REFLECTION LAKE HOW TO

The aptly named Paradise Valley is one of the most picturesque and magical areas of the Park. You’ll also pass the mineral springs once touted for their healing properties. It’s a brief 0.7-mile trek that passes old-growth spruce trees to a replica of the Longmire’s 1888 cabin. Like many other places in Washington state, its sinister name belies its beauty. If you’re starting at the Nisqually entrance, stop by the Longmire Museum to learn about the area’s Native American inhabitants, European expeditions, and natural history.Īcross from the nearby National Park Inn is the trailhead for Trail of the Shadows. Whatever your style, here are a few stops you won’t want to skip on your Mt. If you’re really adventurous (and fit), you can even summit the mountain, ascending more than 9,000 feet over eight-plus miles. Depending on the season, you can hike, swim, snowshoe and sled. Rainier day trip has something for everyone, from mountaineers to photographers and families to solo adventurers. Narada Falls Mount Rainier Day Trip from Seattle ItineraryĪn Mt. Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse other tour options to Mt Rainier. Like the tour mentioned above, this one hits all the highlights, including Narada Falls, Paradise Valley, and Reflection Lakes. You will also visit a panorama point where you can get incredible mountain views on a clear day. Rainier itinerary begins at Alder Lake Park and Eatonville before heading into the Park for a day of hiking or snowshoeing in winter. Click here to check availabilityĪnother option is this small group guided day tour that spans 10 to 12 hours and includes pick up from select Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport hotels. One cool thing about this small-group tour is they are permitted to venture one mile off the main hiking trails (thanks to the guide’s credentials), whereas most tour companies must stick to the primary pathways. The tour takes approximately 10 hours and 30 minutes, and they will pick you up from your Seattle accommodation. Depending on the season, you’ll hike or snowshoe (gear provided). One option is this best of Mount Rainier small group tour that is led by an award-winning naturalist tour guide who will guide you through the Park, providing commentary and discussion. If you don’t have your own transport or prefer not to make your day trip solo, you can join a tour group. Rainier itinerary, unless you plan to spend several days hiking. While walking is the best (and only) way to access many parts of the Park, you will need a vehicle to get from one region to the next on your Mt. That would take a few hours and, with taxi fare, could be pretty expensive. The only way would be to take a bus to Enumclaw, then take a taxi or rideshare 20 miles to the Park. Unfortunately, it is not really possible to get to the Park by bus (yet).

Rainier as part of a longer road trip such as from Seattle to Portland or even to Glacier National Park, you also can rent an RV or campervan from Outdoorsy.īeautiful Mount Rainier Seattle to Mt. If you need to rent a car for your Mount Rainier day trip, then browsing on will show you great deals across major providers. Rainier in peak season and don’t care for crowds, going the long way could be worthwhile. This trip, which encompasses about two-and-a-half hours, will take you to the Longmire entrance, which is typically a bit less crowded. Proceed to the Steele Street Exit and Spanaway Loop Road, which will take you to WA-704 E and WA-7 S. This route takes about two hours.Īlternatively, you can take I-5 S to exit 127, then turn onto WA-512 E. Follow the highway to WA-706 E and continue on this road to the park entrance. After exiting on Steele Street, you’ll continue on Spanaway Loop Road to WA-704 E. To get there, you’ll take Interstate 5 South toward Portland and Sea-Tac airport. The Nisqually entrance is the most popular of the four and the only one open year-round to vehicles and is easily accessible from the Seattle area. The Park (and car parks) fill up fast, especially in summer. As with any Seattle-based adventure, avoid rush hour if possible, and get there early (like, really early). The trip from downtown Seattle to the Park takes about two hours, depending on which route you take. But assuming you’re driving and not helming a private helicopter, you’ll traverse a little over 80 miles. Rainier’s summit is 60 miles as the crow flies.

REFLECTION LAKE HOW TO

How to Get to Mount Rainier from Seattle Seattle to Mt.

Have More Time in Mount Rainier National Park?.

Mount Rainier Day Trip from Seattle Itinerary.

How to Get to Mount Rainier from Seattle.

Reflection lake