There are so many incredible hikes in Mount Rainier National Park! Whether you’re looking for towering mountain views, waterfalls, or wildflowers- there’s a trail for everyone.
These are the best hikes in Mount Rainier!
Need help planning your trip? Head over to my Mount Rainier travel guide for everything you need to know!
1. Skyline Loop
(Paradise) This is one of the most popular trails in the park for good reason- the 360º views are sooo incredible!
I recommend taking the trail clockwise for breathtaking views of Mount Rainier right off the bat.
This makes the uphill climb a little easier!
If there are snowy conditions, I recommend taking the trail counterclockwise, unless you have spikes or poles.
This way, you can enjoy butt-sledding down the snowy, steeper side. (So fun!)
It’s pretty easy to get turned around on the upper part of the loop, so bring a trail map.
2. Snow Lake
(Paradise) Follow this gorgeous trail through alpine meadows until you’re rewarded with views of the serene Snow Lake.
I was blown away by how crystal clear and blue the water was!
I visited on a foggy, still day, and I was lucky to witness a perfect reflection.
3. Comet Falls
(Paradise) This trail is another one of my personal favorites.
It’s lushly forested (aka shade!) pretty much the entire way, with great views of the Nisqually River and a few other waterfalls.
The hike is at a pretty steep incline, but Comet Falls at the end is worth it all!
You can get as close to the base of the waterfall as you dare… the roar of the falls, and being misted in the face is all part of the adventure.
The day I hiked this trail was extremely foggy, and the pictures turned out terrible, but I had an incredible time!
4. Narada Falls
(Paradise) Narada Falls is one of the most accessible waterfalls in the park!
Beginning in the large parking lot, it just takes a short hike (more like a walk) to reach the viewpoint.
5. Mount Fremont Lookout
(Sunrise) This trail is really cool because it takes you through so many different landscapes!
Hike through subalpine meadows, rocky terrain, and past a glacial lake until you reach the old fire lookout tower (a popular instagram spot!)
Keep in mind you actually have to take the Sourdough Ridge trail from the visitors center, to reach the Mount Fremont trailhead, and begin from there.
6. Burroughs Mountain Trail
(Sunrise) If the Mount Fremont trail gets too crowded, a great alternative is the Burroughs Mountain trail!
The trail takes you to the first, second, and third Burroughs Mountains, and offers incredible close-up views of Mount Rainier’s glaciers.
7. Tolmie Peak Lookout
(Carbon River/Mowich) Another popular hike to a fire lookout, the Tolmie Peak lookout offers views of the northwest side of Mount Rainier.
8. Silver Falls Loop
(Ohanapecosh) Silver Falls Loop is a beautiful trail that follows the Ohanapecosh River.
The trail features Silver Falls, and a few smaller waterfalls.
You can turn back at Silver Falls to shorten the hike, or continue on to the full loop.
If you want some incredible angles… go a little off-road and scramble out onto the riverbank rocks! (So fun!)
Just be careful, they’re slippery!
9. Grove Of The Patriarchs
(Ohanapecosh) The Grove Of The Patriarchs is a fun nature trail leading through trees that are over a thousand years old!
These massive trees have withstood volcanic eruptions, floods, and more for a millennia.
They really make you feel small physically, and metaphorically!
10. Wonderland
The mother of all hikes in Mount Rainer National Park!!
This 96.2 mile trail is a giant loop around the entire park, recommended for the most experienced of adventurers! (*sigh* maybe one day!)
Happy travels!
Always make sure to check trail conditions and updates on the National Park Service official website.
If you need help planning your trip, head over to my Mount Rainier travel guide for everything you need to know! Happy hiking! xo
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