Your Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary
Most travelers spend hours or days trying to figure out the most popular sites and hidden gems to visit. We create detailed itineraries that give you a step-by-step game plan so you can get to the best places at the right times and have a trip your family will remember forever!
Mount Rainier was the fifth national park, created in 1899. The peak itself is over 14,000 feet and has the highest prominence (floor to peak) in the Lower 48 states. The size will blow you away as you visit the park! But the park is more than just Mount Rainier – it’s bordered by the Tatoosh Range and full of old-growth forests, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and the ultimate cherry on top: fields of wildflowers.
Places
- Paradise. Paradise is the heart of the park – it’s the most popular destination and offers amazing hiking trails.
- Sunrise. Sunrise is the highest visitor center in the park and is perfect for morning views of Mount Rainier.
- Tipsoo Lake. This small alpine lake reflects Mount Rainier like a mirror.
- Myrtle Falls. This is one of the most photographed spots in the park, featuring a remarkable 72-foot cascade with Mount Rainier as a backdrop.
- Stevens Canyon Road. This winding road takes you through the amazing Stevens Canyon with sharp drops and occasional views of Mount Rainier.
- Mount St. Helens. A volcano that erupted in 1980, killing 57 people in the most devastating volcanic eruption in US history.
- Ashford. A small, gateway town to Mount Rainier with lodging and restaurants and an interesting attraction called Cannibal Hot Tub.
- Packwood. A tiny, gateway town with many interesting wood carvings all over that honor the town’s logging past.
- Mather Memorial Parkway. An All-American Road and an amazing scenic drive with switchbacks and awe-inspiring canyon views.
- Crystal Mountain. The largest ski resort in Washington with a gondola ride to the top where you can eat at a nice restaurant or just enjoy incredible views of Mount Rainier and the White River.
- Longmire. Views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually River, the old-growth forest, a hidden suspension bridge, historical buildings, and hot springs that used to be used by visitors.
- Skyline Trail. It climbs the mountain through wildflowers, streams, waterfalls, and boulders, with incredible viewpoints of Mount Rainier and the valley. A must-do for hikers.
- Ohanapecosh. Densely forested area of the park with natural hot springs, a waterfall, and visitor center.
- Chinook Pass. A historic, rustic arch is located at the entrance to this pass where you can drive along the Mather Memorial Parkway for some awesome views.