The best way to see Mt. Rainier up close and personal is through hiking. Mount Rainier National Park maintains more than 260 miles of hiking trails. Mt. Rainier, an active volcano looms at 14, 411 feet as the tallest mountain in Washington with 25 named glaciers. Many trails offer extraordinary views of her majesty and the Cascade Range. As a Washingtonian and member of Mountaineers, I have enjoyed many trails at this park. Here are 10 Top Mt Rainier hikes to see this enchanting volcano and surroundings.
Related: Ten Hiking Essentials for Safe and Enjoyable Hiking
Top Mt Rainier Hikes for all Levels
1) Skyline Loop Trail & Myrtle Falls
6.2 miles
Elevation Gain – 1,788 ft
Hard
Paradise Visitor’s Center
If you only have 1 day at Mt. Rainier, this is the hike to take, especially on a clear day. This loop trail gets very close to the south side of Mt. Rainier with amazing views of the Nisqually Glacier. If you go counterclockwise, you can climb the steep part first and complete with a more gradual decline through the meadows. Panoramic Point is a highlight to stop for views and lunch at 6800 feet above sea level with amazing views of Mt. St. Helens and Adams on a clear day.
This trail is especially known for its vibrant wildflowers in July – August and gorgeous, rich fall colors. Additionally, you are almost guaranteed to see cute and curious marmots on the trail. I happily saw a family of 7 marmots here, as well as mountain goats and a handsome buck. Others have seen black bears too. Also, this hike includes the beautiful Myrtle Falls, cascading 72 feet with Mt. Rainier looming behind it.
2) Summerland to Panhandle Gap Trail
11.1 miles (Summerland Only – 8.5 miles) Up & Back
Elevation Gain: 3,149 ft (Summerland only 2,100 ft)
Hard/Moderate
White River Entrance
This up and back trail literally has it all! It takes you through several miles of mature forests, before reaching the subalpine meadows and upper valley of Fryingpan Creek. These meadows are especially known for their beautiful wildflowers, such as, Indian Paintbrush, monkey flowers (along creeks), lupine, louseworts, gentian and asters. At the meadows there is a pit toilet and picnic tables with panoramic views of Little Tahoma and Mt. Rainier summit. Also, marmot findings are common here.
Then, from ancient forests to subalpine meadows, you can continue on to Panhandle Gap, for an additional 900-foot climb in 1.5 miles. Overall, this lunar landscape is a different world of large boulders, gravel, turquoise tarns, rushing snowmelt creeks and even some hardy wildflowers.
The vibrant wildflowers in July and August illuminate Mt. Rainier’s vistas and landscape. For example, there are magenta paintbrush, avalanche lilies, louseworts, purple wild lupines, bistort, arnica and beargrass.
3) Mt. Fremont Lookout Trail via Sourdough Ridge Trail
5.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,118 ft
Moderate
Sunrise Visitor’s Center
This is many Washingtonians favorite hike in the state because of its extraordinary views and reasonable access. From Sunrise Visitor’s Center this takes you along Sourdough Ridge to Frozen Lake. From here you walk along the edges of Berkeley Park, known for its incredible wildflowers and make the ascent to the lookout post.
Built in 1934, the Mt Fremont Fire lookout cabin offers amazing views of Grand Park (largest meadow in the park), Redstone Peak and Skyscraper Mountain. Overall, this is a splendid place for sunrise/sunset views and wildlife, such as, mountain goats, marmots and bears.
4) Wonderland Loop Trail
96.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 25,341
Strenuous
Access points throughout Mt. Rainier N. P.
Pass: Overnight camping permit
This renowned trail circumnavigates Mt. Rainier, offering the most intimate views of Washington’s tallest mountain and its 25 named glaciers. Many people break it up and hike sections at a time. While others take on the whole trail at once, obviously requiring camping permits and backpacking. However, permits are not required for day hikes.
5) Grand Park via Lake Eleanor – Top Mt Rainier Hikes
Related: MT. RAINIER’S AWESOME GRAND PARK TRAIL GUIDE VIA LAKE ELEANOR
9 miles Out & Back
Elevation Gain: 1,538 ft
Moderate
Trailhead near Greenwater
This trail begins through old growth rainforest gaining most of the elevation with switchbacks. Just 15 minutes into the trail is the serene Lake Eleanor, for either camping, swimming or fishing. It’s about 2 miles through the forest until you reach the beautiful open meadows. In the summer the mosquitoes are a big issue in just the trees (either cover or bring repellant for this section). However, once you get out into the meadows, the mosquitoes disappear, and the epic views of Mt. Rainier and wildflowers appear.
Perched on a plateau at 5600 feet, this grand expanse takes you through 2 miles of grassy meadowlands and wildflowers, with the epic backdrop of Mt. Rainier. Going through the old growth forests via Lake Eleanor is the best way to reach this paradise. The 9-mile Mt. Rainier Grand Park Trail also connects with the North Loop Trail taking you to a breathtaking view of the northside of Mt. Rainier, the valley and adjacent peaks. This trail has it all!
The wildlife of Mt Rainier can be seen from many trails, such as, marmots, pikas, black bears, mountain goats and deer.
6) Grove of the Patriarchs Nature Trail
1.1 mile up and back
Elevation: 52 Ft
Easy
This hike is perfect if you are wanting to do an easy hike or add on to a moderate trail. The ancient, old-growth path takes you over Ohanapecosh River on a suspension bridge to an island. This primeval island lies preserved from fires sustaining tree giants, such as, Douglas firs, cedars and hemlocks. Some are more than 1,000 years old and over 300 feet tall.
7) Tolmie Peak Lookout Trail via Eunice Lake
7.5 mile out and back
Elevation: 1.541 ft
Moderate
NW Carbon River / Mowich
From the campground and west side of the serene Mowich Lake the trail begins. Especially in summer, this is a great place for a swim. With fantastic views of Mt. Rainier to the south this trail takes you to the Tolmie Peak Lookout. Along the way is the vibrant Eunice Lake. From the peak is spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and the lake below.
8) Reflection Lake to Narada Falls (or vice versa)
3.6 miles out and back
Elevation: 931 Ft
Easy/Moderate
Either direction is good, however, you may want to plan the Reflection Lake destination around sunrise or sunset because that’s the best time for Mt. Rainier’s reflection. Reflection Lake is one of the most popular destinations at Mt. Rainier, especially for the photo op with incredible mirror of Mt. Rainier. Tips: Sunrise or sunset with low winds is the best time for the picture-perfect reflections. Narada Falls is one of the most beautiful falls at the park. Because the Mt. Rainier Highway bisects the falls between its 2 tiers, the waterfall drops 168 and 20 feet. Catching the afternoon sun refracts vibrant waterfalls.
Naches Peak Loop Trail
3.3 miles
Elevation Gain 636 ft
Easy
This trail can get very crowded because it is so incredible, yet relatively easy. Try to avoid the peak times to enjoy the natural beauty. This trail starts off at Tipsoo Lake and goes on crossing paths with the Pacific Crest Trail. It continues on past another emerald-colored lake, circumnavigating Naches Peak. The views are constantly breathtaking, all with minimal effort since the trail is so easy. Also, it’s known for its colorful wildflowers throughout the hike.
Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail
9.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 2.562 ft
Hard
Sunrise Parking Lot
The Burroughs Mountain hugs right next to the east side of Mt. Rainier. From Sunrise this trail first goes along Sourdough Ridge past Frozen Lake and then off to First and Second Burroughs (peaks). Overall, this trail is the highest maintained trail that is not used for mountaineering in Mt. Rainier N. P. Past Frozen Lake, the landscape becomes a tundra, however, still vibrant with wildflowers in summertime. The Second Burroughs (7,400 ft) has a flat top plateau from which to take in the view. Then, the Third Burroughs plummets then ascends dramatically, especially at the end. When descending, you can take the Sunrise Rim Trail to make it a loop. This offers spectacular views of the backcountry.
Overall, Top Mt Rainier Hikes
This national treasure is a must-see destination for hikers. It uniquely offers the perfect hiking trails that are well maintained with extraordinary views of Mt. Rainier. And there are trails for all levels, offering hikes for everyone to enjoy this majestic volcano and its surroundings.
Read More!
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