Mt. Rainier Day Tour from Seattle — Paradise, Waterfalls & Old-Growth Forests
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for average fitness; participants should be comfortable standing and doing short walks up to 1–2 miles total.
Overview
Leave the city at dawn and spend an action-packed day with a guide exploring Mt. Rainier’s glaciers, waterfalls, and old-growth forests. This guided mini-coach tour offers optional short hikes, interpretive centers, and adaptable stops tailored to road and weather conditions.
Mt. Rainier Day Tour from Seattle — Paradise, Waterfalls & Old-Growth Forests
Select participants and date
You step onto a cool coach at dawn, the skyline of Seattle shrinking behind you as the Cascades draw nearer. Through large windows the city’s glass and steel give way to farmland and then to fir-dark forests. The driver negotiates the highway as your guide outlines the day: stops at Longmire, Christine Falls, Paradise or Sunrise, and a handful of photo and waterfall pulls that change with road and weather conditions.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Layer for rapid weather changes
Temperatures on the mountain can swing from warm sun to freezing drizzle—pack breathable layers and a waterproof shell.
Bring cash for lunch options
The Paradise visitor center cafe may be open seasonally; have cash or a card for cafe meals or picnic supplies at the grocery stop.
Wear sturdy footwear
Short, sometimes muddy boardwalks and trails are offered—trail runners or hiking shoes provide comfort and traction.
Camera prep for reflections
If a still-lake stop is possible, bring a polarizer to reduce glare and a wide-angle lens for reflection shots.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Black-tailed deer
- Marmots or pikas in higher meadows (seasonal)
History
Mt. Rainier has long been important to local Native American tribes and later became a national park in 1899; Longmire served as the original park headquarters.
Conservation
The park manages fragile alpine meadows and glaciers—stay on designated trails and pack out all trash to reduce impact.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof jacket
Protects against rain and wind that can arrive suddenly on the mountain.
spring specific
Sturdy hiking shoes
Grip and support for short trail sections and uneven viewpoints.
Layered clothing (fleece or thermal)
Keeps you comfortable through rapid temperature changes from lowland warmth to alpine chill.
fall specific
Camera with polarizing filter
Improves landscape and reflection photos, especially at lakes and waterfalls.
summer specific