Mount Rainier Day Tour from Seattle: Paradise, Narada Falls & Longmire
Difficulty
easy
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels—expect short walks and standing at viewpoints; minimal sustained elevation gain.
Overview
Drive from Seattle into Mount Rainier National Park for a day of waterfalls, visitor centers, short hikes and glacier views. This full-day tour packs Paradise, Narada Falls, Longmire and reflective alpine lakes into a single, guide-led outing.
Mount Rainier Day Tour from Seattle: Paradise, Narada Falls & Longmire
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You climb into a minivan in downtown Seattle at dawn, coffee still warm, and watch the city peel away toward the Cascades. The highway follows a ribbon of river and farmland, then the trees thicken and the mountain asserts itself—an indifferent glacier-pocked summit that keeps its distance even as its lower flanks draw you nearer. The driver-guide steers with practiced calm; their cadence is conversational, part naturalist, part road manager, part map of local stories.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for mountain weather
Temperatures vary sharply with elevation—bring a warm mid-layer and a waterproof shell even in summer.
Comfortable footwear
Most stops are short walks over wet rock and boardwalks—waterproof hiking shoes with good tread are recommended.
Bring extra water
Bottled water is provided but carry a refillable bottle—elevation and dry sun can dehydrate you on short hikes.
Download maps offline
Cell service is intermittent in the park; save a park map and emergency contacts before you leave Seattle.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black bear
- Marmot
History
The park was established in 1899; the Longmire district preserves early park administration and Native American travel corridors across the mountain’s southern approaches.
Conservation
Mount Rainier’s heavy glacier cover and fragile alpine meadows are sensitive to trampling and climate-driven glacial retreat—stay on trails and pack out waste.
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Adventure Hotspots in Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking shoes
Good traction and water resistance make short trails and wet viewing platforms safer and more comfortable.
Layered clothing (base, mid, shell)
Mountain weather shifts quickly; layers let you adapt to sun, wind, and occasional snow.
Daypack with water and snacks
Carry extra water, snacks, sunscreen and a small first-aid kit for the day.
Camera with polarizer or smartphone
A polarizer reduces glare on lakes and enhances contrast on glacier and waterfall shots.