Mount Rainier in One Day Itinerary (Best Hikes on Day Trip)

Mount Rainier National Park at a Glance

Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most beautiful parks in the United States. It has alpine lakes, jagged peaks, and most importantly- Mount Rainier. Mount Rainier is over 14,000 feet tall and the most prominent mountain in the lower 48. On a clear day, it is visible all the way to Seattle. You could easily spend several days or a week exploring all of Mount Rainier and still not see it all. However, many people visiting only have one day to spend in the park, making a day trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle. With some planning, a one-day itinerary to Mount Rainier can be an unforgettable trip!

Read below for all about what to do in Mount Rainier in one day. All the best hikes, viewpoints, and helpful tips are below to help you plan your one day at Mount Rainier!

Areas of Mount Rainier National Park

There are 5 main areas of Mount Rainier National Park- Longmire, Paradise, Ohanapecosh, Sunrise, and Carbon River & Mowich. Below is a brief description of each section of Mount Rainier.

• Longmire– Longmire is the first area you will see if entering from the West by Ashford. It contains a museum, inn, Information Center, and gift shop. It is lower elevation than some of the other areas on this list, so more accessible in the winter.
• Paradise– Paradise is one of the most popular spots in Rainier, and it is easy to see why. It has magnificent views of the mountain, and some of the park’s best trails start here. There is an Information Center and Paradise Inn here.
• Ohanapecosh– Ohanapecosh is in the southeastern area of the park. It is often drier than in some areas. It has old-growth forests and mountain lakes. Ohanapecosh becomes inaccessible in the winter.
• Sunrise– Sunrise is the highest area in Mount Rainier that you can drive to. This also means it becomes inaccessible in winter, only open for a few months each year. Stunning mountain views and wildflowers are throughout this area.
• Carbon River & Mowich– This area is in the Northwest corner of Mount Rainier. It used to contain coal mines and is now a less visited area of the park. It receives more rain, and has fewer views of Mount Rainier, although there are still many good hikes here.

How to Get to Mount Rainier National Park

While Mount Rainier National Park has several entrances, this one-day guide assumes you are first going to Sunrise or Paradise in Mount Rainier. These are the most popular areas, and it is recommended to visit them first, and early in the day, to beat the crowds.

Seattle to Mount Rainier National Park

It is a 2-hour 30-minute drive to reach Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle. Depending on the traffic, the time may vary. On summer weekends, expect it to take a bit longer to get in and out of Seattle.

If you are heading to Paradise or the Southern areas of Mount Rainier, you will take I-5 down through Tacoma to WA-512 and WA-7. In the small town of Elbe, stay on WA-706 before entering the National Park.

To head to the Sunrise and the Northern Parts of Mount Rainier from Seattle, also begin on I-5. Turn off WA-18 and WA-164. In Enumclaw, turn onto WA-410 to continue to the park. Once inside the Park, you will need to take Sunrise Park Road up to the Sunrise Visitor’s Center. This road closes in winter and you can check the status on the National Park’s website. 

Portland to Mount Rainier National Park

It takes a little longer to get to Mount Rainier National Park from Portland, Oregon, but it is still worth the trek! It is a 3-hour to 4-hour drive, making it a great long weekend trip. To get to Paradise, travel up I-5 and exit before Olympia onto US-12 and WA-7, then take the same route you would if coming from Seattle.

To get to Sunrise from Portland you will stay on US-12 for longer through to Packwood, Washington, before turning onto WA-123 and entering the park.

Olympic National Park to Mount Rainier

It is quite popular to visit Rainier National Park and Olympic National Park on the same trip. If you visit Olympic National Park first, it will take 4 to 5 hours to get to Mount Rainier National Park from Olympic National Park, depending on the area of Olympic National Park you are visiting.

Read More: 2-Day Itinerary in Olympic National Park

Things to Know About Mount Rainier National Park

Below are a few things to know to visit Mount Rainier National Park.

• Pets are not allowed on most trails in Mount Rainier.
• You can get married in Mount Rainier with a Special Use Permit.
• The fee to visit Mount Rainier is $30 for a week, or you can purchase an annual park pass.
• Mount Rainier is an active volcano and the most glaciated peak in the United States.
• Prepare for a variety of weather. It is colder higher up the mountain due to elevation change.

Mount Rainier National Park One Day Itinerary

See below for the ultimate one-day itinerary for Mount Rainier! It contains all the best day hikes and spots to see in Mount Rainier.

Sunrise Spots in Mount Rainier National Park

I am a big advocate for arriving at National Parks at or before sunrise! You will likely get your first parking choice and beat most of the crowds. But more importantly, you will get to experience the park in peaceful tranquility and get to see the landscape at its most beautiful. Visiting the park only when it is crowded does not have nearly the same level of serenity that an early morning does.

While there is no bad spot to see the sunrise in Mount Rainier, below are some of the best spots to see the sunrise that are easy to get to and require no or minimal hiking.

• Reflection Lake– Reflection Lake is the best at sunrise. The wind has not had time to disturb the water yet so you are most likely to get the perfectly smooth reflection of Mount Rainier in the lake. Drive on Stevens Canyon Road a little past Paradise to get to this lake.
• Sunrise Point Lookout– A little before reaching Sunrise Visitor Center, you will see a large parking area at a curve in the road. Park here and witness sunrise with almost 360 views all around.
• Paradise- Skyline Trail– You can see Mount Rainier from anywhere in the Paradise parking lot. However, for truly spectacular views, hike just a little bit in either direction on Skyline Trail to see the mountain up close.
• Tipsoo Lake– While not as close to the mountain as other spots on this list. You can still see Rainier from Tipsoo and Little Tipsoo Lake for a peaceful morning stop.

Best Day Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park

If you only have one day in Mount Rainier, you will likely only have time for one long hike, or two short day hikes in the park. Obviously, only you know what you are capable of in terms of hiking, but be aware of your limits and plan accordingly.

The below lists include some of the best hikes near the Paradise and Sunrise areas of Mount Rainier. Pick either one longer hike or a short hike in each area for your one day in Mount Rainier.

Best Hikes at Paradise in Mount Rainier

Paradise is one of the best hiking areas on Mount Rainier. Several trails start at Paradise, and some hikes below are found a bit before or after the Visitor’s Center.

• Skyline Trail– 6.2 miles, 1788 feet, Difficult– Skyline is my favorite trail in the park. It is beautiful in both Summer and Fall. The whole loop is a little over 6 miles, but you can also shorten it and hike to one of several viewpoints including Alta Vista, Myrtle Falls, and Panorama Point.
• High Lakes Loop Trail– 3.2, 556 feet, Moderate– High Lakes Loop begins and ends at Reflection Lake and leads up to several other smaller alpine lakes.
• Carter Falls- 2.6 miles, 557 feet, Easy– Carter Falls is a waterfall hike, near Longmire, just before Paradise. You will have to cross over the Nisqually River on a log bridge to reach the waterfall.
• Comet Falls– 3.2 miles, 1279 feet, Moderate- There are actually two waterfalls on this trail. The road actually goes over Christine Falls, and then Comet falls is visible at the end of the hike.
• Grove of Patriarchs– 1.1 miles, 52 feet, Easy– This easy trail is great for families with small children. It is a short hike to an ancient grove of trees. Note: As of 2022, this trail is closed due to damage to the suspension bridge.

Best Hikes Near Sunrise in Mount Rainier

Sunrise has a short period of availability. It opens in late June or July and closes in late September or October, depending on the snow for the year. If you are unsure if Sunrise is open you can check the road status on the National Park website.

Sunrise has a limited number of people who can access the area at any time, so there are often long wait times if you do not arrive early.

• Mount Fremont Lookout Tower– 5.7 miles, 1112 feet, Moderate– This is a popular trail so I recommend hitting it first if it’s on your itinerary! Alternatively, come back later in the day to hike this trail at sunset. This leads to a lookout with an amazing view of Mount Rainier!
• Burroughs Mountain Trail- 9.4 miles, 2,562 feet, Difficult– If you are looking for a longer, more difficult hike, check out Burroughs Mountain.
• Naches Peak Loop– 3.3 miles, 636 feet, Easy– This is an easy trail that loops around Naches Peak and passes by 3 alpine lakes, including Tipsoo Lake. It is located off the Mather Memorial Parkway a bit East of Sunrise.
• Tipsoo Lake Loop- 0.8 feet, 39 feet, Easy– If you want more of an easy hike, you can walk around just Tipsoo Lake.

Tips for Mount Rainier in One Day

Below are some helpful tips to make the most of your one day in Mount Rainier.

• Arrive early to make sure you have enough time in the day to do everything you want!
• To maximize your trip, visit during the best time of year- July- September, when all of the roads are likely to be open. Snow sometimes does not melt off high trails until August.
• Check if the mountain will be visible on your trip via the webcams.
• The best time to see wildflowers is usually August!
• The best time to see Fall colors is in late September or early October.
• Bring snacks and lots of water. Many trails are exposed to the sun and may tire you out faster than you think. Hiking at a higher elevation can also impact your fitness ability if you are not used to it.

Ways to Leave No Trace and Reduce Your Impact

When visiting natural areas, always follow the leave-no-trace principles. National Parks and other wild areas have slowly been impacted by visitors over the years, and respecting these rules helps keep these places protected for years to come.

• Plan Ahead & Prepare– Research the trials you plan to do ahead of time and be adequately prepared. Have a map and navigation.
• Stay on Trail– Rainier has delicate meadows and wildflowers. Do not wander into the meadows for photos, as you can destroy flowers that are not visible. Stay on the trail and hard rocks.
• Dispose of Waste– This includes food waste like orange peels and apple cores. Pack out all trash you bring.
• Leave What You Find– Never pick wildflowers, which can take years to regrow (or won’t regrow). Leave rocks as you found them, and don’t stack rocks.
• Respect Wildlife- Don’t approach wildlife and keep your distance. There are many bears in Mount Rainier, and you should only observe them safely from far away. Don’t feed or pet any wildlife or leave dropped food. It can hurt the animals or cause them to become aggressive.
• Be Considerate– Don’t disturb other hikers. Yield to uphill hikers, step aside where possible. Don’t play music or yell, potentially disturbing wildlife and other visitors.

Is One Day Enough to Visit Mount Rainier?

Is one day enough to visit Mount Rainier? Personally, I would recommend at least 3 days to explore the park and see a variety of sites. That being said, if all you have is one day on your Washington trip, Mount Rainier should definitely be on your itinerary.

There is really nowhere like it in the world, and it is one of the most beautiful National Parks in the United States.

Example Mount Rainier 1 Day Itinerary

Above are some suggestions of things to do on your one day in Mount Rainier. However, if you want a more detailed itinerary, below is a suggestion for how to spend one day in Mount Rainier National Park.

Start your day watching the sunrise at Sunrise Point Lookout. Then take a morning hike to Mount Fremont Lookout! Start early to beat the crowds.

For lunch drive down to a picnic spot at Tipsoo Lake, or one of the other day-use spots in the park. You can go on a shorter hike or just rest for a bit. In the afternoon, visit Paradise and hike to one of the many viewpoints, Myrtle Falls, and in summer, see the wildflowers! On your way out of the park, you can visit the gift shop in Paradise or Longmire.

When to Take a Day Trip to Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier is beautiful year-round. In the summer it is full of hiking trails, and in winter it becomes a winter wonderland for snowshoeing. That being said, the best time to visit Mount Rainier and see the most is late July through September, when the weather is sunniest and most of the trails are open. The wildflowers usually peak in August and are worth seeing if you can time your trip right.

Spring in Mount Rainier National Park

Spring in Mount Rainier National Park is when lower-elevation hikes start to thaw out, but most of the popular trails will still be covered in snow. There may even still be snowshoeing trails open in early Spring.

Summer in Mount Rainier National Park

“Summer” in Mount Rainier National Park is a shorter time period than what many consider summer. The trails are not usually passable until almost August and stay nice until September. There is also a greater chance of wildfire smoke affecting your trip during this time. However, this is also when the wildflowers bloom in the high elevations and turn the park into a true paradise.

Fall in Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier experiences Fall a little bit earlier than places at lower elevations. Fall foliage usually changes from late September to mid-October. October is when snow starts to be a possibility at Paradise, and some areas may get snow even sooner.

Read More: Fall Day Hikes in Mount Rainier

Winter in Mount Rainier National Park

In Winter, Mount Rainier becomes blanketed in snow. Paradise remains open for snowshoeing and skiing in winter, although the road is not always open, depending on recent snowfall.

Note: In 2023, Paradise will only be open on the weekends in the winter due to staffing shortages.

Where to Stay Near Mount Rainier National Park

Camping in Mount Rainier National Park

There are 4 campgrounds within Mount Rainier. Two can be reserved ahead of time, and two are first come, first served.

• Cougar Rock Campground– Cougar Rock Campground is near Paradise and is open May through October, reservable 6 months in advance.
• Ohanapecosh Campground– Ohanapecosh Campground is on the Northeast side of the park and is open May through October, reservable 6 months in advance.
• White River Campground– White River Campground is open seasonally from June through September, no reservations can be made for this campground. It is first come, first served.
• Mowich Lake Campground– Mowich Lake Campground is also seasonal from July through October, and first come, first served.

Cabins near Mount Rainier National Park

There are so many cozy cabins near Mount Rainier. Ashford is one of the closer towns to the park with plenty of accommodations. Below are just a few of the Airbnb and rental cabins near the park.

• Treehouse Near Mount Rainier– For a unique stay, check out this treehouse near Mount Rainier!
• Yurt Near Mount Rainier– For an even more cozy stay, rent a yurt out near Mount Rainier!
• A-Frame Near Mount Rainier– There really is no shortage of A-Frames in Washington, but this one is an adorable booking.

Read More: Essential Cabin Packing List

Hotels near Mount Rainier National Park

There are 2 hotels inside the park and more outside! Below are just some options for hotels and lodges near Mount Rainier

• National Park Inn– National Park Inn is one of the lodges located within Mount Rainier National Park. It is a historic inn, located in Longmire District and the only lodging open year-round inside the park.
• Paradise Inn– Paradise Inn is inside the park and is open seasonally from May to October. It’s hard to imagine a better place to stay inside the park!
• Nisqually Lodge– Nisqually Lodge is located close to the Nisqually park entrance for convenience.
• Crystal Mountain Resort- Crystal Mountain Resort is Washington’s largest ski resort, and the perfect winter stay near Mount Rainier.

What to Wear Hiking Mount Rainier National Park

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

It can be intimidating to know what to pack and wear hiking, especially in a big National Park. So here’s everything to bring hiking in Mount Rainier National Park!

• Rain Jacket– In the Pacific Northwest you never know when it will rain so it is always a good idea to pack a rain jacket! Marmot makes top-quality rain gear, and Columbia has a great, inexpensive option.
• Heavy Coat– Even in the summer Mount Rainier can get quite chilly due to its high elevation. Bring a packable heavy coat, so you will be prepared for chilly mornings or nights!
• Fleece Jacket– A fleece jacket or quarter zip is a great mid-layer to bring if it’s not cold enough for a heavy jacket but you still need to cover up.
• Hiking Boots– You will need some good hiking boots in the mountains. Make sure they are waterproof as well for hiking in the rainforest. Merrell’s are a great option for beginner hikers. If you are wearing hiking boots, make sure you are also wearing the right socks to avoid blisters.
• Moisture-Wicking Shirts– Any shirt will do, but the best hiking shirts are made of natural or synthetic moisture-wicking material that is breathable and dries quickly.
• Athletic Shorts/Pants– If you plan on hiking a lot, good trail pants can be a great investment! I personally tend to wear hiking leggings more than shorts, but any good athletic pants will do.
• Sandals– If you are camping it is a good idea to bring sandals to wear at camp. They are also great to change into when you are done hiking and need to relieve your feet. Teva’s are my favorite sandal, but even a cheap pair of flip-flops will do. Don’t wear these hiking though!
• Hat– I always bring both a beanie hat for warmth and a baseball cap if it warms up to control my hair and keep ticks off in the forest.
• Headlamp or Flashlight– If you are staying for sunset bring a headlamp or flashlight to help you find your way back in the dark.
• Water– Many trails in Mount Rainier are fully exposed to the sun with little shade. Avoid hiking in peak sunlight and bring lots of water to stay hydrated!
• Cooler– A cooler will keep your lunch cold for a picnic lunch or dinner in the park.
• Backpack– If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking, be sure to wear a good backpack! A proper daypack made for hiking can make all the difference.
• Trekking Poles– Trekking poles can be a knee and joint saver on any steep hike.
• Map & Navigation– It is not uncommon to lose signal in Mount Rainier. Bring a hard copy of your route and a map of the hiking trails you plan to do.
• Portable Batteries– If you plan on camping bring some portable batteries to keep your electronics charged. They are also great to bring on hikes, especially if you take lots of photos and videos like me.
• First Aid Kit– A medical kit is something you should always bring in your pack hiking for emergencies.

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