{"id":11153,"date":"2021-02-03T14:47:17","date_gmt":"2021-02-03T22:47:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.jauntyeverywhere.com\/?p=11153"},"modified":"2024-03-18T10:23:58","modified_gmt":"2024-03-18T17:23:58","slug":"plan-trip-mt-rainier-national-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.jauntyeverywhere.com\/plan-trip-mt-rainier-national-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Plan Your Trip to Mt. Rainier National Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Use this guide to plan your trip to Mt. Rainer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
What is Mt. Rainier National Park?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mt. Rainier National Park is in Washington state, southeast of Seattle. The park covers 369 square miles. The glacier-capped peak is 14,410 feet. The highest point reachable by car is at 6400-foot Sunrise peak. The park is open year-round and offers four seasons of outdoor recreation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
10 Easy hikes at Mt. Rainier National Park:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the Longmire area, the Trail of Shadows is a 0.7-mile<\/strong> nature loop. The trail encircles Longmire Meadow. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This short hike features the Longmire family story and the history of the park. You will see ruins of original park buildings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Twin Firs is a 0.4-mile <\/strong>loop trail that winds through old growth forest. You can see giant Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western red cedars as well as forest wildflowers. In the summer, western trillium, vanilla leaf, and bunchberry are in season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fall, this hike is even more beautiful as the vine maples turn red. <\/p>\n\n\n\n One section of the trail is a bit tricky. You will be climbing a short hillside, crossing a creek on a log bridge, and climbing back down to the trailhead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A beautiful hike to an alpine lake. A moderate 2.5-miles<\/strong> roundtrip, Snow Lake is a good hike for families. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You get two lakes for the price of one, a quarter-mile in you will bring you to Bench Lake. A flat area around the lake gives it its name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The trail gains 700 feet in elevation, but this is spread out in gentle ups and downs over the trail’s length. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Snow Lake is a good place to hunt huckleberries in the fall. (Remember, the parks black bears also like huckleberries, use your bear sense.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like many trails on Mt. Rainier, the Snow Lake route may be snow-covered until July. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The 1.2-mile<\/strong> loop trail winds through a subalpine meadow and offers Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier’s best views. This is an excellent hike for families and is stroller accessible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Begins at the west end of the Paradise parking lot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The most popular trail in the park is 5.5 miles <\/strong>round-trip. This hike gains 1700 feet of elevation. I (Cheri) about died on this hike at a low-moderate fitness level. Be sure you can walk 5 miles without much effort and run up and down the stairs at home a few times without wheezing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It is recommended to hike the trail clockwise. At the 2-mile mark, there’s a toilet at Panorama Point. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This trail is often covered in snow until July, but after that, it’s one of the best places to see wildflowers and marmots poking their heads out of the ground. You will also be distracted by gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier, Nisqually Glacier, and on crystal clear days, Mt. Hood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other highlights on this hike are Myrtle Falls and Stevens-Van Trump Memorial. (If your goal is Myrtle Falls, you only need to hike 1-mile roundtrip)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The trail begins in the parking lot of Paradise, just behind the Visitor Center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hot Springs is in the Ohanapecosh area – the shady side of the park. The nature trail is 0.5-miles<\/strong> and begins behind the Visitor Center. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You will stroll under towering evergreens to your destination, the waters of Ohanapecosh Hot Springs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just west of the Stevens Canyon Entrance is the 1.3-mile<\/strong> Grove of the Patriarchs. The trail has practically no elevation gain and offers interpretive panels that introduce the forest giants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The highlight of this trail is the Ohanapecosh River and the 1000-year-old Douglas fir and western red cedar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No, I take that back. The real highlight is the suspension bridge. It has a nice bounce, giving this family-friendly hike a ‘Swiss Family Robinson’ feel. The trail is designed to bring you back across the bridge, giving you two chances to feel like an adventurer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Besides having the coolest name, Sourdough Ridge is a 1.3-mile<\/strong> roundtrip. It’s the perfect hike for alpine scenery. On a clear day, you will see Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mount Adams. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sourdough Ridge is in the Sunrise area. Road conditions can be dicey (aka icy) until July. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A rare sighting of a rain forest on the high alpine slopes. The trailhead is at the Carbon River Entrance and is 0.3-miles<\/strong> roundtrip. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After hiking the Carbon River Road for 1.2-miles,<\/strong> you will take a spur trail 0.25-miles to a gated mine entrance for a little Mt. Rainier history hike. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To see current trail conditions<\/a> visit the NPS website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pets and bicycles are NOT allowed on park trails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n More advanced hikers and mountaineers see NPS information on Wilderness permits and use of The 93-mile Wonderland Trail<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A full list of Mt. Rainier trails<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4 Waterfalls to see at Mt. Rainier National Park:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The view is accessible by car – the top of the falls sits at parking lot level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a better view, a 0.2-mile<\/strong> roundtrip walk will bring you to a viewpoint at the bottom. (Note: The trail can be slippery) <\/p>\n\n\n\n Located on the Skyline Trail (see above), Myrtle Falls’ trip is a flat, paved 0.8-miles<\/strong>. The trail begins just behind the Visitor Center at Paradise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visiting Comet Falls is for the big boys (and girls). 1300-feet of elevation gain over 1.9-miles<\/strong> is no joke – because you also have to climb back down, which can be just as challenging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, this is the tallest waterfall in the park you can reach by trail if you’re game. Your reward is a stunning 320 feet of water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have your heart set on seeing waterfalls, but don’t feel up to the steep trek to Comet, try the Silver Falls trail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A 2.7-mile<\/strong> loop takes you to a 40-foot waterfall cascading over a series of ledges. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Named for the mirror image of Mt. Rainier, you can catch it on the surface. Just don’t bet the farm – conditions have to be perfect to score that photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cluster of lakes sit near the road; a short path connects them, it’s worth getting out of the car for a closer look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An alpine lake, accessible by car. Drive up and around the lake to a large pull-out for beautiful views. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Tipsoo is famous for being photogenic. <\/p>\n\n\n\n (Note: Naches Peak trail<\/a> leaves from Tipsoo Lake)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Longmire is the original hub of the park. Back in the day, it featured a hot spring, hotel, and the first visitor center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Plan to spend 2-3 hours in the Longmire area. The Trail of Shadows (see above) starts here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, stop by the Longmire Museum and the historic National Park Inn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When is the best time to see wildflowers at Mt. Rainier National Park?<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Mt. Rainier National Park, wildflower season begins in June after the snow melts in the subalpine meadows. The wildflower season peaks in July and August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The park offers several resources to help you. Check out the Mount Rainier Wildflower bulletin for quick two-page photo identification.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out the extensive online Wildflower Guide <\/a>– which helps you pinpoint by location and color. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For even more help, purchase a wildflower guide book in one of the NPS park stores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Paradise area of Mt. Rainier is one of the most popular destinations in the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The impressive Paradise Inn is one draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will also find the Jackson Visitor Center – a key stop for park information and ranger help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A picnic area and restrooms are also useful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Paradise is the jumping off point for the Skyline Trail (see above).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finally, Paradise is the center of winter recreation on Mt. Rainier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many routes to see the majestic Mt. Rainier National Park:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 147 miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n Open late May – October<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get a map and guide<\/a> from Visit Rainier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 129 miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n Open late May – October<\/p>\n\n\n\n Get a map and guide<\/a> from Visit Rainier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 83 miles<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2.5 hours<\/p>\n\n\n\n Open mid-June – October <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get a map and guide<\/a> from Visit Rainier <\/p>\n\n\n\n The rangers lead snowshoe walks on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 11 am and 1:30 pm. These guided walks last about 2 hours. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You will need to sign up at the Jackson Visitor Center (Paradise) one hour before the walk – it’s first come, first served. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A minimum of 5-feet of snow is necessary (recommended?) for skiing and snowboarding in the park. For current conditions and trails, advice check with the rangers at Jackson Visitor Center (Paradise) on weekends and holidays and Longmire every day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The snow play zone is at Paradise. Depending on snow accumulation, it opens in late December – mid-March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the only place sledding and sliding are allowed in the park. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Flexible sleds, inner tubes and saucers are allowed. Toboggans and sleds made of hard, inflexible material are not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n OK…if you want to! Here’s the link for more information on camping<\/a> in the park when it’s freezing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Twin Firs Loop <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
3. Snow Lake<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
4. Nisqually Vista Trail<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
5. Skyline Trail<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
6. Hot Springs Nature Trail<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
7. Grove of the Patriarchs<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
8. Sourdough Ridge Nature Trail<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
9. Carbon River Rain Forest Nature Trail<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
10. Old Mine Trail <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Two<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Waterfalls<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
1. Narada Falls <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
2. Myrtle Falls <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
3. Comet Falls <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
4. Silver Falls <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Three<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lakes<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Reflection Lakes<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Tipsoo Lake <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Four<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Longmire<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Five<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wildflowers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Six<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Paradise<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Seven<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Scenic drives<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Loop 1: Circle the mountain<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Loop 2: Take the Scenic Byway<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Loop 3: Follow the road to Paradise<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Eight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Winter recreation<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Snow shoeing <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Cross-country skiing and snowboarding<\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Tubing <\/h5>\n\n\n\n
Winter Camping<\/h5>\n\n\n\n