Mount Rainier stands at over 14,400 feet and looms large in the Washington sky. Not the highest mountain in the world by any means, but a sight to behold when you see it alone sticking out above everything else!
With it’s topographic diversity, evidence of glaciation and status as an active volcano, Mount Rainier’s landscape is unlike any other. Again and again I saw this gorgeous mountain from the road on my trek through Washington, each time putting a smile on my face with it’s friendly appearance inviting me to come up.
Having only 48 hours in Mount Rainier National Park can be more breathtaking then you ever imagined it would too. From cascading waterfalls to tranquil, mirror-like lakes or breathtaking mountain hikes that greet you with both sunrises and a sunset never to be forgotten.
But as I understand how quickly time flies, if you have about a day to visit Mount Rainier National Park — this is my picks for capturing the truest sense of the natural wonder.
Skyline Trail at Sunset: A Rewarding Journey in Mount Rainier National Park
The 6-mile Skyline Trail is among the best known in Mount Rainier National Park, and for good reason. The Little Mashel Falls trail is a great mix of wildlife sightings, stunning views and plenty of Rainier sighting opportunities as you work your way up. Most hikers handle it all fine, and if you don’t get through the whole thing, some of the best moments on this hike are in those first few chunks anyway.
It features a Trailhead located in the Paradise parking area where other well-tread paths also begin. The parking lot can get crowded during the summer, due to it’s popularity.
This is something that happens often in national parks, but one of my personal favorite ways to beat the crowd is through sunset hiking. Not only does it allow for amazing vistas to capture that perfect shot, but you also have the delight of most visitors leaving at this time so a much quieter experience. Another great night trailhead for the area is Jacob’s Ladder, but be sure to take a headlamp if you go this route (pun intended), as it can get pretty dark.
Sunrise at Reflection Lakes: A Serene Start to Your Mount Rainier Adventure
So I often go in there at sunrise to avoid the crowds. Even though I sometimes hike to try and catch that early morning light, it was in fact something far more reachable. Instead of a mountain summit the answer this outing would be Reflection Lakes. The road takes 2 hours to drive down, but it is a very serene place.
This spot got its name because the water is so still you can see Mount Rainier’s reflection on a clear day. Sometimes the view might be hesitant at first, but then the rising sun may sweep away all of that mist for even greater panoramic views! This was the case during my visit and I had a rewarding morning in return for an early start.
Exploring Comet and Christine Falls: A Scenic Four-Mile Hike
A four mile round trip hike offers the chance to first pass by gorge-like Christine Falls before arriving at the cascading beauty of Comet Falls. The scene is not one that would rival Yosemite or Oregon waterfalls, but it does offer a change of scenery.
A good chunk of the trail ascends and reservations are required for parking, but manages to attract a large crowd whether in town or out. Starting the hike after watching the sunrise at Reflection Lakes, very much early in their season but wishing for those juicy blackberries that grow along this trail later on in season.
However it is a fun hike for people that have never seen a waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park. There are certainly others in the hood, but doing some research I found Comet Falls to be most photogenic.
Pinnacle Peak: A Hidden Gem for Sunrise Views
After a quick nap to reenergize, I hit the trail again for an early evening trek up Pinnacle Peak a location with unbeatable views of Mount Rainier.
It became the hike that I was most impressed by in the park, and maybe it is because fewer people know about this trail so you were almost all alone on top with an out-of-this-world view.
The 1.3-mile hike is short, but in the spring time it puts on a floral display, and the views from top are as spectacular now as ever. I made it to the top finally, finding even a small pond from melted snow at this altitude (proving there was still some actual winter scattered around in Romania) which actually added that extra surprise topping for such an amazing hike.
Make sure you recognize, when you get to the saddle, that this is actually a maintained trail throughout. As tempting as it is to blaze a trail off the beaten path, try to follow existing paths that other hikers have already worn into the desert floor and be mindful of any fragile vegetation lining those trails.
The one I have here for people who are not great with heights is at the shoulder — that will be enough. Sitting with a cider atop those paddocks is already pretty damn great.
Oh, and for the really adventurous mountaineers out there, you can always go to extreme of tackling Mount Rainier!
Exploring the Eastern Side: Future Hikes to Add to Your List
While my favorite hikes in the park all started on its southern side, you would discover the greatest daybreak spots back east. Except that those trailheads were a 2-1/12 hour drive from where I was staying, so they would have to wait for another adventure.
If you are interested and have the time Mount Fremont as well as Tolmie Peak are on my list for next trip out, both amazing hikes. Those hikes provide a unique angle of the park, and should be high on your list if you’re chasing that AM light.
Respecting Nature and Hiking Etiquette: A Reminder for All
The Paradise parking lot in Mount Rainier National Park is an absolute carnival of some the worst trail behavior you will EVER see. In the meadows fragile ecosystems were being trampled under foot, even though they had been clearly marked. Every photo I took was taken from the trail, you dont even have to wander off path very far if at all. When you notice someone wandering off, gently point out that the preservation of nature is on all our hands.
If you are hiking on busy trails, also note that hikers going down hill should step aside for those coming up. That may sound like quite a simple rule, but overall it preserves the flow and serves as courtesy among adventurers.
When an area is busy, it can be a challenge to stay six feet apart. Like, step off the trail to make your space instead of creating damage around the path.
Seasons at Mount Rainier National Park: What to Expect Year-Round
Though open year-round, summer is definitely the busiest time at Mount Rainier National Park. On weekends, especially during midday hours expect to wait over an hour just to get in On Sundays the line could wrap around a whole park — hence another reason for me never on those days.
It is also less crowded during the spring and fall seasons. However, bear in mind that trails can be covered with snow still at the beginning of spring and again later during fall so check accordingly.
Vehicle access during winter is restricted to the Nisqually entrance in park’s southwest corner, which was where I stayed. For the most current road conditions and closures, visit.
Where to Stay: Planning for Your Mount Rainier Adventure
I threw together my Washington trip on two hours notice, but if I had the time to plan in advance hiking up The Wonderland Trail is definitely at the top of my list! This busy backpacking route is permit-required with typically well in advance sellouts. If you want in, explore booking as soon as possible.
While there are campsite sites available at Mount Rainier, similar to some other national parks in Washington you will also be able to find hotels not too far from the park itself if camping isn’t your think. I stayed at Alexander’s Lodge, a very charming old estate turned hotel in 1910. Well it was average, but more than adequate for what I needed and you really can’t beat the location.
Conclusion
Ultimately, my short trip to Mount Rainier only stoked the desire I had all along. It was just so damn huge, and there were more wildflowers than seemed possible, with far as the eye could see views for eternity. There are numerous trails to be seen both in the park and all around it, but I hope this guide shows you some of the best, along with my personal favorites. Have an adventurous time in this great national park!
