Spend Two Unforgettable Days Exploring Mt. Rainier National Park

2-Day Mt. Rainier National Park Hiking Tour

Lovers of epic vistas, rugged hikes, and wildlife viewing are called to this adventure. With unparalleled hiking in Mt. Rainier National Park. We have picked our favorite hikes along each side of the Mountain to experience all that the famous volcano has to offer—from cascading waterfalls to mammoth old growth forests, panoramic views to ancient glacial ice. Mt. Rainier just keeps on giving way to the wonders around.

Start/Finish Seattle, WA Destinations: Mt. Rainier National Park Days: 2 Days Activities: Hiking, Wildlife Viewing, Visitor Centers Activity Levels: All Levels Meals Included: 1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner Lodging: Paradise Inn

Itinerary

Day 1: Sunrise, WA Begin at Sunrise Visitor’s Center with a hike above the tree-line through open heather and rocky alpine tundra on the north side of the mountain. Tree islands of whitebark pine and mountain hemlock float upon seas of meadows dotted with wildflowers. From Glacier Overlook, peer down on nearly 4.5 square miles of ice – Emmons Glacier – the largest river of ice in the contiguous states. From Second Burroughs Mountain, Mt Rainier hovers so close you can wrap your arms around her. If you can manage to tear your eyes away from the mountain for a moment, look north over the endless green carpets of Grand and Berkeley Parks and marvel at the Cascade Mountain Range extending to the horizon. Mt Baker, Glacier Peak, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains – all are visible on a clear day. Watch for mountain goats and black bears foraging or cooling themselves on the snowfields. Expected Distance: 4-6 miles Elevation: up to 1300 ft gain

Day 2: Paradise, WA Today, hike straight out the door of historic Paradise Inn up the flanks of Mt Rainier toward Camp Muir. Wildflowers, berry patches and fall colors abound on these slopes as the season progresses. Contemplate the workings of the Nisqually Glacier from above while gazing at the rugged peaks of the Tatoosh Range. Relax upon a rock and take some tea in the sunshine with the adult marmots and watch while their youngsters wrestle each other in the meadows.

After lunch, journey down the mountain into lush old growth rainforests on the western slopes of the volcano. Visit the home of northern flying squirrels and spotted owls and learn about the plants and animals that are unique to and dependent upon these original forests. Waterfalls abound in this area, cascading down into the glacial rivers below. Enjoy a full day of exploring before returning towards Seattle, having made a full circle around the most iconic peak in the state.

Expected Distance: 4-6 miles Elevation: up to 1000 ft gain