Glaciers, wildflower meadows, old-growth forests, and a majestic volcano towering in the horizon—this is Mount Rainier, one of the most iconic peaks in the world and one of the symbols of Seattle and Washington state.
Christopher Kimmel / Cavan Image
Better still, this soaring 4,392-meter-tall mountain is only a drive from the city, making its national park the perfect destination for a day trip or guided tour.
Start in the Paradise visitor area—open year-round but only on weekends during the winter and early spring off-season—at the lodge-style Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center. Exhibits detail the mountain, its glaciers, area wildlife, and stories of those who have attempted and successfully climbed the peak. A gift shop, cafeteria, and information booth also make this a great place to begin before hiking nearby trails—and to photograph the mountain summit. Active visitors can enjoy through blooming summer meadows and a relatively flat paved trail with canyon views, or challenging hikes that wind through dense forestland and afford glimpses of wildlife like birds, deer, and marmots. Rangers also offer guided summer hikes and winter snowshoe walks.
Sunrise is the second-most popular visitor area as it’s the highest point in Mount Rainier National Park that can be reached by car. Views here are simply stunning with the Emmons Glacier, surrounding valleys, nearby Mount Adams, and, of course, Mount Rainier herself in full view. A visitor center here is open during prime summer months, from July through September, and includes exhibits about the mountain as well as a picnic area.
Year-round, Longmire offers easy explorations for all. The Longmire Museum is open daily and showcases exhibits, informative guides, and a bookstore. From late May through early October, the stone-and-wood Wilderness Information Center is a classic example of “National Park Service rustic” architecture. Visit it during a self-guided walking tour of Longmire’s historic district. During winter, you can traverse those two kilometers by snowshoe. After all that exploring, enjoy a hearty meal and rest up with a night at the National Park Inn.
Travel Info: Mount Rainier is a drive (172 kilometers) from Seattle. For Paradise and Longmire, take I-5 south to exit 127 for WA-512 east (toward Puyallup). Continue on WA-512 east. Take the Steele Street exit and turn left onto Steele Street; continue for 1.5 kilometers. Turn left onto WA-704 east; after one kilometer, turn right onto WA-7 south. After 50.5 kilometers, continue onto WA-706 to the Nisqually entrance. For Sunrise, take I-5 south to exit 142A for WA-18 east (toward Auburn). Take the WA-164 east exit (toward Enumclaw) and continue onto WA-410 east (toward Pierce County). Follow signs for WA-123 south and Stevens Canyon Road.