Gorgeous trails with mountain views and waterfalls.
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| Instagram: BrittanyWanderlust |
Rainier National Park is located in West-Central Washington state and has 260 miles of hiking trails. Drive on 147 miles of road in the park and you're bound to find many gems. The park has much to offer with its roaring cascades, gushing waterfalls, lush forests and breathtaking mountain views. Every time I visit this area I am never disappointed. Each hike I have done here is unreal. To Visit Rainier NP you will need the America the Beautiful Pass or Rainier Pass or Pay entrance Fee. For info on passes and more head here: Https://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm
Important to note that dogs are allowed in the park but not allowed on the trails.
All of these hikes are Kid Friendly except Comet Falls depends on child.
1. GREEN LAKE AND RANGER FALLS
Location: On the Carbon River Rainforest Trail
Elevation Gain: 1150ft
Miles: 9.6 Round Trip
First 3 miles is super easy on the Carbon River Rainforest Trail with views of the river and snow capped mountains in the distance. The first 3 miles is flat and some people enjoy riding their bikes on this path. At the third mile you will notice on the right of the trail the trail head for Green Lake. It is another mile to ranger falls up some switch backs. After viewing the waterfall it is only .8 mile to Green Lake up more switchbacks. The hike is about 9.6 miles round trip.
2. COMET FALLS
Location: Paradise
Elevation Gain: 1250 Ft
Miles: 3.8 Round Trip
Beautiful trail with some views of the gorge and cascades that lead to a huge 300ft waterfall. We started the hike at 3pm on a week day and the trail was not crowded at all.
The trail starts off easy and the beginning of the trail has a bridge with an amazing view of a gorge and cascading waterfalls. After the bridge the trail starts to ascend and the rest of the trail is all up. You can stop and take breaks at the switch backs if you need to. Only 200ft before Comet Falls is a three tiered waterfall called Bloucher Falls which is 124ft. tall. You can rock hop to the base of this waterfall to get a closer look.
The trail starts off easy and the beginning of the trail has a bridge with an amazing view of a gorge and cascading waterfalls. After the bridge the trail starts to ascend and the rest of the trail is all up. You can stop and take breaks at the switch backs if you need to. Only 200ft before Comet Falls is a three tiered waterfall called Bloucher Falls which is 124ft. tall. You can rock hop to the base of this waterfall to get a closer look.
Once Comet Falls is in view, keep hiking to get to the base of this huge beauty. After viewing this falls and feeling its cold spray you can continue to hike up to Van Trump Park.
3. SILVER FALLS
Location: Ohanapecosh
Elevation Gain: 600ft
Miles: 3miles Round Trip
This is an impressive waterfall and I highly recommend this hike. There are two ways to get to Silver Falls. Stevens Pass entrance is the short way or you can take the loop route at Ohanapecosh visitor center, which is what we opted for. The trail follows along the Ohanapecosh river and has some awesome bridge crossings with cascade views. You can also continue on the trail and hike to the Grove of the Patriarchs.
Before the trailhead there is a nice visitor center with bathrooms and spots to RV camp or tent camp. At the beginning of the trail there is a tiny hot spring, not big enough to get into but might be worth taking a look. Once you get to the falls there is a bridge with a fantastic view of Silver falls and a gorge. Continue up stream to find beautiful cascading scenery along the river.
4. GROVE OF THE PATRIARCHS
Location: Ohanapecosh
Elevation Gain: 50ft
Miles: 1.5 Round Trip
This trail is extremely easy and has visitors from any age group. The trail starts off as a normal trail through the forest and then you hit the suspension bridge that hangs above Ohanapecosh River. You will see that the river is a beautiful blue hue and crystal clear. After you pass the bridge you will soon encounter a boardwalk path that loops around the forest. You will see massive Douglas-firs, hemlocks or cedars that are nearly 40ft in diameter and 300ft tall.
5. MYRTLE FALLS
Location: Paradise
Mile: 0.8 Round Trip
This hike is so easy but my favorite in Rainier NP. Go at sunset and you will think you walked into a fairytale. The beauty is unreal. This trail offers: waterfalls, mountain views, wild flowers and wild animals. We enjoyed this trail on a week day around 7-8pm and there were more Marmots than humans.
If you want to hike further there are two trails to choose from. 1. The skyline loop trail which is a 5.5 miles loop with 1450ft elevation gain. 2. Golden Gate Traill which is 4 miles round trip with 1160ft elevation gain.
6. STAFFORD FALLS
Location: Highway 123 Corridor, Chinook Creek
Difficulty: Easy
Miles: About 4 Round Trip
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| Stafford Falls |
There are several falls along this trail, ones that are taller than Stafford Falls but this waterfall is the most impressive. The waterfall plunges in a huge blue pool with crystal clear water that looks so inviting. The trail starts off with small switchbacks for 0.4 mile and then the rest of the trail is flat. Follow signs for East Side Trail. I don’t ever see this place posted but wow it is beautiful. We were the only hikers there. The parking is limited (about 5 cars) and off the side of the road so can be sketchy walking a portion of the road to get to the trailhead. If you choose, you can hike all the way to Ohanapecosh and see even more waterfalls. Hiking to Ohanapecosh is 18miles round trip.
7. SUNRISE LAKE
Location: Sunrise
Elevation Gain: 425ft
Miles: 1.5 Round Trip
Hiking to Sunrise Lake is short but you can keep going on the Palisades Lake Trail to adventure to more lakes. We hiked to this lake at sunset but it is better to hike at sunrise with the sun position if you care about photography.
From the parking lot you get a birds eye view of the lake and mountains in the background. The trail starts as a decline as you descend down some switchbacks to the lake. The trail at this time of year (beginning of August) has some beautiful wild flowers.
8. SOURDOUGH GAP
Location: Chinook Pass off HWY 410
Elevation Gain: 1100ft
Miles: 6 Round Trip
Dog Friendly up to sheep lake and on the PCT
This wonderful hike offers lakes, wild flowers and mountain views. We parked at the Sheep Lake parking area near Naches peak loop. The parking does require a pass (Northwest Forest or America the beautiful pass or pay $5) if you start on this side of the trail. If you park right off HWY 410 then parking is free.
The hike starts off easy as it follows above HWY 410 and then in 1.8 mile you will hit sheep lake. During July and August the trail is filled with wild flowers in various colors. Sheep lake is a family friendly and dog friendly hike. After Sheep Lake, continue to Sourdough gap where the trail has more of an incline. On the way to Sourdough Gap you will see gorgeous views of Sheep lake down below with mountains surrounding it. Then soon you hit Sourdough Gap and you continue left at the fork (do not continue on the PCT) to make it to Crystal lake. The view above Crystal Lake with the surrounding mountains and Rainier peaking out is stunning.
9. NACHES PEAK LOOP
Location: Mount Rainier off HWY 410
Miles: 3.2 loop
Elevation Gain: 600 ft.
This gorgeous trail has many lakes, grassy meadows with wild flowers and spectacular views of Mount Rainier. The loop can be enjoyed by any age group and is perfect for the family. The best time to hike this loop is from July to beginning of October. Start the trail on the PCT located right off the 410. The trail begins with a gentle incline that is mostly exposed. Coming near the halfway mark of the loop you will have a perfect view of Dewey lake down below with hills in the background. Soon after viewing Dewy lake you will meet the Naches Peak Trail and continue right. It is after this point where you will have breathtaking views of rainier with grassy meadows in the foreground. After the hike (or before) you can walk around Tipsoo Lake.
Pass: if you park right off 410 then no pass is needed. If you park in a parking lot (we parked at Sheep Lake parking lot) then you will need a Northwest Forest pass or America the Beautiful pass or pay $5 fee or Golden Eagle Passport.
Dogs allowed on PCT but not allowed on Naches trail
Kid friendly
10. ALTA VISTA/DEADHORSE CREEK TRAILS
Location: Paradise, Rainier
Miles: 2.4 Loop
Elevation Gain: 400ft
These trails are the prettiest I have ever seen. We hiked here for the fall Foliage on September 27 2018. Recommend arriving before sunset around 5:30pm to get the perfect lighting at the top. From the visitor center we started hiking Deadhorse Creek trail which has great views of the Nisqually Glacier and surrounding mountains. The area at the end of Deadhorse Creek trail (where it meets the Skyline trail) has the best views of Rainier during the hike. The trail has a dazzling array of colorful plants with red, yellow, green, orange and white creating picture perfect views. The sunset just intensifies the beauty with the rays shining on Rainier and the fall foliage. Take the Skyline trail to Alta Vista trail. You will only be on the Skyline trail for 0.43 mile. As you hike down the Alta Vista trail, Rainier will be positioned behind you so make sure to turn around periodically for amazing views of red plants with Rainier in the background. MAP
Pass: America the Beautiful or Rainier Pass
Kid friendly
11. GLACIER BASIN
Location: Sunrise, Rainier
Miles: 6.2 round trip
Elevation gain: 1600ft
The hike is mostly shaded by trees with some open views of Rainier, Goat Island Mountain, Mount Ruth and Inter Glacier. The trail passes some bridge crossings with small waterfalls to stop and view. At the end of the trail the area is exposed with beautiful views of The Wedge and Mount Ruth. We made this hike a sunset/night hike and had the trail to ourselves. There are also areas to camp.
12. BENCH AND SNOW LAKES
Location: Rainier off Stevens canyon rd.
Miles: 2.2 round trip Elevation gain: 600ft
The hike has views of Tatoosh Mountain range and Rainier making it hard not to take a picture during the entire hike. The trail goes up and down, up and down during the hike but not difficult. People of all ages can do this hike. The trail is mostly exposed (except near the lakes) and is very impressive with the beautiful mountain and lake scenery. Camping is available at Snow Lake.
Keep in mind that Stevens Canyon Road is open seasonally and closes during the winter.
13. RAMPART RIDGE
Location: Longmire
Miles: 5 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1300ft
Gorgeous hike for the winter or any time of the year really. A beautiful snowy adventure. The trail starts off in a lush green forest and as you ascend on your hike you will hit lots of snow with beautiful views of Rainier. We hiked this trail in January and snowshoes were not necessary just yet but micro spikes helped.
14. TOLMIE PEAK LOOKOUT
Location: Near Fairfax up Mowich Lake rd.
Miles: 7.5 Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1100ft
Miles: 7.5 Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1100ft
Hike passed two turquoise lakes and up to a Lookout Tower that has stunning views of Rainier. The hike is mostly shaded as you hike through a forest and becomes exposed at lake Eunice where there are flowers blooming. Take a refreshing dip in the crystal clear water.
After the lake the trail enters the forest again and has a series of switchbacks up to the fire lookout. It’s open and we were able to go inside.
Hikers on the trail told us they saw a black bear but he wasn’t a threat.
•ROAD CONDITIONS
The road before the trailhead is about 16miles of gravel road with some potholes. Any car can make it up.
•BUGS
sooooooooo many mosquitoes. I had to use my bug net
After the lake the trail enters the forest again and has a series of switchbacks up to the fire lookout. It’s open and we were able to go inside.
Hikers on the trail told us they saw a black bear but he wasn’t a threat.
•ROAD CONDITIONS
The road before the trailhead is about 16miles of gravel road with some potholes. Any car can make it up.
•BUGS
sooooooooo many mosquitoes. I had to use my bug net
15. SPRAY PARK
Location: Near Fairfax up Mowich Lake rd.
Miles: 8+ Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1700ft
Miles: 8+ Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1700ft
The trail is mostly a hike through a dense forest with some awesome stops along the way like Eagle Cliff Viewpoint and Spray Falls. Once at 3 miles you will finally be in the meadows with open views.
We saw lots of wildlife on this one!!
The beginning of the trail goes up and down but it’s mostly gradual and easy. Be sure to stop at Eagle Cliff Viewpoint. Has an epic view of Rainier.
Once you hit another signed junction go left. The sign will say .1 water for left and Roosters Camp for right. Don’t go to the camp.
You will hit another signed junction at 2.2mile from the trailhead. Left and up the switchbacks take you to Spray Park. Right and over the bridge takes you to Spray Falls. We headed for Spray Falls first. There is a river you have to cross to reach the falls and no bridge. We had a difficult time to cross it since there was a lot of water.
Next we headed back up to the junction and made our way .8 mile up the switchbacks to Spray Park. Most of the elevation Gain is in this part of the hike.
Once you are finally in the meadows you will have some stunning views of flowers and Rainier. Keep your eye out for the tarn!
ROAD CONDITIONS
16 miles of driving on a gravel road will seem long but any car can make it up the road.
The beginning of the trail goes up and down but it’s mostly gradual and easy. Be sure to stop at Eagle Cliff Viewpoint. Has an epic view of Rainier.
Once you hit another signed junction go left. The sign will say .1 water for left and Roosters Camp for right. Don’t go to the camp.
You will hit another signed junction at 2.2mile from the trailhead. Left and up the switchbacks take you to Spray Park. Right and over the bridge takes you to Spray Falls. We headed for Spray Falls first. There is a river you have to cross to reach the falls and no bridge. We had a difficult time to cross it since there was a lot of water.
Next we headed back up to the junction and made our way .8 mile up the switchbacks to Spray Park. Most of the elevation Gain is in this part of the hike.
Once you are finally in the meadows you will have some stunning views of flowers and Rainier. Keep your eye out for the tarn!
ROAD CONDITIONS
16 miles of driving on a gravel road will seem long but any car can make it up the road.
16. PINNACLE SADDLE TO PLUMMER PEAK
Location: Reflection Lake
Miles: 2.6 Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1100ft
Miles: 2.6 Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1100ft
Hike up a moderate trail that has epic views of Rainier the entire way! Park at Reflection Lake parking area and look for the trailhead for Pinnacle Peak that’s across the street. The trail starts off through a shaded forest and then quickly becomes exposed. You hike over loose rocks the entire time so bring good hiking shoes/boots. Once at the top of Pinnacle Saddle you will have views of Rainier and Mount Adams. You can stop here if you choose but I definitely recommend heading right and following the trail up to Plummer peak for even better views. If you go left then you can endure a scramble up to Pinnacle Peak.
Gorgeous sunset hike and fun night hike back down.
17. PANORAMA POINT
Location: Paradise
Miles: 5 Mile loop
Elevation Gain: 1300ft
Hike through huge open meadows with marmots galore. Enjoy the wild flowers before the marmots eat them all lol.
We started the trail at Myrtle Falls and hiked the Golden Gate trail up switchbacks to the Skyline Trail which takes you through rocky terrain up to Panarama Point. The entire hike has stunning views of the Tatoosh ridge, Mount Adams, Paradise Valley and of course up close and personal views of Rainier.
From Panorama Point we finished the loop by hiking down Skyline trail and ended our journey with Alta Vista Trail. All of these trails show up on google maps.
*Everyone on the trail went the opposite direction so maybe do the loop in the opposite way we did
18. EMMONS MORAINE TRAIL
Location: Sunrise
Miles: 2.8 Roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 880ft
19. MAZAMA RIDGE TRAIL
Location: Paradise, Rainier
Miles: 6 RT
Elevation Gain: 900ft
This easy and magical hike has epic views with minimal effort. In late summer the flowers here are crazy blooming. There are many different areas you can start this hike, I started at Reflection Lake. Use google maps to look at the trails for reference.
MY ROUTE: Reflection lake to Lower Lakes Trail to High Lakes Trail to Mazama Ridge trail (left turn), turned right at skyline trail, then turned around after half a mile, went back down mazama ridge trail to Wonderland trail to the sidewalk back to Reflection lake. If I had to guess, I’d say it was 5-6miles total.
20. FREMONT FIRE LOOKOUT
Location: Sunrise, Rainier
Miles: 5.4 RT
Elevation Gain: 900ft
Hike to a historic fire lookout that was built in 1934 which sits on a ridge. The trail is exposed so there is no shade which means definitely bring sun screen and lots of water. We started our hike on the Sourdough Ridge Trail and headed for Frozen lake. Once at Frozen lake, follow the signs for Fremont Lookout and make your way up. We saw some mountain goats eating the grass in the valley down below. The view of Rainier Starts to get better on this portion of the hike. Once you round the corner, you will see Fremont on top of the ridge.
Watch the sunset here to get stunning views with shades of orange and yellow. We hiked down in the dark and were taken away by the breathtaking views of the milky way. So many stars are visible on the Sunrise side or Rainier.
This hike is easy enough for kids.
For more recommended hikes around Washington please head here: Hike Washington
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