Best trails in Mount Rainier National Park
Located %{60_miles} south of Seattle, Mount Rainier National Park centers around the rugged stratovolcano of Mount Rainier. As the nation's fifth designated national park, this land holds valuable cultural and historical significance, and around 2 million people stand in awe of its beauty each year. While Mount Rainier is the highlight of the area, there are many other diverse habitats to explore, from lowland meadows full of wildflowers to ancient forests. Mount Rainier hosts the largest number of glaciers on a single peak in the continental United States, with 25 major glaciers surrounding the snowy mountain. During the summer, you may see mountaineers making the voyage up to the summit!
There are 5 regions in the park — Mowich Lake/Carbon River (Northwest), Longmire (Southwest), Paradise (South), Ohanapecosh (Southeast), and Sunrise/White River (Northeast). It takes 2 or 3 hours to drive between regions because no road travels across the mountain. The most famous area is Paradise, which is best for first-time visitors. If you want to spend a big day in the mountains, the Sunrise/White River region has wild and beautiful landscapes. Ohanapecosh has fewer crowds than other areas. We suggest spending at least 3 days in the park to explore these different regions, each of which offer unique viewpoints.
The best time to visit Mount Rainier is from late June until October for the most pleasant hiking conditions. For the wildflower season, when the colors are at their peak, it's best to visit in the first few weeks of August. In the winter, many of the park roads are closed.
There is an entrance fee to visit the park, which you can pay online in advance or at one of the entrance stations.
Top trails
- (29511)•Hard•5.6 miThe Skyline Trail is the most popular route out of Paradise on the southern side of Mount Rainier. This loop has something for everyone: lush vegetation, glacier views, rivers, waterfalls, and incredible views of the surrounding area. This “choose your own adventure” hike can be done in several ways. The loop can be done in either direction, but many people choose the clockwise route. If you’re not interested in doing the full loop, many hikers make it to Panorama Point before turning around...
- (11433)•Moderate•5.7 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThe beginning of the trail starts at the ranger station of the Sunrise Visitor Center, with grassy meadows full of wildflowers. Towards the end of the trail, the landscape is mainly rocks with incredible views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains. Throughout the hike, you will pass through different terrain and scenery as well as see lots of different wildlife such as deer, marmots, and mountain goats. The views from the Mount Fremont fire lookout are certainly some of the best...
- (9144)•Hard•3.9 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis is a popular trail year-round and follows the Skyline Trail to Panorama Point and features breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains. In the winter, the road to the trailhead is usually closed, meaning you will have to add a few more to this hike by snowshoeing or cross-country skiing along the road.
- (8079)•Moderate•3.5 mi•Est. 1.5–2 hrIf you’re looking for one of the best hikes in Mount Rainier National Park that is family-friendly and not too long, then the Naches Loop Trail is for you. The trailhead begins at the parking lot by the Stephen Tyng Mather Memorial on the east side of Mount Rainier. The trail follows in a circle around the side of Naches Peak until you loop back to the east side of Naches Peak again. Park at Tipsoo Lake, .5 mile west of Chinook Pass on SR 410. For a clockwise hike of the Naches Peak Loop...
- (7142)•Moderate•1.0 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrMyrtle Falls can be accessed from the Paradise parking area via the Skyline Trail or Golden Gate Trail. This paved asphalt trail starts with a short uphill trek before climbing a set of stairs to the viewpoint of the 60-foot waterfall. Visitors will likely enjoy the view of Mount Rainier in the background of the falls’ braided cascade. In winter, make sure you come prepared, as the trail can be icy and snow-packed. It is recommended to have trekking poles and micro spikes to be on the safe...
- (8545)•Hard•4.7 mi•Est. 3–3.5 hrThe Skyline Trail is one of the most popular trails on the southern side of Mount Rainier. The trail climbs a ridge line to Glacier Vista and Panorama Point on a steady incline that is steep and rocky in sections, so proper footwear is recommended, but the effort is worth it as the two viewpoints offer beautiful views of glaciers, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding mountain landscape. These are great spots to stop for a break, take in the scenery, and have a snack. The trail continues along...
- (4799)•Moderate•2.2 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThe Bench and Snow Lake Trail is a great hike for beginners, families with children, or those just looking for beautiful scenery. “The Bench” is a relatively flat, shelf-like landform on the west side of Stevens Canyon created by a lava flow that erupted about 91,000 years ago. The first part of the trail climbs up to The Bench, through patches of subalpine meadow and huckleberry shrubs to a short spur trail to reach Bench Lake. Continue on the main trail, with sections of steeper log steps,...
- (3768)•Hard•9.5 mi•Est. 5.5–6.5 hrThis trail has great views of Mount Rainier, especially from the second vista. It is mostly a sandy trail but there are rocky sections. You will pass two lakes along the way: Frozen Lake and Shadow Lake. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as mountain goats, pika, and black bears. There is not a lot of shade so be sure to bring sunscreen and water. You can also camp at Sunrise Camp on the south side of the loop. This is one of Mount Rainier National Park's many backpacking routes. A wilderness...
- (2524)•Moderate•3.8 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThis loop follows two popular trails in Mount Rainier National Park. Begin by hiking up the Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls, then connect with the Golden Gates Trail to Golden Gates Falls. Rejoin the Skyline Trail and follow it as it loops back to the trailhead. This route features beautiful views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape. There are some steep sections that can be snow-covered, so make sure to come prepared.
- (4070)•Easy•1.1 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis family-friendly trail features beautiful views of Nisqually Glacier with a short walk to the Jackson Visitor Center. You may encounter snow through June and July. According to the park website, this trail is suitable for strollers but is not wheelchair-accessible due to a staircase at the trailhead.
Visitor info
A timed entry reservation is required only for the Sunrise Corridor in the northeast corner of the park from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm daily from July 11-Sept 1, 2025, then on weekends and holidays from Sept 2 through end of the season (typically mid-October).
Grants unlimited entry for one motorcycle and passenger for seven consecutive days.
Walk-up or single bicycle fee. Grants unlimited entry for seven consecutive days.
Grants unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days. Vehicle must be private, noncommercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less.
Grants unlimited entry for one year to pass owner and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. This pass does not cover camping fees and is non-transferable and non-refundable. If you already own a valid annual or lifetime pass (Interagency Senior, Annual, Military, etc) you do not need to purchase this pass. NOTE: The Discover Pass is for Washington State Parks only and does not cover Mount Rainier National Park.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The Jackson Visitor Center, Sunrise Visitor Center (summer only), and Ohanapecosh Visitor Center (summer only) are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. The theater and dining room at the Jackson Visitor Center are also wheelchair accessible. Orientation films include closed captioning.
Loaner wheelchairs, assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available.
Additional information about accessibility at Mount Rainier National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Jackson Visitor Center, Sunrise Visitor Center (summer only), and Ohanapecosh Visitor Center (summer only) are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. The theater and dining room at the Jackson Visitor Center are also wheelchair accessible. Orientation films include closed captioning.
The Paradise Inn and National Park Inn have wheelchair accessible rooms. There is also a wheelchair accessible dining room.
The Paradise, Kautz Creek, Ohanapecosh, Cougar Rock, White River, Mowich Lake, and Stevens Canyon Picnic Areas are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.
There are accessible restrooms at the following trailheads: White River Campground (Loop C), Paul Peak, Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead, and Box Canyon overlook.
The Ohanapecosh Campground has 2 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites in Loop D and the Cougar Rock Campground has 4 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
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Frequently asked questions
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Attractions
- Hard trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Easy trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Forest trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Historic site trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Lake trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Long trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Moderate trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- No dogs trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- River trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Short trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Strenuous trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Scenic viewpoint trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Waterfall trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Wildflowers trails in Mount Rainier National Park
- Wildlife trails in Mount Rainier National Park
