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.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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.
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.
Wildlife
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.
Reserve your spot on the Mt. Rainier Tour and Guided Hike today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
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.
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
Daypack with water and snacks
Carry layers, snacks, water and a small first-aid kit for the full-day outing.