A Day Trip to Mount Rainier

On a mother-daughter trip to Seattle, we knew that a Rainier day trip was a must. On a clear day, you can spot this glaciated volcano towering over the Seattle area, standing at 14,410 feet above sea level. Whether seen from the city skyline or on Washington State’s license plates, Mount Rainier is an icon of the Pacific Northwest.

But nothing compares to seeing it up close. So, we set out for Mt. Rainier National Park—and the adventure was more than we expected.

Preparing for a Day in the Park

We didn’t fully anticipate how much the temperature and weather could change from Seattle to the higher elevations of Rainier. Leaving a sunny, 60-degree city morning, we found ourselves hiking through snow by the afternoon. Early October isn’t quite winter in Seattle, but at Mount Rainier, the winter months arrive early. We had just missed a weekend of five feet of snowfall in some areas, forcing some last-minute adjustments to our itinerary.

If you’re visiting for the first time, take note: conditions change fast, and certain areas of the park might be closed due to weather, even in late summer or early fall.

Essential Information for Your Visit

Getting to Mount Rainier from Seattle

Expect about a two-hour drive from Seattle to the park entrance, depending on your starting point. If you’re entering via Ohanapecosh, add another 45 minutes.

Geographic Overview of Mount Rainier

This national park spans 369 square miles, divided into four main entrances with distinct areas to explore:

Mount Rainier is located centrally within the national park. Due to its massive size, snow fields, and forested lower slopes, no roads cut across the center of the park. To visit Mount Rainier National Park, you will drive the roads that circumnavigate around the mountain and take the short access roads to get closer to Mount Rainier.

The geography of this national park, plus its large size, makes it impossible to zip through the park in just a day or two. But Mount Rainier is a beautiful park to explore, and with one day, we can hit some highlights.

Paradise – The most popular area, accessed via the Nisqually Entrance. Home to the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center, Paradise Inn, and many incredible hikes. It sits at 5,400 feet and is one of the snowiest places on Earth.
Sunrise – The highest point accessible by car at 6,400 feet, sunrise corridor is reachable via the White River Entrance. It is a short summer season, with late July as the best time to visit. Offers alpine meadows, breathtaking views, and great hikes.
Ohanapecosh – Near the Stevens Canyon Entrance and home to the Grove of the Patriarchs, featuring ancient trees and a suspension bridge.
Mowich Lake – Accessed via the Carbon River Entrance, this area has a fire lookout, alpine lakes, and fewer crowds. No visitor center here.

Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier

The best months are considered to be the summer months, July to September, when most roads and hiking trails are snow-free. Late summer is also the best time to see wildflowers in the alpine meadows. The wildflowers typically bloom from mid-July through mid-August. If you want to see Mount Rainier during the peak blooming season, plan your visit for early August.

In the spring and fall, the weather is damp and chilly. In early fall, several main roads close in the park and don’t reopen until mid to late spring, cutting off access to some of the best places to visit in Mount Rainier.

During the winter months, massive amounts of snow can fall in the park. It is not unusual for Paradise to get over 50 feet of snow each winter. During the winter months, you can visit Paradise and go snowshoeing, sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. Snowmobiling is permitted in the southwest corner of the park.

Seasonal Recommendations

Wildflower Season (Mid-July to Mid-August) – If you want to see Mount Rainier during peak blooming season, plan your visit for early August. The best places to see wildflowers are Paradise, Sunrise, and Spray Park.

Fall Foliage (Mid-September to Early October) – Enjoy golden larches and vibrant fall colors. The best hikes for foliage include Bench & Snow Lake, Naches Peak Loop, and Reflection Lakes.
Winter (November to April) – Expect heavy snowfall, with Paradise receiving over 50 feet of snow per year. Winter activities include snowshoeing, sledding, skiing, and snowboarding. Snowmobiling is permitted in the southwest corner of the park.
Road Closures – Many main roads close in early fall and do not reopen until mid-to-late spring, cutting off access to some of the best places in the park.

Timed Entry Reservation: Starting in 2024, a timed entry reservation is required between 7 AM and 3 PM for both Paradise and Sunrise Corridors.

Key Details for Time Entry:

When is it required?

Paradise Corridor: May 24 – September 2, 2024
Sunrise Corridor: July 3 – September 2, 2024

What time?
- Daily from 7 AM – 3 PM (no reservation needed outside these hours).
How do I get a reservation?
- Reservations are available at Recreation.gov
- They are released in two phases:
  1. Early Release – Available three months in advance (example: May reservations open in February).
  2. Day-Before Release – A limited number of spots open at 7 PM the night before your visit.
How much does it cost?
- The timed entry reservation is $2 per vehicle (separate from the park entrance fee).

Tips for Securing a Timed Entry Spot:

Book as soon as they are released to secure your preferred date.
If you miss early reservations, try the day before release at 7 PM.
Entering before 7 AM or after 3 PM? No reservation is required, but parking fills up quickly.

Alternatives & Exemptions for Timed Entry

Ways to Visit Without a Timed Entry Reservation:

Enter Before 7 AM or After 3 PM
- If you arrive before 7 AM or after 3 PM, you do not need a reservation.
- This is a great option for sunrise hikes, late afternoon visits, or sunset photography.
Use Alternative Park Entrances
- The Ohanapecosh and Carbon River/Mowich Lake areas are not part of the reservation system.
- If you don’t have a reservation, consider exploring these areas instead.
Book Lodging or a Campground Inside the Park
- If you have a reservation for Paradise Inn, National Park Inn, or a campground within the park, you are exempt from the timed entry requirement.
- Be sure to bring proof of your reservation for entry.
Guided Tours & Shuttle Services
- If you join a commercial tour or use a park shuttle, you do not need a personal vehicle reservation.
- Some tour companies offer transportation from Seattle or nearby towns.
Biking or Walking In
- If you arrive on foot or by bicycle, you do not need a timed entry reservation.

Other Important Notes:

Annual & Lifetime Pass Holders Still Need a Reservation
- Even if you have an America the Beautiful Pass, Senior Pass, or Military Pass, you still must get a timed entry reservation.
Standard Park Entrance Fee Still Applies
- The $2 timed entry reservation fee is separate from the $30 per vehicle entrance fee.
No Wi-Fi or Cell Service at the Park Entrance
- Make sure to download or print your reservation before you arrive!

Important Things to Know

Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle or $80 for an America the Beautiful Pass.
Limited food options inside the park—bring a picnic lunch.
Pets are not allowed on trails.
Check trail conditions at a visitor center before heading out.
Check road conditions before you go here
Small parking lots fill up quickly—an early start is key.
Cell Service is limited – Download offline maps before heading out.
Expect crowds in July and August

1-Day Mount Rainier Itinerary

Option 1: Paradise (What We Did)

Morning: Enter via Nisqually Entrance

Best way to visit in shoulder season (mid-October). As it is the only Entrance open year-round.
Arrive by 7–8 AM for fewer crowds and clearer views.

Drive to Paradise with Scenic Stops

Enjoy a scenic drive through the old-growth forest. Some of the trees you drive passed are believed to be over 1,000 years old, and some over 300 ft tall!
Christine Falls – A great spot for a quick view.
Narada Falls – A short walk to a beautiful waterfall.
Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center – Get maps, check conditions, and talk with the park ranger about your plan.

Midday: Lunch & Hiking

Lunch at Paradise Inn Dining Room (seasonal) or picnic area.
Favorite hike: Skyline Loop Trail (5.5 miles, strenuous).
- Average Hiking Time: 4.5 hours
- Start counterclockwise past Myrtle Falls.
- Reach Panorama Point (if conditions allow).
- Expect snow at higher elevations in fall.
- Lower elevations remain more accessible.
- Skyline Loop Trail is what we did. I will say it is not an easy hike by any means. Be prepared for a serious hike with a good amount of climbing and little to no shade. Make sure you are wearing proper footwear, bring plenty of water and snacks, and sun protection.
- We found parking in the paradise area, and before we started, we talked to the park ranger about the condition of the trail, as due to the elevation, it can be impassable without proper equipment (e.g., microspikes and poles) until early July and starting at the end of September.
- We started in the parking lot and decided to hike counterclockwise, seeing Myrtle Falls first. We did it this way as the park ranger informed us that it had snowed higher on the trails and some of the trail might not be visible past the end of Golden Gate Trail, which ended up being true.
- We wanted the option to turn back if we felt it was too difficult to continue or if we could not see the trail. We did not turn back and had ZERO visibility at the top of Panorama Point, but the hike was exhilarating and gorgeous enough that we finished feeling very accomplished and ready for a snack.

Other Trail or Hike Options at Paradise:

Easy Trials:

Nisqually Vista Trail - 1.2 miles round-trip, takes roughly 45 mins. Works for families with strollers
Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls - 1 mile round-trip, takes roughly 35 mins.

Moderate Trials:

Deadhorse Creek Trail and Moraine Trail - 2.5 miles round-trip. Average hiking time: 1 hour and 45 mins. For great views, continue up the Deadhorse Creek Trail to Glacier Vista and return via Skyline Trail.
Alta Vista Trail - 1.75 miles round-trip. Average hiking time: 1 hour.
Lakes Loop Trail / Reflection Lakes - 5 miles round trip. 1300’ elevation gain. Average hike time: 4 hours.

Strenuous Trails:

Pinnacle Peak - 3 miles round-trip. 1150’ elevation gain. Average hike time: 3 hours
Skyline Loop Trail - 5.5 miles round-trip 1700’ elevation gain. Average hike time: 4 hours 30 mins.

Evening: Exit & Sunset Stops

Ricksecker Point – A short loop drive with best views.
Pinnacle Peak Trail – A mile hike for beautiful views at sunset.
Drive back to Seattle.

Option 2: Sunrise & Paradise (Summer Itinerary)

Morning: Sunrise Area

Enter via Sunrise Entrance.
Visit Sunrise Visitor Center.
Hike Sourdough Ridge Trail (best hikes in the area).
Stop at Emmons Vista Overlook.

Midday: Drive to Paradise

Stop at Reflection Lake for the classic Mount Adams reflection shot.
Quick hike to Bench Lake, another great hike.
Lunch at National Park Inn or bring a picnic lunch.

Afternoon: Hiking & Waterfalls

Hike Nisqually Vista Trail (easy, 1.2 miles).
Visit Stevens Canyon Road for scenic viewpoints.
Stop at Grove of the Patriarchs and cross the suspension bridge.

Evening: Exit via Nisqually Entrance

Sunset at Ricksecker Point or Pinnacle Peak.
Dinner in Ashford or Packwood (Wildberry Restaurant or Packwood Brewing Co.).

Final Thoughts & Packing List

Mt. Rainier National Park is perfect for a day trip but deserves multiple visits. Whether you're looking for short hikes, longer hikes, or just a scenic drive, the best things to do vary by season.

What to Pack for Mt. Rainier Day Trip

Layers (weather changes fast!)
Rain Jacket
Hiking boots
Trekking Poles
Map & Navigation
First Aid Kit
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Water & snacks
America the Beautiful Pass (worth it if visiting multiple parks!)

Fun Fact: You can climb to the summit of Mount Rainier! About 9,000 people attempt it annually, with only half succeeding. The most popular route starts at Paradise, with climbers spending a night at Camp Muir (10,188 ft) before summiting. It can’t be completed in a day, but after visiting the park, this has made it to my Bucket List.

Take another day and visit Olympic National Park.

First time visiting? Let me know your favorite stops or tag me on Instagram at @SomewhereRach.

1-Day Itinerary for Mount Rainier National Park