![]() The highest point in Mount Rainier National Park reachable by vehicle at 6,400 feet, Sunrise Point offers nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys, Mount Rainier, and Mount Adams. If you have time and energy, hike the nearby Pinnacle Saddle/Plummer Peak trail. ![]() One of the most photographed views in Mount Rainier National Park, the crystal-clear pond mirrors Rainier’s beauty best in the stillness of morning. Accessible by car 3 miles east of Paradise on Stevens Canyon Road, the lake is framed with wildflowers in the summer and reflects gorgeous colors in the fall. Take home a little of the mountain’s majesty with a classic photo op at Reflection Lake. Those hunting for waterfalls will find plenty of trail options ranging from easy to difficult. Another favorite is the route to Panorama Point from Paradise. Day-hike standouts include the 3.5-mile Naches Peak Loop, which overlaps with the storied Pacific Crest Trail. More than 260 miles of maintained trails weave through Mount Rainier National Park. ![]() In the winter, Paradise is the primary destination in the park, offering activities such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. In the spring and summer, the valley’s meadows are awash in colorful wildflowers, making it the perfect time for a hike. Stop by the visitor center for interpretive exhibits, a short film about the active volcanic history, and trail updates from park rangers. Paradise is home to the park’s main visitor center and the rough-hewn Paradise Inn, which opened in 1917. Those looking to stretch their legs in nature can head to nearby trails, including the short Trail of the Shadows. Explore the Longmire Districtĭive into the history of the park at the small Longmire Museum, housed in the park’s original 1916 headquarters building, or take a self-guided historic district walking tour. Intrepid adventurers can attempt Rainier’s icy summit on their own or recruit an adventure guide such as RMI Expeditions (just don’t forget a permit). Mount Rainier dominates Western Washington’s skyline, and the volcano’s 14,411-foot summit remains the most glaciated and prominent peak in the contiguous United States. Read on for some of the best things to do in the Mount Rainier National Park. Parking lots can fill up quickly on weekends. The majority of the park’s 147 miles of roads are open seasonally from late May to early October, while the Longmire and Paradise areas are open year-round.ĭue to the park’s popularity, aim to arrive as early as possible or visit during the week. Spanning 369 square miles, the park includes five developed areas, three visitor centers, a museum, campgrounds, two inns, and several wilderness and climbing centers.
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