Guided Hikes at Mt. Rainier: Paradise Day Tour from Seattle
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Should have a moderate fitness level: able to walk 2–3 miles on uneven terrain and handle short elevation changes at 5,400–5,500 ft.
Overview
Drive out of Seattle for a full-day guided tour to Mt. Rainier’s Paradise: short guided hikes, glacier views, Narada and Christine Falls, and snowshoeing in winter when trails are white. A practical, scenic introduction to the park’s high-country highlights.
Guided Hikes at Mt. Rainier: Paradise Day Tour from Seattle
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By midmorning the van grinds out of Seattle and the city’s glass and steel peel away to reveal fir-dark slopes and a sky that grows colder and clearer as Mount Rainier fills the windshield. Within two hours you’ve moved from freeway noise to a quieter world where trails push into old-growth forest, waterfalls drum the valley floor, and glaciers spill from the mountain’s upper flanks. The guide drops the doors and for a few hours the mountain does what mountains do best: it rearranges priorities.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures at Paradise can swing widely—bring a breathable base, insulating mid-layer and waterproof shell.
Bring sturdy, waterproof boots
Trails can be muddy, snowy, or icy; ankle support and waterproofing make the short hikes far more comfortable.
Expect long travel time
The tour is a 10–11 hour day including about 2 hours each way from Seattle; pack snacks and plan for a late return.
Sun and altitude care
UV intensifies at elevation—sunscreen and sunglasses are important even on cool days; hydrate to reduce altitude fatigue.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black bear
- Marmot and hoary marmots (in summer)
History
Mount Rainier has been a sacred landmark and hunting ground for local Indigenous tribes for millennia; the national park was established in 1899 and shaped early national park policy in the Pacific Northwest.
Conservation
Alpine meadows and glacier-fed systems are sensitive to trampling and climate change—stay on trails, pack out waste, and follow Leave No Trace practices to protect fragile subalpine flora.
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Adventure Hotspots in Seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking boots
Keeps feet dry and supported on muddy, snowy or rocky trails.
Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
Warmth for picnic stops and windy viewpoints at higher elevation.
Microspikes or crampons
Essential in winter and shoulder seasons when trails and boardwalks are icy; guides may provide them.
winter specific
Daypack with water and snacks
Carry layers, snacks, water and a small first-aid kit for the full-day outing.