Even if you don’t go the whole stretch you will be privy to beautiful views throughout, with the second Burroughs mountain, showcasing spectacular views of Mount Rainier as well as the Emmons Glacier. While wildlife spottings are never guaranteed, we’ve seen goats, marmot, and deer somewhat regularly. Last time we were in the park we even saw a bear. Definitely a trail for a hardier hiker, but so worth it!
3. Silver Falls Trail
A bit easier on the knees, the Silver Falls Trail in the Ohanapecosh region of the park is a very palatable 3 miles round trip. Compared to many other trails in the park, it’s relatively level, with about 500 feet of elevation gained in total throughout the hike. This makes it a more popular hike for families and hikers of all ages. The trail follows the Ohanapecosh River, and makes for quite the sight as the icy glacier water tumbles through Silver Falls. Another fun bonus, this is a loop trail (as opposed to going out and back along the same trail), so you will get to enjoy different forestry scenery on your way back.
4. Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail Loop is in the, very aptly named, Paradise area of the park. This little slice of heaven is the most popular among visitors and for good reason. The colorful meadows and running streams are just as idyllic as they sound, and it’s equally beautiful as the warm hues of fall foliage roll in. As this trail is a loop, you have two options for your climb. If you tackle the trail clockwise, you will have a steeper but shorter journey up to the Panorama Point. If you’re keen on a more graded climb, you’ll want to tackle this trail counterclockwise. Regardless of how you get there, both the journey and the destination are worthwhile.
5. Mildred Point Trail
Making your way into the Longmire region of the park, set your sights on the Mildred Point via Comet Falls trail. This trail stretches almost 8 miles and climbs over 2,500 feet of elevation. Don’t let that intimidate you though! This hike is a true two-for-one special. About a mile and a half in, you’ll get to enjoy the enchanting waterfall at Comet Falls, followed by some heart-pumping switchbacks and a log bridge that will lead you to Mildred Point.
From your perch at the top of a meadow, you will have an unfettered view of the ever-lovely Mt. Rainier. You really can’t beat the diverse landscape of this hike with its rushing waterfalls, flowing rivers, charming bridges, and endless meadows… all with Mount Rainier as a stunning backdrop.
6. Tolmie Peak Trail
Gotta save the best for last! At the end of a 15 mile-long dirt road you’ll find the beginning of the Tolmie Peak Trail, right alongside Mowich Lake. This hike exudes etherial beauty with its sweeping views of Eunice Lake, rolling alpine peaks, and a snow-covered Rainier. The cherry on top? Tolmie Peak houses another fire-tower lookout, which guarantees a panoramic view. This hike covers about 5.5 miles and over 1,500 feet of elevation, making it moderately difficult, but certainly doable!
But Wait, There’s More
The National Park Service Website has a complete list of trails, up-to-date trail conditions, and information regarding the various campgrounds. As an outdoor enthusiast, I generally love being outdoors, but I’m rather partial to a hike that ends in a gorgeous view. My favorite aspect of the AllTrails website is that you can see pictures other hikers have taken, to better grasp the hard-earned view you’re hiking out for.
As a note: whatever trail you choose, be sure to stay on the trail— no creating new short-cuts! Even though it seems small, if everyone trampled the meadows a little, the collective damage would be massive.
Packing your Day Pack
Can’t crush your hike without your day pack! There’s nothing like being stoked for an awesome day hike, only to realize half-way in that you don’t need half of what you’re carrying. Even worse is when you realize you forgot something crucial! Due to the snowfall Mount Rainier National Park receives every year, this list would be more extensive for winter months. We have you covered for all your late spring, summer, and early fall hikes.
Jacket— this is top of the list for a reason… mostly because it will be unnecessary for a majority of your hike. That being said, chances are, if you plan to spend any extended period of time at the peak, you will likely be glad to have it. Additionally, if there’s any chance of rain, it’s also not a bad idea to bring a rain jacket along with you as well. The weather can change quickly. Rain jackets aren’t heavy and they’re well worth it when the heavens open!
Camera — whether it’s a DSLR or an iPhone, the view is definitely something you’ll be glad to look back on later!
Trail map — you can either download a trail map from the NPS website or grab one from the trailhead, but it’s always a good idea to have a map with you. The trails are well-kept and the signage clearly dictates which paths to follow for desired destinations. That being said, we are big ‘safety first, safety always’ gals, so it’s always a good idea to have a map, just in case you get lost!
Snacks — our go-to hiking snacks are dried mango, fresh fruits (in mason jars so they don’t get smushed) & veggies. Who doesn’t love a couple handfuls of homemade trail mix?? There’s nothing like reaching the viewpoint and sitting down to take it all in, with a tasty treat.
Water — for an approximately 6 mile hike, we usually take 20-40 oz of water per person, depending on the day. This is not including the water bottles we keep in the car to drink from before and after the hike. We always like to ensure we have more than enough water to stay hydrated, without carrying around extra weight.
Sunglasses — while sunnies are always a good idea for hiking, Mount Rainier has snow year-round, and snow tends to reflect the sunlight, sometimes making it feel even brighter out.
Sunscreen — as you climb in elevation, the breeze can keep you cool and make you forget the sun is still beating down on you. Even if you sunscreen up before you depart, you may want to re-apply!
Headlamp — not necessary for shorter most daytime hike, but if you plan in hiking around sunrise or sunset, you’ll be glad to have a headlamp. While cellphones have flashlights that might suffice in a pinch, it’s safer and easier to hike with your light hands-free.
Chapstick — while this won’t necessarily make or break your hike, chances are you’ll be glad you have it. A chapstick with SPF is a bonus.
The 411 on Furry Friends
Generally speaking, Mt. Rainier is a no dogs allowed park. The exception? The Pacific Crest Trail stretches along the west coast of the country and cuts through the park. As such, this is a technical caveat since dogs are allowed on the Pacific Crest Trail throughout its entirety. That being said, all other trails (including the ones above) and campgrounds do not permit any non-service animal pets.
The best time of year to visit? Later than you might think. It all depends on the longevity of winter… or rather how cold the spring season is! We’ve gone hiking fourth of July weekend, and had to change plans on the fly due to snowy trails. Mid-to late summer and all throughout fall would be the best time to make an appearance.
written by Kayla
A literal life saving queen, Kayla Grace is an Army nurse in Tacoma, Washington. When she’s not fixing up tiny humans on the peds floor, she is likely to be found running, walking, or hiking outside— or crushing a home improvement project, as she has recently purchased her first home! Since moving to Washington, Kayla has maintained a plant-based diet— a feat largely unattainable by any other sister, but she makes it look *almost* possible with her I-can’t-believe-these-are-vegan chocolate chip cookies.
