Best trails in Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is located in west-central Washington and is ideal for hiking, mountain climbing and scenic drives. Most roads are open from late May to early October, which allow for both stunning views and access to a wide range of hiking trails and other sites. Hikers will find forests with cedar, hemlock, and fir trees as well as streams and wildflower meadows. On Rainier's alpine slopes, visitors will find firs, glaciers, and tundra.
Mount Rainier, an active volcano, is the most prominent peak in the Cascades, and it is covered by 26 named glaciers including Carbon Glacier and Emmons Glacier, the largest in the continental United States. The mountain is popular for climbing, and more than half of the park is covered by subalpine and alpine forests. Paradise on the south slope is one of the snowiest places in the world, and the Longmire visitor center is the start of the Wonderland Trail, which encircles the mountain.
Top trails
Visitor info
A timed entry reservation is required only for the Sunrise Corridor in the northeast corner of the park from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm daily from July 11-Sept 1, 2025, then on weekends and holidays from Sept 2 through end of the season (typically mid-October).
Grants unlimited entry for one motorcycle and passenger for seven consecutive days.
Walk-up or single bicycle fee. Grants unlimited entry for seven consecutive days.
Grants unlimited entry for one vehicle and passengers for seven consecutive days. Vehicle must be private, noncommercial, and with a seating capacity of 15 or less.
Grants unlimited entry for one year to pass owner and passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle. This pass does not cover camping fees and is non-transferable and non-refundable. If you already own a valid annual or lifetime pass (Interagency Senior, Annual, Military, etc) you do not need to purchase this pass. NOTE: The Discover Pass is for Washington State Parks only and does not cover Mount Rainier National Park.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
The Jackson Visitor Center, Sunrise Visitor Center (summer only), and Ohanapecosh Visitor Center (summer only) are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. The theater and dining room at the Jackson Visitor Center are also wheelchair accessible. Orientation films include closed captioning.
Loaner wheelchairs, assistive listening devices, audio descriptions, tactile exhibits, and Braille and text materials are available.
Additional information about accessibility at Mount Rainier National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
The Jackson Visitor Center, Sunrise Visitor Center (summer only), and Ohanapecosh Visitor Center (summer only) are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms. The theater and dining room at the Jackson Visitor Center are also wheelchair accessible. Orientation films include closed captioning.
The Paradise Inn and National Park Inn have wheelchair accessible rooms. There is also a wheelchair accessible dining room.
The Paradise, Kautz Creek, Ohanapecosh, Cougar Rock, White River, Mowich Lake, and Stevens Canyon Picnic Areas are wheelchair accessible with packed, level paths and surfaces and accessible restrooms.
There are accessible restrooms at the following trailheads: White River Campground (Loop C), Paul Peak, Grove of the Patriarchs trailhead, and Box Canyon overlook.
The Ohanapecosh Campground has 2 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites in Loop D and the Cougar Rock Campground has 4 individual wheelchair accessible camping sites.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
Trail reviews for Mount Rainier National Park
Wonderful hike with great views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding peaks throughout the entire trail. Did this one as a sunset hike with my daughter. I would highly recommend going at sunrise or sunset to catch some amazing colors. The trail is maintained well and there were no bugs out till the sun went down. Be aware that you do need a timed entry reservation for the Sunrise Corridor from 7 am to 5 pm daily and it goes into effect on July 11 for the 2025 season. Check the Mount Rainier National Park page for updates and information before you go.
This was a fantastic hike in Mount Rainier National Park. Incredible views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding mountains. I would consider this to be a harder hike. Be prepared for some steady uphill hiking and elevation gain in the first half. The views on this trail definitely make it worth it though. We did encounter some snow on the trail, but nothing our hiking boots couldn’t handle. If you’re looking for wildlife, we saw some chipmunks, marmots, and mountain goats from afar. The parking lot for this trail is large but popular. We had no issues finding a spot at 7am but by mid-morning it was full.
Combined Mount Fremont, Burroughs, and sunrise rim. Very tired by the end of the day, but it was well worth it. Ate lunch on the second burrough while looking at Mount rainier. Sunrise rim was pleasant afterwards, but very sunny. Used trekking poles on sunrise rim due to steep downhill. Started at 7am, not too crowded
Used microspikes on 3 sections, just to be safe on the steep snow climbs. Also used trekking poles. Very beautiful views, sat and ate lunch while looking at Mount rainier on the second Burrough. Easy to read sign when splitting off to sunrise rim trail. 10/10 would recommend.
Plenty of parking when we arrived around 3:30am. Made it to the tower at 4:50am and enjoyed the sunrise. Lovely view of Mount Rainier with the moon in the background. A bit chilly and windy but otherwise great conditions. Saw a few mountain goats off in the distance at the top and then a marmot and bear on the way down. The bear was also off in the distance. Overall beautiful hike!
If you want a great view of Mount Rainier this is your trail. Bit of an uphill battle the first part but the views are worth it.