Best Hikes in Mt. Rainier National Park, WA

Default image for Nisqually Vista Trail, a 1.1-mile trail in Ashford, WA (US)

1.1 mi
1.8 km

Easy Loop

Nisqually Vista Trail

5.0

Ashford, Washington

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Myrtle Falls Hike, a 1.1-mile trail in Pierce County, WA (US)

1.1 mi
1.8 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Myrtle Falls Hike

5.0

Pierce County, Washington

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Narada Falls Trail, a 0.2-mile trail in Ashford, WA (US)

0.2 mi
0.3 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Narada Falls Trail

4.0

Ashford, Washington

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Christine Falls, a 0.1-mile trail in Longmire, WA (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Christine Falls

5.0

Longmire, Washington

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Upper Christine Falls Hike, a 0.6-mile trail in Ashford, WA (US)

0.6 mi
1 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Upper Christine Falls Hike

4.0

Ashford, Washington

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Old Mine Trail, a 0.4-mile trail in Upper Fairfax, WA (US)

0.4 mi
0.6 km

Hard Out-and-Back

Old Mine Trail

0.0

Upper Fairfax, Washington

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Carbon River Road Trail, a 2.3-mile trail in Ashford, WA (US)

2.3 mi
3.7 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Carbon River Road Trail

0.0

Ashford, Washington

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Laughingwater Creek to Three Lakes, a 12.6-mile trail in Randle, WA (US), a path surrounded by lush greenery.

12.6 mi
20.3 km

Moderate Out-and-Back

Laughingwater Creek to Three Lakes

0.0

Randle, Washington

Created By:

Sarington

Default image for Rain Forest Trail, a 0.3-mile trail in Ashford, WA (US)

0.3 mi
0.5 km

Easy Loop

Rain Forest Trail

0.0

Ashford, Washington

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Kautz Creek Nature Trail, a 0.1-mile trail in Longmire, WA (US)

0.1 mi
0.2 km

Easy Out-and-Back

Kautz Creek Nature Trail

0.0

Longmire, Washington

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Trail of the Shadows, a 0.7-mile trail in Longmire, WA (US)

0.7 mi
1.1 km

Easy Loop

Trail of the Shadows

4.0

Longmire, Washington

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Default image for Twin Firs Trail, a 0.3-mile trail in Ashford, WA (US)

0.3 mi
0.5 km

Moderate Loop

Twin Firs Trail

0.0

Ashford, Washington

Created By:

David Miller (Admin)

Key Takeaways

Mount Rainier National Park, situated near Carbonado, WA, offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and exploring subalpine meadows and old-growth forests.

The park's centerpiece, Mount Rainier, is an active volcano and a prominent landmark, requiring visitors to be aware of potential hazards and follow safety guidelines.

Planning is essential, as weather conditions can change rapidly, and reservations are often needed for camping and popular trails.

About Mt. Rainier National Park

Explore the majestic beauty of Mt. Rainier National Park, located near Carbonado, WA, and discover a diverse range of hiking experiences. From short, accessible trails like the 0.3-mile Rain Forest Trail with its wooden plank paths, to the historic 0.7-mile Trail of the Shadows near Longmire showcasing the remnants of Longmire Medical Springs Resort, there's a trail for every skill level. Whether you're seeking a quick walk to stunning waterfalls like Christine Falls or Myrtle Falls, or a longer trek such as the 12.6-mile hike from Laughingwater Creek to Three Lakes in Randle, Washington, Mt. Rainier offers unparalleled natural beauty.

Plan your Mt. Rainier adventure carefully, keeping in mind that a National Park entrance fee is required for most trailheads and pets are generally prohibited on trails within the park. Be prepared for varying trail conditions, from potentially slippery paths on the Old Mine Trail to snow on the Skyline Trail near Myrtle Falls in late spring/early summer. Always check the latest trail conditions and weather forecasts before heading out, and be aware of potential hazards such as cliffs, flash floods in areas like Kautz Creek Valley, and glacial melt. Remember to stay on marked trails, respect wildlife, and pack out everything you pack in to help preserve this natural treasure.