Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Mt Rainier

    4.9 (18 reviews)

    Mt Rainier Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Mt Rainier

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Brandon M.

    Our planned day to visit Mount Rainier fell on May 22nd, a day before all the park roads were scheduled to reopen. It was also cloudy, so we didn't get to see the Mountain. However, we did see numerous waterfalls on our ride to Paradise and visit the Paradise Inn.

    Paul V.

    People who love deserts the most might say they don't like Mt. Ranier, but they're probably the only people who don't. Whether you're driving through, hiking the trails, or spending time deep in the interior, you'll find plenty of breathtaking spots. The park is accessible for all experience levels, and you can stroll the nicely paved paths to enjoy the views or do some serious trekking. Come early in the day to avoid the crazy crowds and often sketchy weather. It's on the park passport list, so grab your stamp and don't miss one of the Crown Jewels in the Pacific Northwest.

    When fire and ice collide. You get this.
    Brian B.

    Wherever you stand in Washington State you can see the big and bold Mt. Rainier. After years of looking at the mountain from Seattle today I made the trip and it was more than I could have imagined. If you like the outdoors, nature, camping, hiking. Mountain climbing, science, elk, etc., you must add this adventure to your to do list. Tips: - depart early to arrive early to the park. - try your best to not go on a weekend, it will be crowded. (Mid-week is best) - prior to departure check the roads, you can call ahead to find out about road and entrance closures, etc. - make sure you meet a ranger at the visitor center, they will educate you on everything you need to know and they are so patient. (If you have kids with you take advantage of the junior ranger program) - dress for the occasion!!!! - check out more tips on nps.gov Would I go again? Already planning it. I need to hike further and climb the mountain. Should you go? Absolutely!!

    beautiful
    Shwe N.

    she is beautiful she is grace ... i've always seen mt rainier from a distance at seattle and portland but this was my first time seeing her up close like this

    Road to Ashford
    Joanna M.

    One of the most beautiful and majestic mountains I've ever been to. Every road you take has beautiful views, the rivers, creeks, waterfalls, the trees!! We came to explore during the fall because I've seen what beautiful colors it can bring and I have not been disappointed one bit! This is a must, if you live in the west coast. You must take the Paradise trails road to see all the waterfalls. You will not regret it!

    Nick F.

    Tis a magical place full of rock and water, and plenty of wood, and if you can make the trip then you surely should. Many new favorite hikes I did in this space, because they're steeply elevated in many a place. One day I'll summit Mighty Mount Rainier..but probably not this year.

    Andrea U.

    Beautiful mountain and the view from Paradise and the Paradise Lodge is phenomenal. Friendly people and everywhere you look it really is paradise! Wish it wasn't so snowy and slushy & It were easier to walk on the trails There is a visitor center park ranger standing in front and maps. Disappointed that there aren't range of programs because of Covid. Many of the trails are closed because of avalanches and poor conditions because of the snow

    Sam S.

    Mount Rainier is unquestionably awe-inspiring! As you drive into the park, it's impossible not to be astonished by the sheer enormity of the mountain. When I first entered the park, I hiked to Silver Falls and enjoyed seeing the gorgeous waterfall. At the Paradise Visitor Center, I walked a few miles toward Mount Rainier and enjoyed playing in the snow and seeing the beautiful wildflowers.

    Craig T.

    What an absolute amazing park! An absolute must see. We hiked the wonderland trail in its entirety and it is so gorgeous out there. The bridges, the hills, the water falls all while circling mt rainier was a great hike. So much to see here. Great campgrounds.

    Oh so tasty
    Alisha B.

    Stellar spot: Jewel of the Great Northwest! Trails: The National Park service gives you a decent map on the way in. It's great to see the big picture. Pro tip: Download the All Trails app before you go and select 2 hikes that match your ability, energy, and time. That way, if you run into snow or an impasse on the first, you can flip around and try the second option. I have had AT&T cell service almost the whole way, but don't count on it. -Great views of the mountain as you climb? Check! -Ridges and valleys of lush green rippling out in every direction? Oh yeah! -Wonderful gift shop full of practical, tasteful souvenirs and snacks? Yep and yum! -Plenty of restrooms? Yes. -Adequate parking? Well....that depends on how early you arrive. -Lines getting into the park? Yep, but also depends on how early you get there. -Snow impeding trails? Sometimes late into the spring and early in the fall. Check with other hikers. People have been super friendly and helpful every time we've gone. Tip: Arrive as early as you can and bring a good camera, hiking boots, food and water!!

    Hiking in the snow knee high.
    Bong J.

    Oh my wow! Hiking here was pretty intense bit the view was just amazing. So breath taking. We drove three hours for a hike not know we had to pay about $25. Now know so, instead of just a day trip I will plan to stay there for a weekend like camping or stay somewhere nearby.

    Mt Rainier, Paradise
    Sarah K.

    I love going to Mt Rainier. I took this picture of "reflection" in Paradise. WA State is so beautiful! I love going to the mountains.

    See all

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 1
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Shwe N.
    288
    1334
    5026

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrea U.
    5000
    3438
    27785

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam S.
    491
    1853
    3339

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ty C.
    155
    890
    596

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Mt Rainier

    Review Highlights - Mt Rainier

    Our planned day to visit Mount Rainier fell on May 22nd, a day before all the park roads were scheduled to reopen.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Reflection Lakes Loop Hike - Great reflection of mt Reinier

    Reflection Lakes Loop Hike

    (9 reviews)

    This is a great hike for photographers if you want to get both a nice view of Mount Rainier and of…read moreits reflection in the lake. The best time to come here is on a clear day and when the water is calm. You get stunning views of the alpine lakes and of the mountain peaks in the background. I made two stops here during my trip because the wind had caused ripples on the water and I wasn't able to get a clear shot with my camera. The reflection was much more clearer the second stop. Reflection Lakes is located off of Stevens Canyon Road just south of Paradise in Mount Rainier National Park. After parking, head down to the lake to find the hiking trail. The parking lot can fill up during the busier part of the day. The Lakes Trail is a three mile loop trail that goes around the lake and starts from either end of the parking lot. Wildflowers border the lakes in summer which adds some nice color to your photographs. The park asks that you stay on the trail to protect the meadow around the lake. Pinnacle Peak Trail is another popular trail that starts south of the Reflection Lakes parking lot. I really enjoyed making a stop here. It is one of the best places to get an iconic picture of Mount Rainier. There is no swimming, fishing, or boating in Reflection Lakes. But nearby Louise Lake allows wading and fishing. You can only visit Reflection Lakes in the summer as Stevens Canyon Road closes up during the winter season.

    Made a quick stop here to see the reflection of Mt Rainier…read more Heard it's supposed to be beautiful at sunrise, but it was rainy during our visit so we forewent the early morning visit. Came around 9am-ish on a cloudy day and were able to see a decent reflection - can only imagine how beautiful it would be on a nice, sunny day. We did a bit of the walk around the lakes, and while the walk was nice, the best views come from the overlooks where you park. Definitely worth a quick stop while driving by. If the weather is good, consider sunrise - you might be in for a wonderful surprise.

    Tipsoo Lake

    Tipsoo Lake

    (9 reviews)

    This lake has an amazing view of Mount Rainier if you are not looking to go directly to the…read moremountain. We came during the end of July (around 4PM) which is the best time to see all the beautiful wildflowers. It was really hot and there's so many bugs but this area is such a pretty place to take photos. We did leave with at least five mosquito bites so make sure to come prepared with bug spray and sunscreen! This is also right across from Naches Loop Trailhead and has parking as well; can only get down to the lake by staircase so this may be a struggle for those who are disabled. The view of the mountain is so pretty and totally worth it to stop by. The trail is also not hard so very kid friendly!

    Tipsoo Lake is a beautiful location full of wildflowers, evergreens, various hiking trails, and a…read moregorgeous view of Mount Rainier on a clear day. The day we went it was really foggy outside early in the day and it was just starting to clear when we were ready to leave. But check out those Rainier photos from other hikers who were fortunate to have visited on a bright day. Spectacular! Tipsoo Lake is quite small and has a walking path around it that is flat and easy to walk for hikers of all abilities. Along that path you can find a variety of flowers (including those cool Lorax kind) as well as paths leading to other trails such as Naches Peak Loop. If you head up that trail a bit from the lake, you'll come to a bridge that goes over highway 410 and that can be a nice viewing point for kids. There are a small number of parking spaces (10 to 12) in a tiny lot right off of the freeway and you may be fortunate enough to snag a spot if you arrive early. Friendly reminder to mind the signs and stay on the trail to protect the surrounding land and flowers.

    Skyline Loop - Marmot

    Skyline Loop

    (38 reviews)

    In my opinion, this is the most iconic hike in a Rainier. My friend who has gone many times told me…read morethis trail was the one to do if you have to pick, and it did not disappoint. I went on Thurs 7/3/25, and there was still a decent bit of slushy snow along higher parts of the trail, but the whole beginning was clear. They had signs in the visitor center (which I saw after already going up lol) saying that the east half of the trail should only be done if you have equipment and a lot of experience because there was an ongoing avalanche hazard. I ended up just not doing it for sake of time, since I didn't know - but can confirm the west portion up to panorama point is SUCH a stunner. I saw so much wildlife, mainly chipmunks and marmots, but also an eagle! The views EVERYWHERE are unmatched, especially at panorama where you can see mt. St. Helen, mt. Adams, and Mt. Hood. If you go to rainier, DONT miss this hike if you are physically able. It is pretty steep in some points but it smooths to a more gradual incline after a bit of a hard start. 10/10 would rec

    Review #1600 My Dad…read morelived in the Seattle area for over ten years. So I have taken many flights to Sea-Tac airport from the Phoenix area. Many of those flights I flew over Mount Rainier and had a window seat. If you have never seen Mount Rainier from the sky, it is an incredible sight to see. Mount Rainier is a 14,410-foot active volcano in Washington's Cascade Range. I just love how its snow cap peeks through the clouds as you fly over it. I always told myself that someday I would visit it and hike to the base of the mountain. My Dad never had any interest in getting up close to it, so I knew I would have to do my own trip to see it. I took an overnight flight to Seattle-Tacoma and drove straight to Mount Rainier National Park. I got there really early and ended up sleeping in my truck for a couple of hours. The start of the Skyline Trail is located at the Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center in Paradise. I was happy I got there early because the parking lot fills up quickly during the summer season. There were quite a number of people in the parking lot preparing to do this hike. The Skyline Trail is a 5.5 mile round trip loop trail. There are rangers on hand at the visitor center to answer any questions that you may and offer safety tips about the trail. There is also a water refill station if you need to fill up your CamelBak. Because the Skyline Trail is a loop, there are two different directions to begin the trail. There are steps just north of the visitor center that lead to the start of the trail. At the base of the steps is a quote from John Muir inscribed on it. I started the trail to the right (counterclockwise) so that I could see Myrtle Falls right away. You can get great photos of both Myrtle Falls and Mount Rainier in the background. I really enjoyed hiking thorough the wildflower meadows at the beginning of this side of the Skyline Loop. I was entertained by a number of marmots that would follow me as I was hiking. They are everywhere on the trail. The Skyline Trail gets a little more difficult the father you go. The elevation climb is 1700 feet and there are some ice slopes along the way that do not melt. I had to hike through a few snow patches that were a little slippery. Sometimes it was hard to see where the trail is. I finally made it to the base of Mount Rainier and had my lunch at Panorama Point. There are a waterfalls on the mountain that you can see from a distance. Seeing this mountain up close was absolutely amazing. You can see the Tatoosh Range and the Paradise Inn near the Visitor Center to the south from Panorama Point. I also caught a glimpse of some mountain climbers going further beyond the Skyline Trail to climb this incredible mountain. My feet were sore on my way back down. But overall, I was happy I finally accomplished this beautiful hike for the first time. It was an experience that I won't forget. If you do not want to do the full loop hike, you can break off the trail and take the Golden Gate Trail back down to shorten your trip. Just keep in mind that Paradise is a day use only area and dogs are not allowed on the trail. After your hike, take some time to check out the Visitor Center. You can get your National Park passport book stamped there and there are lots of exhibits about Mount Rainier to check out. There is also a of couple places to grab food in Paradise if you are hungry.

    Shoe Lake Hike Via Pacific Crest Trail - Old Snowy

    Shoe Lake Hike Via Pacific Crest Trail

    (1 review)

    Had been stalking the White Pass/Shoe Lake area for windows of good weather the last month or two…read more(every weekend, it would conveniently be rainy/snowy up there!). Recently I saw the forecast open up for some sunny conditions---during the work week. I decided to make the trip---isn't that what vacation days are for?? I drove up to White Pass, from the east side, with clear blue skies the entire way. I parked on the highway (across from the Kracker Barrel at the base of the White Pass slopes). I slapped on my 35lb pack, grabbed my dogs, and we scrambled up the slopes. I like going this route (vs. starting at the Trailhead) because there are nice views and it cuts down on distance. It's a bear of a workout though! Once on the PCT, it's a nice, fairly flat, and scenic hike---y'know, the usual. Near the new ski run up on top, I heard/saw workers cutting/burning trees to clear way for the ski run (sometimes I wish I could make them turn the ski lift ON, so I could be taken all the way up to the Miriam Lake Basin....but what fun would that be?? I had seen evidence of recent snow every here and there (1-4" patches of snow). Once at the Miriam Lake Basin/Hogback Ridge, I made my way to Shoe Lake. There's one stretch of this big open piece of trail where there was quite a bit of hard icy snow. Camped above the beautiful Shoe Lake. I heard an elk bugling at around 7pm---it must have been south down the hill. Such a cool sound to hear! But it was also scary, because within seconds I also heard something very big plodding around nearby--definitely an elk. It was so close I could hear it breathing. A wee bit scary! (and cool) Oh, I did spy some huckleberries along the way, amazingly enough---but they weren't as good as the ones I picked 3weeks ago. Such a late season! The night yielded beautiful views of the Milky Way, constellations, Jupiter, satellites, and the like. The hike back was nice for most of the way. I saw a herd of mountain goats in the Miriam Lake Basin. The snow/ice mentioned earlier was pretty scary in the morning. The first clouds of the trip rolled in around 1pm...but I was pretty much done. While unloading at my car, an employee from the Kracker Barrel rode his bike to me. He was wondering where I was and if I was ok. Apparently, I forgot to roll my driver's side window up---so it was open for 24hrs!! Everything was fine, but I sure felt dumb. Anyway, probably my last backpacking trip of 2011. A great way to end the season!

    Comet Falls and Trail

    Comet Falls and Trail

    (2 reviews)

    Hiked Comet Falls with my fiancé and a couple of our best friends and absolutely loved the trail!…read moreI've only done a couple trails in MRNP but even if I had done more, I could see this still ranking as a favorite. We had a reservation for entry into the park before 9am and hit the trail early in the day to make sure we wouldn't have to deal with any lines. No issues! The trail is almost four miles roundtrip with a little over 1,200 feet in elevation gain. I wouldn't exactly call it a beginner hike because there's several steep and challenging parts, but it's nothing too bad. My legs were a little sore the next day but all in all it was a great workout. The falls at the end are absolutely gorgeous and hard to comprehend how tall they really are until you're standing right next to it! There's a ton of smaller falls along the way and glimpses of the mountains through the trees too which makes this a gorgeous hike pretty much the entire way. Like most people do, we made ourselves a lunch and enjoyed it at the end and watched the falls for a little while. 10/10 would do this trail again!

    Oh wow...how has no one on Yelp written about Comet Falls??? Without a doubt, this trail and hiking…read moretowards majestic Comet Falls was one of THE BEST ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS I WITNESSED at Mount Rainier National Park! What a truly remarkable experience this was for me. I know most people, visitors and tourists would say the main attraction of Mount Rainier is Mount Rainier itself. But this hike to Comet Falls ABSOLUTELY WON ME OVER! I was simply thrilled with the 462 foot plunge of Comet Falls....which then cascaded into another small waterfall. Holy Smokes, when I visited...I was able to photograph both waterfalls (with Comet Falls being the main attraction) all within one entire picture. Seriously, it made for one truly humbling moment! Just some background information I can provide... First off, Comet Falls Trailhead was located literally right off the side of the road as I made my way from outside the entrance towards Mt. Rainier in the small town of Ashford, Washington. From the entrance station, it was about a 10 mile drive heading towards the Paradise Section of Mt. Rainier. Keep this in mind because there ARE NONE, ZERO SIGNS FOR COMET FALLS! Yes, I passed Comet Falls while heading towards the Henry Jackson Visitor Center. But while driving, there were a bunch of cars parked off the side of the road and this got my attention that something cool could be offered here. Along with using the park map, I did recognize the trailhead. In all, I'd say maybe there were only 10 parking spots available. That's how small the area was with limited parking availability. Also, this is VERY IMPORTANT. I hiked to Comet Falls in early afternoon around 1pm in the month of August. When I arrived at the falls in mid-late day....I had the sun at my back going with me. THIS WAS VITAL! Because as you'd expect for taking pictures, this was the perfect moment to grab photos! Absolutely perfect! Yeah it also helped that I hiked the trail on a beautifully sunny day. But coming here in the afternoon time made for the sun to be going with me and I thought my pictures came out stunningly well! Lol, this was so important to me...to not be facing against the sun and dealing with shadows. VISIT IN THE AFTERNOON! More info...Comet Falls Trail is a 3.8 mile round trip hike gaining about 900 feet in elevation. It's not really a hard hike...nothing out of the ordinary...but just so people know it wasn't the easiest hike. Along the way there's not much to view while hiking, just plenty of switchbacks. Right before I arrived at Comet Falls, there was a smaller waterfall area combined with crossing a bridge that some folks may believe is Comet Falls, but it's not. There'll be a clear sign saying - "Comet Falls 200 feet ahead". Still, some people did stop for a picture at these unnamed falls, but they paled in comparison to actual Comet Falls. And yeah when I arrived at Comet Falls, I was completely stunned how statuesque they appeared! For summer time there were still patches of snow on the ground which actually enhanced the surroundings. It wasn't too crowded during my time here and I was able to snap some terrific photos. Also, I easily climbed and got myself right underneath the falls...absolutely as good of an up close view as I could have asked for. I'd say it took me about 3 hours in total to hike Comet Falls. And I spent about 1 hour photographing and just hanging out in and among the falls. Comet Falls was truly special. To be able to get a thrilling introduction to this 462 foot waterfall, the highest waterfall at Mount Rainier, truly gave me the chills I felt quite lucky. And hiking here and spending a portion of the day was certainly worthwhile and one of the best memories I've had since visiting Mt. Rainier National Park. Hiking to Comet Falls is an absolute must!!!

    Pacific Crest Trail at Chinook Pass - Tipsoo before it's a Lake https://www.alwayswanderlust.com/tipsoo-lake/

    Pacific Crest Trail at Chinook Pass

    (3 reviews)

    The Chinook pass has several trails and the part of the Pacific Crest Trail does run through it…read more It's an amazing place to gaze at Mount Rainier with a few lakes to punctuate the view. It does get crowded on the weekends so you'll often see photographers and tourists congregating at Tipsoo Lake. But veer off the parking lot a little and hike around and up the Pass and you'll see a less popular lake that's equally immersive and picturesque. You might even find some solitude.

    On August 27th, took a drive to Chinook Pass which was about 2.5 hours. I left the Tri-Cities at…read moreabout 7:30. Made a quick stop at the Ranger Station in Naches, WA to pick up a Wilderness Pass and find out conditions up in the mountains. Like clockwork, I made it to the trailhead around 10am. This was a new hike. I have a tendency to repeat hikes. Repeat them monthly, annually, cerebrally. This time I was hiking a completely new hike. This was a trail I was entering blindly. I briefly looked at it via Google Earth months ago, but I didn't know what I was in store for. I didn't know where I was going. Surely there would be an awesome lake on the agenda. Fields of wildflowers must be on the menu. Huckleberries? Yeah, they will be sirening me. Gunner & Gomez (my dogs)? They just wanted a new place to go pee. We wanted to hit the trail and get away from the parking area and WA-410 ASAP. It's funny how trails can clear slates. Within a few switchbacks and the passing of a few batches of trees, we were gone. Almost instantly, we stole our first view of a scene subconsciously hoped for all summer: a clear & sunny sky and a sky-blue alpine lake surrounded by craggly mountain ridges. This is the medicine I needed. I don't know the name of this lake, but it offered a nice "welcome back" to the mountains. I lead the dogs down to the water, and they, of course, sauntered into the water. I think they thought we had reached our destination. "Sorry guys, this is just the beginning!" I know they were calling me a "bastard" in their corgi brains. We got back on the trail and continued south. We passed a few hikers just starting their multi-day trips down south and other hikers finishing their long trips north (why can't I be like these people!?). Overnight backcountry trips are nothing. I dream about what a 3-4 day trip would be like, or a 4-6 month trip along the entirety of the PCT---from Mexico to British Columbia. I couldn't even imagine what that would be like. Daydreaming is part of the drill when hiking. Ha! It's funny about hiking. When you're out on your own, your mind has this uncanny ability to wander. It's always nice to think about your life. Think about those you are close to. Think about hikes in the future. Think about all that's happened since the last time you were in the mountains. It's amazing. My brain can hopscotch from topic to topic and before I know it, miles have been walked. Daydreaming is not a bad thing. Ok, so I was at the top of a ridge, and I could see a huge lake below: Dewey Lake--the lunchtime destination. Finally made it down to the lake. This was a huge lake. It was beautiful, and it was big. We sauntered up to the water, and walked along the "beach" for a little. It would have been nice to hike a little more...but it was lunchtime. So, chilled at the lake and had a nice lunch. I then did some huckleberry pickin'. Oh yeah. The huckleberries were yummy, and I could have easily spent hours picking. But I had to get back on the trail. So off I went. All in all this was a nice and quick day hike with spectacular views. Can't wait to extend this day hike into a many-days hike!

    Glacier Basin Trail - Cute little fella

    Glacier Basin Trail

    (2 reviews)

    The Glacier Basin Trail is utterly magical in every sense of the word. I must have taken hundreds…read moreof pictures and several videos while hiking this trail. This hike has everything that your little heart could ever desire! A forest full of giant trees. Vibrantly green shrubs. Waterfalls at practically each turn. Majestic views of not only the snow covered mountains, but the gorgeous aqua hues of the White River down below. The rushing river running parallel. Rampant wildlife. Colorful wildflowers. Inclines and elevation galore. I mean, shall I go on?! Just stunning. Glacier Basin is located near the White River entrance of Mount Rainier National Park. The trail begins just behind the White River Campgrounds. It's starts off mildly inclining through a lush forest, but the incline picks up speed and continues to incline until you reach the camp. It's about roughly 9 miles and 2,000 feet of elevation in total if you add in the the detour to the Emmons Lorraine Trail. Do it! It will add another 1.5/2miles to the hike, BUT... this is where you'll find that incredible view of the Inter Fork White River. It's funny that it's called the "white river" because it's stunningly aqua from the top of Emmons Lorraine. The Emmons Lorraine trail is a turn off that's about a mile into the Glacier Basin Trail and includes a river crossing and a steep incline up a narrow hill. It looks a bit intimidating, but it's really not. Just sit on your bum for the really gnarly parts coming down (at least that's what I did). Continuing on the Glacier Basin Trail, it's basically a straight shot up the hill for another 3 miles until you reach the top. There are a few spots with some switchbacks, but it's mostly a ridge-like trail. AllTrails has rated this hike as moderate, but it's definitely on the harder side of moderate if not difficult. What makes this hike so enjoyable though is the fact that there's so much scenery. Every time I took a break, I was either greeted by a beautiful mini waterfall or vibrant wildflowers. The views are very motivating and it keeps you going. Once you reach Glacier Basin Camp, you'll be met with the most stunning views of snow covered Mount Rainier and the rushing waters of the White River right next to it. This hike took me about 5 hours in total to complete (including breaks, lunch, and detours). It's definitely a day hike, so bring enough food and water to keep yourself nourished. Also, make sure you have some really comfortable hiking shoes/boots and hiking poles for the way down if you have bad knees. Coming down can be just as tough as hiking up because of the steepish downhill for 3 miles straight. This one is definitely going in the books as one of my favorite National Park hikes and my favorite Washington state hike thus far. If you're looking for a challenge and a great way to see the beauty of Mount Rainier National Park, Glacier Basin Trail is a great option.

    As a Seattle native, I can say that this is my favorite hike I've ever been on. The hike has a fork…read moreabout a mile in. If you fork left, there is a relatively short (~30 min) but steep trail that leads to the glacier basin. The water is a bright teal with mountains in the background, one of the best views I've ever seen. My friends and I went swimming in the basin, which was very cold but also very fun. If you stay on the main trail, it is an additional 6 miles that is moderate-difficult and took about 3 hours to get up. At the top, there is a really pretty meadow and campground. You will need a Mt. Ranier National Park pass ($50 annual or $30/week) to enter. I went on a weekday in the morning and had no trouble finding parking. The main trail was quite empty, but the left fork had a couple other groups. However, we more or less had the place to ourselves. Overall, 10/10 would reccomend!

    Mt Rainier - climbing - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...