The most beautiful park. There was a lot of closures when I visited in 8/26, especially on the est…read moreside of park, so my access was limited. There are 4 main areas of the park: Longmire, Paradise, Stevens Canyon and Sunrise. Longmire: Very historical, with a walking Historical tour of the buildings, park inn, museum, old gas station, wilderness center and general store. Paradise: extremely busy! Get here before 7am or after 2pm to get a parking space. Includes an inn with gift shop, visitors center woth deli and store and ranger station. This is where the most popular Skyline Trail is located (5.5 miles, 1700ft elevation gain). Steven's Canyon/Ohanapecosh: campground, visitors center (both currently closed) Sunrise/White River: currently closed Even if you have mobility issues, there is plenty to see in this park. Along the southern border, there are 4-5 easy trails. A few are even paved and ADA accessible. There are several beautiful waterfalls and rivers to see just from the road pullouts too. 34/63

One of America's most majestic peaks, Mount Rainier towers over the Washington landscape like a…read morebeacon, easily visible on clear days from downtown Seattle, 70 miles to the north. Close up, the mountain's 14,000' peak often disappears behind treetops and fog, playing a game of hide and seek with visitors traversing the winding roads of its sprawling national park, craning their necks for a glimpse of the summit. But a visit to Mount Rainier National Park is like a game of chance. You can leave Seattle, as we did recently, under clear morning skies, with the mountain looming far in the distance, and then watch the clouds slowly close in as you near your destination. Weather conditions can make all the difference here, so make sure you pay close attention before setting out. Mid July through early September provide the best window to see the mountain in all its summertime glory -- come earlier in the year and you may find an environment decidedly less accommodating for the casual hiker. Rainier offers dozens of hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes and scenic vistas, and the ideal visit requires multiple days to experience it all. If you're coming for a day trip from the Seattle area, arrive early to beat the traffic at the entrance and prioritize easily accessible spots like Narada Falls, Reflection Lake and Paradise Meadows, where parking spots quickly disappear by noon. We arrived at the South Entrance on a weekday around 9 a.m. and drove right up to the entrance gate, but the lines to enter during peak season, especially on weekends, can be notoriously long. A highly recommended stop is the Longmire Visitor Center, where the rangers will advise you on road and trail conditions and help you plan your day. The park's showstopper is the popular Skyline Trail, a moderately challenging 5.5-mile loop that climbs 1,500' from the parking lot at Paradise Meadows to the spectacular Panorama Point Overlook. In summer, the trail meanders through a breathtaking sea of wildflowers and offers views of glaciers and waterfalls as it works its way across Rainier's southern slope. But on our recent visit, in early June, we found out that a even a light rain can makes the park's spectacular Skyline Trail a dicey expedition. The cold drizzle we encountered at the trailhead quickly evolved into an icy mix of sleet and snow as our family neared Panorama Point, making the narrow trails dangerously slick. Despite coming equipped with winter jackets, warm gloves and sturdy hiking boots, the conditions forced us to retreat before reaching the trail's famous overlook, which was already shrouded in dense fog. Despite not being able to enjoy the views and scenery we had hoped for, our visit to Mount Rainier was an unforgettable experience -- a challenging but highly rewarding winter hike on snow-covered trails surrounded by glaciers, icy peaks, and furry marmots who bounded around us like giant squirrels posing for candid photos. It was also a reminder that any visit to a national park is subject to the grace of Mother Nature, and inspired us to plan a return trip to this spectacular place -- hopefully when we can see Rainier's summit against a blue Washington sky.

STUNNING STUNNING STUNNING. If you have the physical capacity to get out to panorama point via…read moreskyline loop trail, I HIGHLY recommend. The views are absolutely top tier on a clear day, and you'll see tons of wildlife on the way during the summer. I loved being able to see other mountains in the distance, it was so cool. Would absolutely love to come back and do it again sometime, and complete the whole trail loop (there was still an avalanche warning for the East side the day I came in July).

Just a long flat paved straight shot from Yelm to Tenino or farther. Not a huge amount to look at…read moreand although the roadway is a few feet away, it's still kind of peaceful. It's perfect for biking or just a walk. There are lots of apple trees and fresh berries along the way just in case you get hungry. The trail is kind of sandwiched between the highway & the golf course until you get out of Yelm. Then it turns into horse farms and fields of grass and wildflowers. It's 13.1 miles one way. I thought it was round trip when I looked on my hiking app and didn't realize how long it was until I got to Rainier city. So, if you go all the way to Tenino and back to Yelm, then you will have went well over the length of a marathon. It is shady in spots so there is reasonable cover from the sun until you get to Rainier. There are a few bugs and bees and wasps along the way. They have bug catching boxes and things along the way though to help reduce the bugs. The pavement can get tough to walk on over time so I switched up walking on the grass and sand on the sides of the trail. There is a designated parking lot off Railroad Ave just behind the skate park. I also didn't notice that when I started and ended up parking by the golf course. It would be nice if there was a water fountain along the way but I'm not begging. I would suggest you bring water though for the long walk.

Love the trail, only complaint I have is that dog and horse owners need to clean up their poop…read more Just nasty. Clean that shit up...

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!!!

I've completed the Little Mashel Falls Hike around 10 times since 2022. I mostly conduct this hike…read moreduring the spring season. For many people or those weather-prone or ill-equipped, it's really wet and cold around this time. However, it's the best time to go because this is peak flow season for the middle fall and the increasing of waterfall spates (volume) around the three falls. On this particular day (late summer), the falls were dry. In other words, the falls were reduced significantly and very marginal to say the least. As far as the trail, it's pretty straightforward. It's relatively smooth, with a very slight incline for approximately 2 miles until you reach the falls. Make sure you're consistently traveling to the left directionally of the path until you see a large stone/rock stage to the left, which leads to a trail to all of the falls. About 200 feet in, the trail begins a slight decline. From this point, the pathways to all three falls feature moderate decline on the way in and inclines on the way out. However, this is one of the easiest water hikes I've ever done that even your most novice hikers would find eventful. The biggest and most beautiful fall of them all is the Middle. Tips: Make sure to check the weather report before you conduct this hike. It's notorious for sudden inclement weather such as scattered rain/hail storms especially during the spring. If you don't pack the right equipment, you will be stuck in the middle of a painful hail storm. Bring a rain coat or poncho because it gets really misty around the middle fall and you could find yourself quickly getting soaked. Lastly, a lot of people get lost trying to find the trail to the falls. I posted a picture of the rock for your reference. This is where you want to take a left and go to the falls.

I wish that the directions were more clear on how to get to the waterfall. Just stay on the main…read moreroad and turn on the faded spraypainted rock that has the faint red letters of the word "FALLS". honestly, just follow the sound of the waterfalls, which help with the indication of blue diamond signs on the tree barks. Idk what the white diamond signs mean, but follow the blue ones for the waterfall

Visiting Paradise Glacier Trail at Mt Rainier National park during the snowy season was an…read moreexperience I will NEVER forget. If you're planning to go before the winter conditions become too severe DO plan ahead by ensuring you have tire chains (there is a $500 fine if you don't,) and arrive early enough to enjoy your visit as the entrance to paradise closes earlier because of inclement conditions. I'm looking forward to returning next summer for hikes; I highly recommend!!

Excellent food! My fiancé didn't agree with the authenticity…read moreof the food but it's the most delicious of Borsch I have had since moving to the USA 14 years ago! So proud of my Ukrainian brothers and sisters making a mark in the States with their menu

This is a great hike. It's a moderate hike. Take about an hour. You were able to get spectacular…read morephotos. If it's raining on the west side of the mountains this would be a great getaway. It stays dry generally because it's nestled down Mount Rainier south east side.

Bench and Snow Lake Trail is located on the south side of Mount Rainier National Park and is a…read moregreat hike for beginners and families. I found it to be a nice scenic hike. The parking lot is small, but is worth a stop if you have an hour or two to do an easy to moderate hike. On this trail, you will have an opportunity to visit two beautiful alpine lakes. Just know that there is some elevation climb if you go all the way to Snow Lake. The total roundtrip will be around 2.5 miles if you do the complete hike. The scenic views were my favorite thing about this hike. If you turn around as you are hiking, you can see Mount Rainier behind you to the north. It is 0.7 miles to Bench Lake. They call it Bench Lake because it resides on a natural bench or a flat shelf of land near the edge of a steep slope heading down. If you continue further on the trail, you will eventually reach Snow Lake. Permits are required for wilderness camping in this area. Overall, this was a nice peaceful hike with very few people on the trail. You can't beat the gorgeous views and the pretty wildflowers along the path. I did get a lot of mosquito bites the closer I got to the lakes. So bring some bug spray. Pets are not allowed on the trail.

What an amazing hike! As an avid hiker, I honestly rate this easy. Mostly flat with some incline…read moreevery now and then. Especially going up towards the fire lookout, but the incline isnt drastic. The hike is about 2.8 miles total, 1.9 miles in, you will see Eunice Lake. This lake is not as packed as Mowich Lake so if you are willing to hike a bit and enjoy some clear blue water with less people, I would go here. Some people end up staying here to relax vs hiking the 0.9 remaining miles to the lookout. The lookout is much more packed though. Spots to eat your lunch are limited as people tend to stay about 30 minutes to an hour here. Parking is limited as well. The parking right by the Mowich Lake is very small. You can park on the side of the gravel road. People tend to start piling up at around 10 am but it isnt too long of a walk, only 2 minutes from where we parked as the trail is not near the entrance to Mowich Lake. Overall, i definitely recommend this hike. A decent hike where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Mt Rainier and relax at a lake after a hike. Also a decent hike where you can enjoy the lake with less people.

AMAZING view. Worth every bit to go up top. Plenty of street parking. We came on Saturday and it…read morewasn't super crowded which was great. It took us around 2 hours one way.