25 Fun and Exciting Things to Do in Mount Rainier National Park
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re making your way to Mount Rainier National Park and want to know how best to experience this beautiful destination.
This guide is designed to help you make your visit better, with insider tips on the coolest things to do and hidden gems around the park.
Mount Rainier is no ordinary national park: It’s a place of unrivaled beauty, complete with snow-covered peaks, lush wildflower meadows and endless adventure.
From beautiful hikes to exciting viewpoints, this guide will be going over everything you can do while visiting Mount Rainier.
Within you’ll find a distilled list of things to do that highlight the park’s varied topographies, perfect for newcomers and frequent-fliers alike.
Whether you’re after an easy walk around the park or an adrenaline-pumping experience, this guide will provide all the insights you’ll need for an amazing visit.
Then jump in with us and learn more about why Mount Rainier is a bucket list location for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
1. Hike the Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail is one of the most iconic hikes in Mt. Rainier, providing stellar views of the mountain and the surrounding valleys.
This 5.5-mile loop carries you through verdant overlapping meadows and by gushing waterfalls, culminating in spectacular panoramas that will have you feeling like you’re on top of the world.
The highlight of the trail is Panorama Point, where you can get a close-up of Mount Rainier, as well as views of Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens and even Mount Hood (on a clear day).
It is moderately challenging with steep sections but well worth the effort, ideal for hikers seeking rewards.
Do not forget to carry enough water and a camera to capture all the beautiful sights around.
2. Visit Paradise Visitor Center
You’ll want to stop at the Paradise Visitor Center, which is one of the park’s most scenic spots, and has great exhibits and views.
You’ll learn about the park’s history, geology and wildlife through interactive displays, making it an excellent launching pad for your adventure.
In summer months, picturesque meadows full of wildflowers bloom, adding a colorful background contrast to the amazing Mount Rainier in the area surrounding the park outside.
It is also the jumping off point for many of the parks great hikes including the Skyline Trail and the Nisqually Vista Trail, giving it an awesome location for exploring the park.
The visitor center includes a café and gift shop, a good place to snag a snack or souvenir before returning to explore.
3. Drive the Scenic Sunrise Road
Sunrise Road leads you to the highest point you can reach by car in Mount Rainier National Park, and the views along the way are killer.
The 15-mile drive passes through alpine forests and meadows, with plenty of pullouts where you can stop and take in the scenery.
Above, the Sunrise Visitor Center, where even more incredible views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding Cascades can be found.
This area is famous for its remarkable sunrises, hence the name, and it’s also a good place to see wildlife; mountain goats and marmots are frequently sighted.
Whether you’re driving up for a short visit or intent on hiking one of the trails that begins at Sunrise, this road is worth doing.
4. Visit Reflection Lakes
Reflection Lakes is one of the most photographed parts of the park, as its glassy calms reflect the image of Mount Rainier itself.
Just after Stevens Canyon Road these lakes are very accessible and have a few short hiking trails allowing you to explore.
Sunrise is the best time to visit — the water is still, and you can get the reflections of the mountain in the lake.
In the summer, the area around the lakes is filled with colorful wildflowers, and in the fall, the landscape turns into shades of autumn, a perfect time to enjoy it all.
If you’re looking to hike, picnic or just soak in the views, Reflection Lakes is a peaceful place to stop that you’ll want to check out.
5. Hike to Comet Falls
Comet Falls is one of Mount Rainier National Park’s most spectacular waterfalls, plummeting almost 400 feet down a steep cliff face.
The round-trip hike to the falls is about 3.8 miles and winds through lush old-growth forests and alongside the rushing Van Trump Creek.
The roar of water reaches your ears as you get closer to the falls; it’s stunning to see it cascading down into a misty pool at the base of Comet Falls.
The trail can be steep and rocky in areas, but the stunning vistas and cool spray of the waterfall are worth every step.
Also wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring a light jacket; the mist from the falls is refreshing but also cold.
6. Camp at the Cougar Rock Campground
The known Cougar Rock Campground is likely the most popular camping spot inside the park, given its location in the Paradise area and surrounded by dense forests and scenic views.
So it’s a terrific base for Mount Rainier, and the campground, which has 173 campsites for both tents and RVs, provides a nice one.
Camping here gives you the chance to experience the park’s beauty in full, including the sounds of the forest and stunning starry nights.
It’s also well-placed near several trailheads, allowing you easy access to some of the park’s best hikes and viewpoints.
Reservations are highly recommended, especially in the busy summer months, to make sure you get at beautiful campground.
7. Discover Grove of the Patriarchs
Grove of the Patriarchs is a short, family-friendly hike that leads through an ancient forest where towers some trees more than 1,000 years old.
The 1.5-mile loop crosses a suspension bridge spanning the Ohanapecosh River and lingers in a magic grove of giant cedar, fir and hemlock trees.
As you walk among these giants, you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time, surrounded by trees that have been here for centuries.
The trail is relatively level and easy, making it suitable for all ages and an ideal place for a gentle walk in the woods.
Be sure to bring your camera — the cathedral-like trees and swaths of green ferns make for ideal nature photo ops.
8. Paradise in the Winter: Snowshoeing
If you are visiting Mount Rainier in winter, snowshoeing at the Paradise area of Mount Rainier is an absolute must and is one of the best ways to explore the park’s snow-covered landscapes.
The Paradise region becomes a winter wonderland, its deep snow covering meadows and forests, ideal for snowshoeing.
Join a ranger-led snowshoe walk or go solo, hiking through untrammeled snow with spectacular views of Mount Rainier looming nearby.
Snowshoeing here at Paradise is good for novices, since the terrain is gentle, and the guided tours include all the gear and instruction you’ll need.
It’s a quest that allows you to experience the park’s scenery in a completely different light, with the serenity of the snowy terrain making it all more enchanting.
9. Hike the Wonderland Trail
Wonderland Trail(93 miles) One of the longest multi-day experiences, the Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile loop around Mount Rainier size that you will not soon forget.
This trail covers almost every kind of terrain found in the park, from thick forests and alpine meadows to rocky ridges and glacial water crossings.
Hiking the entire trail usually takes 10-14 days, but you can tackle shorter stretches as well, if the full-loop experience isn’t for you.
Each segment is special in its own right: sweeping vistas of the mountain, colorful wildflowers, lakeside campsites.
To stay overnight, you’ll need a permit, so be sure to plan ahead if you’re thinking of taking on this iconic trail.
10. Visit Narada Falls
Narada Falls is one of the park’s most accessible waterfalls, sitting just off the main road, making it an easy and rewarding stop.
The waterfall cascades 168 feet over a jagged rock face, forming a beautiful, misty waterfall — if you time your visit at the right hour, it’s particularly stunning in the mid-afternoon light.
There’s a brief trail that brings you down to the base of the falls, where you can get a close-up look at the rumbling water and provides an ideal photo op.
During winter, Narada Falls usually freezes stunningly, making it a very sought after place to visit.
It’s a quick stop, but packs a punch, touching on the power and beauty of Mount Rainier’s waterways.
11. Hike the Naches Peak Loop
The 3.5-mile Naches Peak Loop has some of the best views in all of the park, particularly in the fall when the foliage is coruscating golden and red.
These we do, and one is the hike around Naches Peak, where there are views of Mount Rainier, alpine lakes and the summer flowers covering the meadows.
It’s a less demanding path with gradual ascents, which makes it ideal for families and anyone seeking a more mellow hike.
You’ll pass crystal-clear Tarn Lake, which on still days perfectly reflects surrounding peaks.
This loop is an excellent opportunity to experience the park’s eclectic landscape without the commitment of a long or difficult hike.
12. Climb to Camp Muir
For those wanting a bit more of a challenge, the hike up to Camp Muir is a thrilling adventure that takes hikers up high on Mount Rainier’s slopes.
This challenging 10-mile round-trip trek begins at Paradise and ascends to Camp Muir, the base camp for climbers who wish to summit Mount Rainier.
Along the way, you’ll traverse snowfields, gain more than 4,600 feet in elevation and be rewarded with sweeping views of surrounding peaks and glaciers.
So the trail is not for the faint of heart and requires appropriate gear, like crampons and ice axes; but the sense of accomplishment, at Camp Muir, is second to none.
If you don’t plan on making the summit, Camp Muir is still a good place to get a taste of being high up one of North America’s most iconic mountains.
13. Marvel at Myrtle Falls
Myrtle Falls is an album-worthy waterfall that’s a short stroll from the Paradise Visitor Center, making it an easy stop on any itinerary.
The 72-foot waterfall tumbles into a rocky gorge with Mount Rainier looming majestically in the background, delivering one of the most photographed views in the park.
The path to Myrtle Falls is paved and accessible for all ages and abilities, so families with strollers or wheelchairs can navigate it, too.
Go in the summer for wildflowers that cover the surrounding meadows, or in the fall when the landscape becomes a kaleidoscope of reds and oranges.
It’s a fast but fulfilling visit that embodies the beauty of Mount Rainier’s incredible natural beauty in a single spot.
14. Discover Tipsoo Lake
Tipsoo Lake is a secret little jewel of a place at the top of the Chinook Pass with wide expanses of wildflower meadows, plus killer views of Mount Rainier.
This small yet stunning lake is right off the road and has a short loop around the lake with many opportunities to snap a photo.
In the summer, the region is blanketed in wildflower, and in the fall the surrounding flora turns golden and adds extra magic to the spot.
The calm waters of the lake mirrored Mount Rainier on sunny days, and it was a good place to photograph the sunrise or sunset.
Tipsoo Lake is a must-visit lake, whether you want a quiet place to lounge or the best viewpoint with minimum effort.
15. Take the Mount Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain
The Mount Rainier Gondola at Crystal Mountain presents an exciting way to take in the park’s beauty from above and offers stunning aerial views of the mountain itself.
The gondola soars to 6,872 feet, offering expansive panoramas of Mount Rainier, the Cascades, and the surrounding valleys.
16. Carbon River Rainforest
Of all the sections of Mount Rainier National Park, none stands out as different as the Carbon River Rainforest, a lush and green temperate rainforest found nowhere else in the park.
Heavy rains fall in this region, creating dense forests with high trees, thick moss, and colorful ferns that feel like a jungle.
The Carbon River Road is a short drive to several easy walks, including the Carbon Glacier trail, which leads to the lowest elevation glacier in the contiguous United States.
Wildlife abounds here, with deer, black bears and a variety of birds visible as visitors hike through the misty, green terrain.
This area of the park is a hidden jewel that seems worlds away from the drier, more alpine landscapes of the rest of Mount Rainier.
17. Stargaze at Sunrise Point
Sunrise Point is not only a stunning area in daylight but arguably one of the better stargazing spots in the park, unobstructed surrounding the sky overhead.
Perched more than 6,400 feet up, at this viewpoint you can see unobstructed stars, with Mount Rainier making a beautiful silhouette against the night.
With little light pollution, the site is perfect for stargazing, and onclear nights, you can spot the Milky Way and shooting stars, as well as planets.
Grab a blanket and some hot chocolate, and enjoy a magical evening under the stars, away from the hustle and bustle of city lights.
A peaceful and humbling experience perfect for anyone wanting to connect with nature in an entirely new way.
18. Hike the Sunrise Nature Trail
Sunrise Nature Trail: A short but sweet loop with spectacular views of Mount Rainier and surrounding subalpine meadows.
This 1.5-mile hike is perfect for anyone who prefers a gentle stroll in exchange for dazzling sights, like wildflowers, wildlife and sweeping views.
Interpretive signs along the trail explain the park’s geology, flora and fauna, which makes it as informative as it is beautiful.
The wildflowers bloom especially nicely in late summer, and the view is extraordinarily colorful here against the backdrop of the mountains.
It’s a perfect introduction to the Sunrise region, giving visitors a taste of what makes Mount Rainier so special without the necessity of a long hike.
19. Visit the Longmire Museum and Historic District
The Longmire area is the oldest developed site in the park, and the Longmire Museum is where to go to learn about the history of Mount Rainier.
The museum features exhibits on the park’s early exploration, the creation of the park and the area’s geology and ecology, making it an interesting stop for history buffs.
The surrounding historic district is home to rustic early 20th-century buildings that provide insight into the park’s history and early visitor experiences.
This area also includes convenient access to nearby hiking trails such as the Trail of the Shadows, which is a short loop that leads you through forests and past historic cabins and mineral springs.
Longmire is the perfect place to kick off your morning with a better understanding of the park’s storied history before setting out for further exploration.
20. Take a dip in the Ohanapecosh Hot Springs
For those looking to escape the crowds, the Ohanapecosh Hot Springs area offers a state of mind within the park, along with clean, cold-water springs and a hillside view over a meandering river.
The springs are no longer hot, thanks to geological changes, but it remains a lovely area for forest walks and picnics.
The Silver Falls Loop is a popular one here, carrying you to the stunning Silver Falls, as the Ohanapecosh River cascades over rocks into a crystalline blue pool.
This is a quieter part of the park, away from the hustle and bustle of the more popular areas, and it is a beautiful, peaceful forested area.
It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely day on the road, with options to hike, picnic and take in the park’s tranquil river scenery.
21. Stargazing at Tipsoo Lake
Tipsoo Lake, near the park’s east entrance, is one of the park’s most photographed spots, known for its crystal-clear water and stunning views of Mount Rainier.
Which means that, come nighttime, the lake area is prime stargazing real estate, with low light pollution that can yield a view of the Milky Way, constellations and even the occasional meteor.
Boxing in the mountain silhouetted against the night sky, bring a blanket, some hot cocoa, a pair of binoculars, and enjoy an evening of quiet under the stars.
A short, easy trail leads to the lake, making this a perfect destination for families or for those who just want to enjoy nature without waning in a hiking effort.
By day, it’s a great spot for picnicking and photography, surrounded by blooming wildflowers around the lake in summer and vibrant fall colors later in the season.
22. Revealing the Hidden Mowich Lake
Mowich Lake is the largest and deepest lake in Mount Rainier National Park and features the clearest, pristine waters and nice views of Mount Rainier’s northwest face.
It’s a less-traveled stretch of the park that is only reachable by a jagged, gravel road, so it’s not overrun with visitors like other areas in the park, making it a hidden gem to those who know to make the trek.
You get to kayak, fish, or simply chill at the lakeshore on your own time accompanied by wind breezes and chirping birds under tall trees.
A number of hiking trails depart from the lake, including the scenic Spray Park Trail that guides you through wildflower meadows, past waterfalls and to stunning viewpoints.
There is camping available near the lake too, providing an opportunity for a night of huddling around the campfire and then stargazing up in the wilderness.
23. Hike Sourdough Ridge Trail
The Sourdough Ridge Trail boasts some of the most sweeping views in Mount Rainier National Park, including breathtaking views of the Cascade Range, meadows and (of course) the prominent peak itself.
The moderate trail starts near the Sunrise V
isitor Center and follows ridges with lovely wildflowers in the summer and gorgeous fall colors later in the year.
On the descent, you’ll pass several vantage points offering stunning views of Mount Rainier and other peaks — a photographer’s dream.
The trail also tends to be less crowded than some of the more popular hikes, so you can find a whole lot of areas for a moment to take it all in.
Sourdough Ridge offers a great mix of ease of access and gorgeous views, whether you’re visiting for a short walk, or making an effort to catch a sunrise or sunset.
24. Discover Christine Falls
Christine Falls is one of Mount Rainier National Park’s most scenic and accessible waterfalls, with a 60-foot cascade beautifully framed by a historic stone bridge.
The waterfall is visible from the road, making it an easy stop for visitors of all ages and physical abilities who want to see the park’s natural beauty without a long hike.
The beauty of Christine Falls shines especially in the early morning or late afternoon light, when the sun hits the water just so, making for a wonderfully calming yet eye-catching view.
Surrounded by foliage and mossy rocks this place feels like something out of a fairy tale, and acts as the perfect backdrop for lasting photos.
Whether you’re merely passing through or are spending your day visiting the park, directly next to the road you will find Christine Falls, a peaceful and picturesque place that exemplifies the beauty of Mount Rainier.
25. The Waterfalls of Van Trump Park Hidden in Plain Sight
Van Trump Park features quieter, less crowded hiking, leading to some of Mount Rainier’s most beautiful hidden waterfalls.
Beginning at the Comet Falls trailhead, the trail climbs gradually through verdant forests, featuring tumbling waterfalls such as Christine Falls and Comet Falls along the way.
As you ascend, panoramic vistas of the thundering falls will greet you, as well as bright, roiling wildflowers in summer or stunning reds in autumn contrasting against the stone.
While the hike is moderately challenging, the views make every step worth it, as you traverse idyllic alpine meadows, rocky outcrops and misty spray from the falls.
Van Trump Park is a serene escape into nature, where you can soak in the sights and sounds of waterfalls bubbling away and admire the park’s pristine beauty off the beaten trail.
Conclusion 25 Things to Do in Mount Rainier National Park
There are so much to do in Mount Rainier National Park and also provide amazing vistas that makes it a beautiful place in the Pacific Northwest.
There’s a perfect excursion from easy to strenuous strolls, still lakes to crashing waterfalls — something for everyone to enjoy.
This guide has outlined some of the park’s best offerings, whether you’re a first-time visitor or an experienced explorer.
Each activity offers a unique way to connect with nature, explore the beauty of the park, and create lasting memories.
When you visit, respect the park’s environment, pack out what you bring in and behold the stunning sights that make Mount Rainier so extraordinary.
Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or just a breath of fresh mountain air, Mount Rainier has something amazing waiting for you.
