One-Day Mt. Rainier from Seattle: Paradise Meadows, Narada Falls & Longmire
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Good for travelers comfortable with short hikes (10–120 minutes) and long vehicle time; not strenuous but requires mobility for short walks.
Overview
Spend a full day trading Seattle’s skyline for Mount Rainier’s glaciers, waterfalls and wildflower meadows. This small-group tour covers Longmire, Narada and Paradise with guided context and included park admission—ideal for a one-day mountaintop immersion.
One-Day Mt. Rainier from Seattle: Paradise Meadows, Narada Falls & Longmire
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The bus leaves Seattle before the city sheds its glass-and-steel skin. Windows fog, coffee breathes life into sleepy faces and the Olympic Range drops away as the Cascades grow taller, darker, more immediate. By the time the road climbs out of manicured suburbs into fir-lined switchbacks, Mount Rainier is no longer a distant silhouette but a hulking presence above the treeline—white, glaciated, and steady.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Dress in layers
Temperatures change quickly with elevation—bring a waterproof shell and an insulating mid-layer.
Start early and expect a long day
Round-trip from Seattle takes about 10–11 hours total; bring snacks and be prepared for 2+ hours of driving each way.
Check road and snow conditions
Seasonal closures can change stops—verify current Mount Rainier road status on the NPS site before you leave.
Keep distance from wildlife
Deer, marmots and black bears are present—do not feed animals and store food securely while on short hikes.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Marmots
- Black-tailed deer
History
Longmire district preserves early ranger and homestead history and interprets Native American connections; the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center is a hub of that interpretation.
Conservation
Mount Rainier’s ecosystems are glacier-fed and sensitive to trampling—stay on designated trails, pack out waste, and respect seasonal closures to protect fragile meadows.
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Adventure Hotspots in Seattle
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof hiking shoes
Trails around Paradise and waterfall viewpoints can be muddy, icy or uneven depending on season.
Layered clothing and waterproof shell
Wind, sun and snow can all appear in a single day at higher elevations.
Insulated water bottle or 1L hydration
Hydration is essential during sunny summer hikes and at altitude.
summer specific
Camera or smartphone with extra battery
Reflections, waterfalls and glacier viewpoints are the day’s photographic highlights.