10 Things to do in Mount Rainier National Park That You Shouldn't Miss

July 11, 2021 Joeann Galban

Discover the best top things to do in Mount Rainier National Park, United States including Mount Rainier, Paradise Valley, Skyline Trail, Sunrise Visitor Center, Grove of the Patriarchs, Tipsoo Lake Loop, Paradise Loop, Narada Falls, Christine Falls Viewpoint, Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center.

1. Mount Rainier

Mount Rainier National Park, WA 98304 +1 360-569-2211 http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
Excellent
88%
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5.0 based on 1,754 reviews

Mount Rainier

At 14,410 feet, Mount Rainier is the fifth highest mountain in the continental 48 states.

Reviewed By WanderingRoseTravels - Charlotte, United States

Mt. Rainier National Park rises out of the Cascade Mountain Range 14,411 feet and dominates the weather and scenery in the Pacific Northwest, just a short drive from Seattle, WA. The park contains a great trail system taking trekkers to meadows, waterfalls, mountain streams, wildlife, 25 major glaciers and iconic alpine settings such as the morning view of Rainier from Reflection Lake. We love the four-mile, round-trip hike up to Comet Falls, which you can extend to a seven-mile round-tripper to Van Trump Park.

2. Paradise Valley

Paradise, Mount Rainier National Park, WA +1 360-569-6571 http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/paradise.htm
Excellent
85%
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5.0 based on 150 reviews

Paradise Valley

A scenic area attracting more visitors than any other area of the park.

Reviewed By 607megank - Wenatchee, United States

Stunning flowers in peak season, with the stunning Mt. Rainer, looming above. The parking lot fills up fast, so make sure to go early or late in the day. Look out for Mountain goats, marmots, and birds on and around the trail. One can also see surrounding mountains and valleys from the many viewpoints.

3. Skyline Trail

Mount Rainier National Park, WA 98304 +1 360-569-6571 http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/skyline-trail.htm
Excellent
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5.0 based on 308 reviews

Skyline Trail

With an elevation gain of 1,400 fee, this five-mile hiking trail starts from Paradise to Panorama Point, Stevens-Van Trump Memorial with a final descent into Paradise Valley and Myrtle Falls.

Reviewed By shesekmatok - Los Angeles, United States

Hello fellow travelers ???? Come Early! It's nuts up there ???? **there's cell reception** ???????? The trails start at the visitor center. Huge parking space, loads of visitors and the park is trying to accommodate all the cars arriving. Started my day at 8am and it was hectic. Paradise trails starts with a steep and paved path. I was aiming for the skyline loop trail, but you will see on the way, that one trail meets another and u can combine them and choose ur own path. Started with the skyline loop, then met the lakes trail, added reflection lake, went on the lakes high trail, Narada falls and finished at Paradise. All in all it was about 10 miles long amazing hike. U get the essence of the park in one day ???? see pics enclosed. The skyline trail is covered with snow in some parts. U can find a way around sometimes, but there are some patches u have to cross. I've done one by sliding on my ass. Was fun ???? Wild flower meadows, water streams and breathtaking views all the way. Seen alpine marmots which are so cute. The part of the lakes is an easier hike and still gorgeous. If u have questions, feel free to ask ???? Have fun and be safe ????????‍♀️????????‍♀️????????‍♀️????????‍♀️

4. Sunrise Visitor Center

Mount Rainier National Park, WA +1 360-569-6575 http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/sunrise.htm
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4.5 based on 295 reviews

Sunrise Visitor Center

Tourist center located on the eastern side of Mount Rainier National Park.

Reviewed By 607megank - Wenatchee, United States

Amazing hikes of all varieties. Many travel up the surrounding mountains for a close up look at the majestic Mt. Rainer. The trails slope through sub-alpine meadows, filled with birds, marmots, and the occasional mountain goat. Some parts of the trail are covered in snow (early August) so be careful.

5. Grove of the Patriarchs

Mount Rainier National Park, WA +1 360-569-2211 http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/grove-of-the-patriarchs
Excellent
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4.5 based on 323 reviews

Grove of the Patriarchs

A grove of red cedar and Douglas fir trees, some over 1,000 years old.

Reviewed By V9686XAemmaw

Comfortable and accessible trail across a boardwalk and a fun suspension bridge. The old-growth trees were peaceful yet very impressive, and signposting made the place easy to understand and gave lots of fascinating background information. Great place to visit.

6. Tipsoo Lake Loop

Mount Rainier National Park, WA http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/natches-peak-loop.htm
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4.5 based on 74 reviews

Tipsoo Lake Loop

A 3.6-mile trail offering great views of Mt. Rainier.

Reviewed By ffehling2018 - Puyallup, United States

Beautiful late Summer views on views. The wild flowers are 100% in full Bloom in August! We hiked on a semi cloudy day, but the views and overall atmosphere of Tipsoo is breathtaking. I can only imagine the views on a clear blue sky day.

7. Paradise Loop

Mount Rainier National Park, WA
Excellent
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4.5 based on 142 reviews

Paradise Loop

A 5 to 6-mile trail with spectacular views of Mt. Rainier.

Reviewed By richardfsjr

This is a great little hike for wildflowers and a must do if you are at Paradise Lodge in Mount Rainer National Park

8. Narada Falls

Paradise Rd, Paradise, Mount Rainier National Park, WA http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/nws/falls.php
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4.5 based on 166 reviews

Narada Falls

Reviewed By elixirpost - Cerritos, United States

On the way to Paradise after Longmire. A short, steep trail (at times wet and slippery) will take you close to the fall and its mist. We could even catch a rainbow as shown in our picture.

9. Christine Falls Viewpoint

Paradise Road, Mount Rainier National Park, WA http://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/nws/falls.php
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4.5 based on 73 reviews

Christine Falls Viewpoint

Reviewed By jillr477 - Rowlett, United States

We saw Christine Falls from the road and wanted to stop because it was so pretty. There was ample, easy parking, and the trail is short to the viewpoint. The viewpoint gives a very nice photo location for the falls.

10. Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center

Paradise Rd E, Paradise, Mount Rainier National Park, WA 98304 +1 360-569-6571 https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/hours.htm
Excellent
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4.5 based on 111 reviews

Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center

Reviewed By charless503 - Northamptonshire, United Kingdom

We visited MRNP in the Fall last year and experienced its beauty. We drove into the park from Packwood via the 12 and made our way through, enjoying the sights and views, until we reached the impressive HMJ visitor center at Paradise, where we stopped in the huge car park area. It was a perfect day, bright warm, clear and sunny. We used the bathrooms and had a look around the center with its various exhibits to enjoy before venturing outside. We took the Skyline trail to Myrtal Falls a short enjoyable relaxing walk. Once back at the car we drove on to Longmire.

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