Only have a day to visit Mt. Rainier? One for the hikers and one for those who prefer nice kickback tourist site seeing, This is guide catered to help anyone make the most out of their trip. Once read, this guide will enable you to appreciate the full beauty of Mt Rainier National Park at any speed.
One of the most popular day trips from Seattle is to Mt. Rainier National Park. For the more adventurous types keen on tackling some of those trails or just setting dozen a scenic viewpoint and waterfall with minimal effort, it’s an adventure seekers playground as well as nature lovers paradise.The Lure of Trekking Those who are lured by trekking ought to attempt their hands in Mount Rainier trails. For those not as much into hiking, the park also has a variety of easy walks that are suitable for families with children along with lots to see and do. That is why it has been a favorite summer destination site in the city.The park is big enough, and to tour the entire area you need a few days but still worth for one day. But the truth is non-hikers can enjoy some of Mt. Rainier’s highlights in just one daySo no matter what you like, this 1-day itinerary for Mt. Rainier is the one to follow!
Distance From Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park: What to Expect for a Day Trip
Rainier is a two-hour drive from Seattle, close enough to be done in one day. Seattle is just close enough to North Cascades National Park that you can get out there early in the morning and catch all of its highlights before heading back home by nightfall.
Particularly during busy summer months, beginning early is essential to prevent some of the worst congestion at park entry points. In fact, necessitated by heavy congestion at times during peak summer periods in recent years, Mount Rainier National Park will now require timed-entry reservations for visitors planning to visit either Paradise or Sunrise.
Quick Facts About Mount Rainier National Park
One of the U.S.’s oldest parks at 33 acres, Mount Rainier National Park is significant for being one of the Nation’s first-established national parks (1899). Named for its large size, Mount Rainier is a massive volcano capped by snow and covered with 25 glaciers. Because of the high volume of precipitation it receives annually as well as being higher in altitude than surrounding mountains, many consider this to be one of the most dangerous volcanoes on Earth according to geologists! That makes it one of three national parks in Washington, along with North Cascades and Olympic.
You can see Mt. Rainier from Seattle if you’re lucky, but going to the park is a completely different experience The glaciers and snowfields that drape its flanks dominate the landscape.
Key Areas in Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier has five distinct sections:
- Paradise (Reservation required May 24 to Sep 2)
- Sunrise (Reservation required July 3 to Sep 2)
- Carbon River
- Longmire
- Ohanapecosh
At Paradise and Sunrise, two of the busiest areas in Mount Rainier National Park offer some truly fantastic hiking with equally great views. They will implement a timed-entry system during Peak Hours (7 A.M-3 P.M) starting in 2024 due to the huge popularity.
Since one day is nearly enough to see them all, we will take you through the highlights in Paradise and Sunrise.
Best Entrance to Use
The Nisqually Entrance (often the best entry point b/c Paradise is most popular) — southwest corner near Ashford Now you can get straight into a few of the biggest offerings in the park.
Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier National Park
The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is summer and early fall when the roads are open, as well as hiking trails. In the winter there is so much snow, many roads and lodges are closed making it harder to get some parts of the park.
If you enjoy hiking and taking the most gorgeous pictures, it must be in summer when you learn more about this complicated trail through snow drifts!
Park Pass for Mount Rainier
Summer and early autumn are the best times of year to visit Mount Rainier National Park weather-wise when roads and trails are all pretty much open. During winters, roads and lodges remain closed due to heavy snowfall in most of the sections — it becomes tough for tourists.
Unless you are into hiking or want the best view come in summer when all of snow has melted and other trails including Hurricane Ridge (info below) have opened up. Visitors to Mount Rainier must pay for a national park pass. For the one-time visitor, there are two options: an annual pass or a private vehicle entry (or park!) pass for seven consecutive day use. Or, the America the Beautiful Pass also applies here.
You can buy a pass at each park entrance in manned booths but online tickets will save you time. If you have not already purchased the Glacier Park Pass, I would suggest having it handy if you arrive before 8 a.m. as some of those booths may still be unoccupied at that time.
Timed Reservation for Mount Rainier
Starting in 2024, timed entry reservations are required to manage crowds and protect the park’s natural areas. The cost is $2, and it grants you a two-hour window to enter either Paradise or Sunrise:
- Paradise: May 24 to Sep 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sunrise: July 3 to Sep 2, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In theory, you can arrive from 1:00 pm on your first day if the park is full after obtaining lodging, camping or wilderness permits. Well, you do need your park pass after all.
For those who get up when the roosters do, there is no need to have a reservation if you arrive before 7:00 AM or after 3:00 PM. Separate reservations required for same day visits to Paradise and Sunrise.
Paradise and Sunrise are reservable beginning on 2/21/2024, and 4/1 for rfl. Check the official website for extra booking windows according to your date of visit.
Can You See Mount Rainier in One Day?
If you are not hiking, one day in Mount Rainier is plenty of time to see the park’s best sights. Those in it to explore everywhere, hike the most popular trails and hit up all lakes + waterfalls…plan for 3-4 days.
But be warned… this is a jam-packed itinerary and you will leave wanting to return for sure!
Morning: Waterfall Hopping
After your walk on the Nisqually Vista Trail, spend time at other beautiful waterfalls in the Paradise area. It is the nearest one called Myrtle Falls and it’s pretty easy to reach.
Myrtle Falls
Located along the Skyline Trail, Myrtle Falls is one of Mount Rainier’s most popular waterfalls. You’ll have to walk there from the overflow parking lot (approximately 0.3 miles one way) or drive of course, up to Paradise Visitor Center. But if you show up on a popular summer weekend the parking lot at the Visitor Center is full by 7:30 am, so walking may win out.
A paved trail runs from Paradise Inn to Myrtle Falls. It’s a 1 mile hike up and round trip with few uphill. While it is a short walk that families with strollers and visitors should be able to easily handle, the views make any additional time worth it.
Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is 7 minutes away from Paradise, Nashville — the next down on our list. At a parking pullout you can walk up to this bench next the road for an upper view of Upper North Falls. You can take a short walk along the Narada Falls trail to get a closer look at the bottom of Ruby Falls.
Narada Falls
Ruby Falls is near the 180 foot high Narada Falls. This waterfall consists of two tiers, a taller horsetail upper section and shorter plunge below. You can see part of Narada Falls from the parking lot, but if you want a slightly better view follow this short 0.1-mile trail to another viewpoint. Remember it could be wet with a steep trail so always go prepared if you fancy the hike.
Christine Falls
Just up the road, Christine Falls is right off of the roadside and you do not have to hike there (it takes about 15 minutes from Paradise Inn). You can also do a quick walk to the bridge at Christine Falls (seen in this photo), an easy choice for all visitors.
Noon: Exploring Alternatives to the Grove of the Patriarchs
The Grove of the Patriarchs is currently closed thanks to bridge damage from flooding. It won’t open until some time in 2024 so instead we’re suggesting to get over to Crystal Mountain.
Once you have visited these four iconic waterfalls of Mt Rainier National Park, it is time to depart from the wonder that we all like so much in Paradise and progress on towards Sunrise. Normally, you’d drive—or shuttle—right by the popular Grove of the Patriarchs trail—a family friendly hike that’s short and flat at just 1.1 miles round trip. The trail goes past a beautiful grove of old-growth Douglas fir and red cedar trees to the suspension bridge that spans across over Ohanapecosh River.
Y’all would cross that bridge and come into a little island surrounded by giant trees and follow this boardwalk loop. It is an all season, easily accessible trail perfect for families and kids who love the suspension bridge and river views.
Nonetheless, since this trail is currently off-limits to bikers you can instead partake in other activities; visit Crystal Mountain for incredible mountain vistas or take a spin on the scenic gondola complemented with fresh panoramas of MRNP.
Early Afternoon: Crystal Mountain
Parked at the turn off for The Grove of Patriarchs (closed since we destroyed a bridge with flooding), saw one marmot. While we have no specific plan to re-open in 2024, you should probably make the short drive up I-405 and back over to Crystal Mountain.
With the four iconic waterfalls in Mt. Rainier National Park visited let get away from the paradise of Paradise and head towards my own Sunrise. Normally, you would then reach the popular Grove of the Patriarchs trail — a family friendly hike that is short, You walk through a beautiful stand of old-growth, with doug fir and cedar trees hanging over the Ohanapecosh River on your way to the other side on this suspension bridge.
When you walked across the bridge, it led to a small island nestled within towering trees with walking boardwalk loop trail. This is a leisurely, family friendly loop with children that love the suspension bridge and sights along the river.
But because this trail is currently closed- if you are looking to enjoy Crystal Mountain (great, sweeping mountain views) for an alternative experience and scenic gondola ride. As a reminder: For the summer of 2024, an extra reservation is necessary to access Mt. Sunrise in Rainier
Lunch after viewing these waterfall!!
Strictly speaking, there arent a lot of dining options in Mt. Rainier National Park itself but nearby Crystal Mountain Resort is worth the visit, especially for families including visiting three year olds who might not grasp the full meaning of eating nachos while watching adults drink beer outside any other context . One of the most popular winter ski destination, turns into picturesque summer retreat for relaxing and recharging.
The eye-catching gondola is an iconic feature at Crystal Mountain Resort. The Mt Rainier Gondola will take you up 2,400 vertical feet to the summit where a panoramic view of Mt.
Summit House is the highest restaurant in Washington, so take your time on the terrace because you can. Terrace seating is open to the public and does not require a reservation. This is a good place to stop and take a break on your way to Mt.
Crystal Mountain Resort has plenty of parking thanks to a massive main lot and numerous overflow areas, so you can pretty much drive up without stressing over where you’re going to fit on that busy weekend. Plan on spending 1.5-2 hours here soaking up the vistas and eating your meal.
Afternoon: Tipsoo Lake & Sunrise
The last stop, after a filling lunch at the resort — Crystal Mountain Resort, it is then off to head back into Mt. Rainier National Park for an exploration of it’s Sunrise area.
The first lake you will visit is Tipsoo Lake, a calm alpine pool at roughly 5,300 feet. With beautiful wildflowers runs and quiet setting, it is an ideal spot for family around. Many of them come here to have a pleasant walk around the lake, admire various blooms. But do not forget the bug spray, as it is buggier in that region and worse during warmer months.
View of the cascade range and beware driving to sunrise Carry on your journey crumble up mount place ounce point sootsie lake. A place for some great pictures before you head to the Sunrise Day Lodge.
Wildflowers at Sunrise
Once you get to Sunrise Day Lodge or Visitor Center, start at the same trailhead as Sourdough Ridge Trail. This spot is the wildflower meadow and beyond that all who come to this location, families getting pictures amongst flowers rather than hiking. A perfect picturesque spot to click some memories without a long walk.
How to Spend One Day in Mt. Rainier if You Love Hiking
Hiking enthusiasts will want to check out Mt. Rainier, which has some of the best hiking trails in the area. For an ideal one-day itinerary, I would suggest taking on the Skyline Trail in Paradise and the Fremont Fire Lookout Trail in Sunrise. Here are some of the best views in Mt. Rainier National Park accessible on hikes!
Early Morning: Reflection Lake
As with the non-hiking itinerary, an early stop at Reflection Lake is a great way to start the day. The lake has a few small parking areas, and you can either admire the view from the parking lot or follow a trail closer to the water for a more immersive experience.
Morning: Hike the Skyline Trail
Similar to the non-hiking itinerary, this is a nice early morning stop after readying yourself for the day. The lake offers a couple of small parking lots and you can simply enjoy the view from these, or follow trails to get closer up to the water.
A Morning: Skyline Trail hike
From Reflection Lake, drive 10 more min to Paradise Visitor Center where these trails start. This is where the Skyline Trail starts, it’s a favourite hike and can be quite busy so get there early to secure your parking space. The trail is a 5.5 mile loop with about 1,700 feet of elevation gain and can be finished in between four and five hours based on how fast or slow you hike it. A job that is about 45% hard (moderately tough) with a potential ROI reward to match
The Skyline Trail features a number of bird-eye views that are truly unique, with an immediate view of Mt. Rainier to wildflower filled meadows and peek-a-boo vistas at the glaciers and other cascadian peaks in the region as well. Commonly referred to as the “best day hike” in Mt. Rainier, it takes you through a range of ecosystems with some beautiful views along the way.
The loop can be hiked in either direction Clockwise has a far steeper and shorter climb than heading anticlockwise, which is slightly longer but quite gentle.
Wildflowers on the Golden Gate Trail
On your hike, you will pass several side trails such as Dead Horse Creek Trail, Alta Vista and also Golden Gate Trail. At some point these paths will connect back to Skyline Trail so you can take a shortcut or decide on an alternate route without wandering too far off course.
The Skyline Trail, no matter which corridor is taken to approach it, makes for an unforgettable adventure in a region of Mount Rainier that just might be the most scenic on this entire mountain.
Noon: Myrtle Falls & Christine Falls
On your hike you pass a handful of Optional Side Trails, such as Dead Horse Creek Trail, Alta Vista (a longer route up the mountain) and Golden Gate Trail. These paths then come back to the Skyline Trail, giving individuals a chance for time savers or fresh ways without going astray.
Any way you go, the Skyline Trail is sure to provide a day of epic hiking in one of Mt. Rainier’s most stunning landscapes. The Skyline Trail takes you past Myrtle Falls in a clockwise direction when descending from the top of Mt. Rainier, and it is one of the most iconic waterfalls on Mount Ranier. Just 72-feet high, this waterfall is truly a photograph Mt. Rainier frames the background of some shots taken at Narada Falls like this one. Expect lots of folks in the peak of summer, as it’s a family friendly hike and relatively easy with a well-groomed trail from the Paradise visitor center.
Pop into the Paradise Inn for a light lunch at Tatoosh Cafe after visiting Myrtle Falls. Aside from the food and drinks, it is vintage wear for animated goods that are sold in most part of Heaven so if you must alert at your next heaven stop bear this asylum on your journey.
Early Afternoon: Tipsoo Lake
Once seening Crhristine Falls exit Paradise and go to Sunrise. Tipsoo Lake, a lovely alpine lake on the east side of Mt. Rainier National Park (elevation 5,300 feet), is an ideal pit stop along the route. In the summer it is a special favourite of bird watchers who come here for beautiful wildflowers. Just past Tipsoo Lake is Little Tipsoo, another perfect place for reflection shots with far fewer people than Mars.
Remember, if you are on the wild flower trail stay within in and make sure not to trample through any of the delicate meadows. Don’t forget a bottle of bug spray as the mosquitoes can be aggressive around lake.
Near Tipsoo Lake, there is a 3 mile loop hike called Naches Peak Loop Trail. This is a great hike with awesome views of the lake and Mt. Rainier in the distance, however I would not recommend it for this one day itinerary as you have an even bigger hike ahead! It is highly worth it however if you have greater plans on staying at Mt. Rainier. The best views are in the clockwise direction!
Afternoon – Sunset: Fremont Lookout Hike via Sourdough Ridge Trail
It is a brief stop from Tipsoo lake about 40 minutes drive to Sunrise, one of the most touristic places in Mt Rainier National Park.
Numerous trails start at Sunrise Day Lodge, home to a large parking lot as well as restrooms and a souvenir/sack bar. Sourdough Ridge/Fremont Lookout Trail is one of the popular hikes from this location.
A moderate difficulty, the 5.5-mile round-trip hike ascends around 1,000 feet total from where you start in Paradise Valley before hitting the main cascade. While it is not difficult, the hike pays off with great views of Mt. Rainier and many surrounding peaks in the Cascades.
Trailhead: The trail begins at the Sunrise Day Lodge with its first section along Sourdough Ridge Trail, offering some snappy little climbs through the trees. Eventually, you will arrive at Frozen Lake which is a source of glacier. It remains frozen for most part of the year.
The trail splits from Frozen Lake. Take the Mt. Fremont Lookout Trail, a 1.3 mile path that gradually climbs along an exposed rocky ridge to the historic fire lookout and one of only four remaining in the park (please stay out since it feels so heartbreaking).
Though sunrise and sunset are the preferred times to trek this trail, keep in mind that it can get rather packed at sunset. Or, if you like fewer people around hike in just after sunset and be ready to navigate a mountain lion attractant park at night. The trail has minimal shade but is well maintained so bring your sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
That concludes your adventure-packed day in Mt. Rainier National Park, which should cover most of the park’s best highlights following this last hike.
What to Bring for a Day Trip to Mount Rainier National Park
- Water and Snacks: at least, especially if you plan to hike+ Snacks from the breakfast bag But there are lodges in the park that sell water and snacks, i also recommend to carry a few bottles of your own.
- Camera — Your iPhone or professional camera to capture the whole event on photo I highly recommend having two different lenses, one that covers a wide angle as well as something with some zoom to cover all that Mt. Rainier has to offer! If you were wondering, I’m shooting with a Sony Alpha a7iii and Tamron 28-75mm F/2.8 lens at the moment (but rent an ultra wide angle whenever travelling).
- Insect repellant: The mosquitoes can get bad in the summer, especially on a few trails. Bugspray (I also apply this to my socks/up front the bottom of your pants)
- Long Sleejsonline and Pants: Mosquitos love to show no mercy, even against repellent, which is why you should cover up with long sleeves online pants especially during peak summer months.
- Sunglasses, Sunscreen & Hat: Summertime at Mt. Rainier can be hot and sunny- so sun protection is needed! If your day involves an outdoor activity, don’t forget sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
- Hiking shoes and poles: Sturdy hiking boots, which may be preferred by those on the trail. Which will help you power up hills and provide more assistance.
- Park Pass and Reservations — Remember your park pass with any necessary reservations as this is a requirement for entry during the summer season when everyone in their neighbour will be trying to get inside.
Where to Eat at Mount Rainier National Park
Even if you are only able to spend one day at Mt. Rainier, it might be easiest for your family to bring food with them in the form of their own packed lunch or snacks as there is limited dining inside of the park. Nevertheless, there are dining places where you can enjoy your lunch so that syncing up with others is not necessary.
Where to Eat Inside Mt. Rainier National Park:
- Paradise Inn situated in the Paradise zone and this recorded inn incorporates a cable car cafe, which opens at 6 A.M. to serve sandwiches, baked goods, espresso bars immediately scoop frozen yogurt too. Al fresco seating is limited, but if you play your cards right, a deck table can be yours. The inn also has a dining room for enjoying full sit-down meals (serving takeout only to hotel guests), and
- National Park Inn: The other historic lodge, located in Longmire (no cafe). Nonetheless, the restaurant does accommodate breakfast lunch and dinner flavors offering a more standardized means amidst unknown dining options.
- Sunrise Day Lodge: This location may be more of a gift shop than café, but still has pre-made drinks and snacks (but no hot meals). Given the lack of dining, I find it convenient for hiking trails like Fremont Fire Lookout.
Food Outside of Mt. Rainier National Park:
- Crystal Mountain Resort: Just outside the park, Crystal Mountain Resort offers more dining options than you’ll find inside. The Summit House Restaurant (accessible by gondola) provides scenic views and a full menu. Alternatively, there are a few restaurants and food carts near the parking area that don’t require a gondola ride.
- Ashford/Packwood: Located about an hour from Paradise, these towns offer several dining options. In Ashford, Wildberry Restaurant (American & Himalayan cuisine) and Copper Creek Restaurant (American) are popular choices. Over in Packwood, White Pass Taqueria is a great option if you’re in the mood for tacos, though this might not be practical if you’re pressed for time during a day trip.
