Mount Rainier National Park
If you are planning to visit Mount Rainier National Park in Washington state, then the guides and blog posts on this page will hopefully help you plan an amazing trip! Mount Rainier has some pretty incredible scenery, and it was so much fun to visit as a family.
Naches Peak Loop Trail
One of the best hikes in the Park! It's about 3.2 miles round trip, with about 600' elevation gain. The scenery is stunning throughout, with meadows, lakes, and if it's clear, views of Mount Rainier (so we think—we were in a cloud!). To get there, park in the Tipsso Lake parking lot.
One of the most popular hikes in the Park, and it's easy to see why—you see a lot and each section transports you to a new "world." We did this with a 5 and 7 y.o., but this is not an easy hike. It is about 5.5 miles roundtrip, with about 1500' elevation gain. It is breathtaking—glaciers, alpine meadows, waterfalls, wildflowers galore, close-up views of Mount Rainier. Lots of hikers on this trail, so go early!
Paradise
Accessed most easily from the Nisqually entrance to the Park, Paradise is the most popular area for hikers. It has amazing views and some of incredible hikes, like the popular Skyline Loop Trail. It gets busy early and the parking lots fill fast, so get here early. The Paradise Inn has a restaurant and coffee/ice cream shop too. And the Visitor Center here is great!