Epic Mount Rainier in Washington state is arguably one of the most popular US national parks. Perhaps the best way to experience it up close and personal is to go hiking through it. With that thought in mind, here are 15 truly epic hikes in Mount Rainier National Park.

15 Truly Epic Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park

Epic Hikes In Paradise

Spiritual beliefs aside, Paradise is found on Mount Rainier’s southern slopes. It is reported to be one of the park’s “most heavily visited areas.” There are a number of different trails here, such as the superb Skyline Trail.

1. Nisqually Vista Hike

This is an easy, paved loop trail hike with a distance of just over one mile. You will experience an ascent of 200 feet and should need no more than 45 minutes to complete this little trek. The trailhead is in the Lower Paradise parking lot.  

It is a short hike with a couple of steep-stepping moments. If you can push a baby stroller, you can handle this. From here you will enjoy memorable views of the Nisqually Glacier and Mount Rainier without making much of an effort.   

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The Myrtle Falls Hike 

This is an easy, one-mile hike. The ascent is 100 feet, and it should take only half an hour to complete. The trailhead for this hike is in the Upper Paradise parking lot by the popular Paradise Inn.

The path to Myrtle Falls is entirely paved and family-friendly. You start on the first section of the popular Skyline Trail. At Edith Gorge, you should take the steep, short downhill spur trail to see Myrtle Falls. 

Once you return to the Skyline Trail, take a right, walk for 100 feet and you’ll get an outstanding view of Mount Rainier too. If you want to hike the whole Skyline Trail, keep going. Otherwise, there’s not much left to see here.

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The Skyline Trail To Panorama Point

This hike is 6.2 miles and is rated strenuous. Your total descent here is 1,900 feet. You will need between three to five hours to complete this hike.

The Trailhead is in the Upper Paradise parking lot. Despite the level of difficulty, those in the know rate this trek as “one of the best hikes in Mount Rainier.” Your journey begins in Paradise.  

From there you hike past the previously mentioned Myrtle Falls, through verdant pine forests, and then head up the rugged slopes of majestic Mount Rainier. On a clear day, you will not only have great views of the park but also be able to as far away as Oregon’s Mount Hood. Finally, it’s a steep hike down to the Paradise Visitor Center. 

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Hike To Camp Muir 

This is a very strenuous hike. It is eight miles in total and has an ascent of 4,800feet. You will need between eight and 10 hours to finish.

The Trailhead is in the Upper Paradise parking lot. Without a climbing permit, Camp Muir is as close as you will get to Mount Rainier’s summit. Take the handy Skyline Trail to the Pebble Creek Trail. From here, you must hike upward through snow. When you reach Camp Muir, you’ll be at a surprising elevation of 10,188 feet.

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The Bench And Snow Lake Trails 

The total distance of this moderately difficult trail is just under three miles. The ascent is just 750 feet. Give yourself between one and a half to two and a half hours.

The Trailhead is situated on Stevens Canyon Road, just five miles from the Paradise visitor center. This one hike will provide you with access to a pair of subalpine lakes. Take the spur trail you will see before mile one, and you can visit Bench Lake. The trail takes you through a verdant forest and a tunnel carved through the dense brush. Once you return to the main trail, you continue for half a mile upward until you reach Snow Lake.

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Epic Hikes In The Sunrise Area 

Sunrise, located north of Mount Rainier, is like Paradise. It offers noteworthy views of rugged Mount Rainier and several different hikes too.  

Sourdough Ridge Trail To Frozen Lake

This is a moderately difficult hike with a 500-foot ascent and a total distance of three miles. You should be able to complete it in between one and a half to two hours. You will find the trailhead in the Sunrise parking lot.

The Sourdough Ridge Trail provides hikers with amazing views of the entire park. From the parking lot, you take the lovely Sunrise Nature Trail. The Sourdough Ridge Trail will soon be on the left.  

This hiking trail takes you to popular Frozen Lake. Mount Rainier is almost always entirely in front of you. You can stop at the ridge and enjoy the view or keep going until you reach the lake.  

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The Burroughs Mountain Loop

This is a strenuous hike with a distance of between six and nine miles and an ascent of as much as 2,500 feet. You will need between three and six hours. The trailhead is in the Sunrise parking lot.

Your journey begins with a one-and-a-half-mile hike on the well-known Sourdough Ridge Trail to the famous Frozen Lake. When you reach the junction, keep hiking towards Burrough Mountains. Cross the snowfield, then hike up the mountains.  Hiking to the second Burrough Mountain will make your total distance six miles. Hiking to the third one increases it to nine miles.

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The Mount Fremont Lookout Trail 

This six-mile, moderately difficult hike has a total ascent of 1,200 feet and includes taking the popular Sourdough Ridge Trail to Frozen Lake. From the trailhead in the Sunrise parking lot, it should take you between two and a half to five hours to complete. Once you pass Frozen Lake, the crowds should dwindle.  

The hike to the old Mount Fremont Fire Lookout is a gradual uphill trek. Here you will take in exceptional views of Mount Rainier and be able to see across the park too. Interestingly, there’s also an open-air pit toilet that offers hikers another unique experience. 

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The Summerland Trail To Panhandle Gap

This hike is a strenuous one. Its total distance is 2 miles, and the total descent is 3,150 feet. You will need between five to seven hours here.

You’ll find the trailhead on Sunrise Park Road, not far from the Mather Memorial Parkway and 11+ miles from the helpful Sunrise Visitor Center. While this hike is challenging, it is far from boring as it includes deep, old-growth forests, colorful wildflowers, the chance to see some local wildlife, and great views of not only Mount Rainier, but also views of massive Mount Adams as well. Following a gradual uphill trek through the forests and wildflowers, and a steep hike up some switchbacks, you enter Summerland. Here marmots scurry close to the trail.  

Heading back at this point makes your roundtrip hike only nine miles. Should you choose to continue, you hike through a subalpine region and eventually will find snow underfoot. Hike past a frozen lake and see Mount Rainier’s peak looming to your right. One final climb and you are rewarded with a panoramic view.

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The Naches Peak Loop 

Sources differ on the difficulty of this hike. It is just over three and a half miles in distance with an ascent of 680 feet. Some experts say it is easy and some say it is moderately difficult. Plan on spending between one and a half to two and a half hours here.  

You have parking options. However, veteran visitors suggest using one of a pair of parking areas on Highway 410 next to Tipsoo Lake, where the trail crosses the road. Arrive early and park in one of the spots at the southern trailhead.  

From this parking area, it is recommended that you hike the loop counter-clockwise. Hiking in this direction you will first be hiking through the forest on a section of the popular Pacific Crest Trail. You will have great views of Mount Rainier behind you, hike past a little lake, cross the highway via a distinct wooden pedestrian bridge, and then head down to Tipsoo Lake.

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Epic Hikes In Ohanapecosh And More

The Grove Of The Patriarchs Hike

This is an easy hike that some say is a “must do” for anyone who has never been to this park. The hike is only one and a half miles in length with no significant ascent. You should be able to hike it in an hour.  

Arrive early and park in the lot on Stevens Canyon Road next to the entrance. This brief hike will take you past some of the park’s oldest and largest Douglas firs, western hemlocks, and western red cedars. You’ll also cross a suspension bridge, and along a group of boardwalks and dirt trails too.  

(As this goes to press though, the trail is closed due to significant damage to the bridge from recent flooding. It may not be open in the summer of 2022 or 2023.)

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The Silver Falls Loop 

This is a trail that’s perfect for anyone and everyone. It is less than three and a half miles in length, with an elevation gain of only 670 feet, and, depending on your family or group, should only take between one and a half to three hours. There are multiple trailheads available.

Those in the know though say you really should park your vehicle at the Ohanapecosh Visitor Center. This short trail takes you through an exceptional old-growth forest. Of course, the real highlight is seeing Silver Falls. You will be afforded an assortment of excellent views of the striking waterfall and many moss-covered rocks via various bridges and overlooks. Some travel writers refer to this as “one of the best hikes” in the park, especially if you visit on a rainy or cloudy day.

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Spray Park Hike

The Spray Park Hike is strenuous. The total distance is eight miles and the total ascent is 1,800 feet. Plan on it taking between four and six hours.

It is praised as being one of the best hikes to take if you are an aficionado of wildflowers. The trailhead is at the very end of Mountain Meadows Road. Your journey begins in the verdant forest.

You can take the spur trail to Spray Falls. It is challenging but once you reach the top, you are walking through fields of pretty wildflowers. Mind you, you also will be able to enjoy some incredible views of Echo Rock, Observation Rock, and (of course) majestic Mount Rainier as well. 

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Tolmie Peak Fire Lookout Hike

Some say this hike is moderately difficult and some say it’s strenuous. Either way, you will hike for close to six miles on a trail that has an ascent of 1,600 feet. If you want dramatic views of rugged Mount Rainier and not a lot of crowds, this hike fits the bill.

Set aside between two and a half to four hours to finish it. The hike begins on Mountain Meadows Road. While it might be somewhat challenging to some it is also considered to be a fun hike and is often referred to as a “favorite.” On the way to the popular peak lookout, you will wander through thick forests and a number of alpine lakes as well. Tolmie Peak Lookout reportedly offers you “a spectacular view” of the park’s namesake too.   

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 The Wonderland Trail 

This 93-mile hiking trail is not only strenuous, but it also has an ascent of more than 23,000 feet. You will not only need stamina for this backpacking adventure, but you will also need time. It could take between nine and 13 days to complete the hike and circumnavigate Mount Rainier.

This journey will lead you through stunning canyons, and temperate forests. You’ll cross streams and even rivers and see Mount Rainier from every angle. A permit is required, and they are generally in demand so plan ahead. The hiking season here usually starts at the end of June or early July. It ends in October.   

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If you love waterfalls and are visiting the state of Washington in the US, they are reportedly most prevalent on the state’s west side. Ah, but then again, eastern Washington is well represented too. In order to help you with your waterfall-watching itinerary, here are the 12 best waterfalls in Washington State.

12 Best Waterfalls In Washington State

1. The Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie

Snoqualmie Falls is possibly the most famous waterfall in Washington state. East of Seattle, this 268-foot waterfall is perhaps best known for its inclusion in the opening credits of the 1990 TV show Twin Peaks. It is also known as a special meeting place for native groups.  

Get a better understanding of the significance of the falls at the nearby lodge. Get a closer look and learn more by hiking the interpretive trail. Located right below the falls, it’s less than one mile in length. The best time to visit is during the spring when Snoqualmie has its biggest snowmelt and flow. The summer is warmer, of course, but that’s also when you will encounter more tourists.

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Spray Falls, Mount Rainier National Park

Spray Falls is in the northwest Mowich Lake area of the park. You’ll have to hike for 2.25 miles to reach the 350+-foot waterfall. The journey begins on a section of the well-known Wonderland Trail. It’s perhaps most known for being the only trail that actually circles massive Mount Rainier.

The trail will lead you past the popular Eagle’s Cliff overlook, which offers hikers an exceptional view. Follow the short spur trail and soon you will notice a misty cloud for which the waterfall gets its name. If you want a closer look, you will have to work your way around some huge boulders.  

Make a day of hiking to and from the falls. You can even follow the trail beyond the falls into Spray Park’s alpine meadows. Visit during the summer and enjoy the wildflowers in full bloom.

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Palouse Falls, Palouse Falls State Park

Palouse Falls is an ice-age waterfall found in Eastern Washington, roughly 40 miles out of Walla Walla. Also, the official state waterfall; it includes a drop of 200 feet, a huge bowl, and a striking gorge. If you require additional information or any assistance, the Palouse Falls State Park, below the falls, provides resources and camping opportunities to visitors.

More importantly, this state park also includes a trio of exceptional observation points. The easiest observation point to access is the lower one. It’s a great place for photographers and painters too if you’re artistically inclined.

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Franklin Falls, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Nestled in the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in King County, this is reported to be “one of the best waterfalls” close to Seattle. The hike to the waterfall is short and with only minimal elevation gain. It’s a short hike on a well-maintained trail.

Thus, it’s also a well-liked family waterfall hike that runs along the Snoqualmie River’s south fork. The water here thunders down 135 feet over a trio of tiers. Only the final 70 feet can be seen from the trail.

You can get closer to the pool beneath the pool but know that the path is slippery. Visit in the summer. It’s the perfect place to chill out.

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The Spokane Falls, Spokane

This pair of waterfalls is considered by some travel writers to be a nigh-defining attraction of Riverfront Park and one of the country’s “best urban waterfalls.” Located in the heart of downtown Spokane, both the Upper and Lower Spokane Falls have a long local history. This, too, was an important place for native gatherings. Today the city uses them to create hydroelectric power.  

Amidst all the urban development, the falls continue to be a real tourist attraction. Huntington Park, near City Hall, is a fine place to see the lower falls on land. Riverfront Park’s popular SkyRide features an exciting enclosed-cabin cable ride over the lower falls as well. You’ll get your best views of Upper Falls from a pair of pedestrian bridges.

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Whatcom Falls, Bellingham

Whatcom Falls is not only one of the city’s top attractions, but it is also the centerpiece of a popular park of the same name. Washington state’s Whatcom Falls Park welcomes visitors via a well-known Civilian Conservation Corps-era bridge. More importantly, this bridge also is an excellent place from which to see the falls.

If you want to see picturesque Whatcom Creek and other areas here, try hiking the three-plus miles of trails traversing the park. Visit the park’s fish hatchery, and go swimming in the swimming hole too. Other amenities here include interpretive displays, a playground, and picnic shelters.

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The Twin Falls, Olallie State Park

Twin Falls in Washington is under an hour from Seattle in Olallie State Park. The hike to see the famous 165-foot waterfall is just two and a half miles. The trailhead is adjacent to the Snoqualmie River’s south fork.  

Ah, but the Twin Falls is not the only water attraction in this state park. You can hike an even shorter trail to the South Fork Picnic Area and the 77-foot-high Weeks Falls. You can also go mountain biking here. Hiking aficionados may also find it good to know that a section of the 212-mile popular Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail runs through this park as well.

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Marymere Falls, Olympic National Park

Marymere Falls is nestled in the Hoh Rainforest in Olympic National Park on Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. It’s one of the park’s most popular waterfalls and is easily accessible. The trailhead for the hike to the falls is on the peninsula’s north side, roughly half an hour’s drive west of Port Angeles on famous Highway 101.

The trailhead is also close to Lake Crescent’s shoreline. The hike itself is under two miles out and back. The trail is generally flat and leads you through a verdant, old-growth forest. Pack a lunch and rest and enjoy it at this 90-foot waterfall. You should be able to complete the hike itself in less than an hour but the scenery and, of course, the falls will discourage you from setting any speed records.

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Panther Creek Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest

Looking for another family-friendly hike in Washington? Panther Creek Falls is located just 10 miles north of the rugged Columbia River Gorge. Your outdoor adventure begins at Forest Service Road 65.  

From there it is under half a mile to the falls. Here the water plummets down almost 70 feet into a blue, churning pool. There is also a number of higher rivulets that cascade down the face of the rock, adding even more to the overall beauty.

Need more? This area of the Pacific Northwest is fairly famous for its waterfalls. Not far away, you can visit the towering three-tiered Falls Creek Falls. Head south, and stop at the Columbia River Gorge. It’s home to many of Oregon’s best waterfalls, most notably the 620-foot-high Multnomah Falls.

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Wallace Falls, Wallace Falls State Park

The cascading attraction known as Wallace Falls is nestled within the state park of the same name, less than an hour out of Seattle. You can reach this 265-foot waterfall via a moderately trafficked trail that’s 4.6 miles out and back. There is an elevation gain of more than 1,300 feet to the upper falls.  

Much of this is the result of steep switchbacks towards the end of your destination. If you’d prefer less of a hike, you can see the middle falls prior to where the trail takes the first steep turn. If you visit in the summer, you’d best head out early to avoid the crowds.  

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Iron Creek Falls, Gifford Pinchot National Forest

This wild waterfall is ensconced within the lush Gifford Pinchot National Forest just northeast of famous Mount St. Helens. You can reach this waterfall from Forest Service Road 25. It’s just a steep, tenth-of-a-mile to the creek and falls.

The best time to visit is in the late spring or early summer. This is when Iron Creek Falls flows the heaviest. Indeed, as summer makes its way to fall, the shore around the pool here becomes easier to explore. If you want to spend more time here you can even camp out at the Iron Creek Campground 10 miles north along Forest Service Road 25.

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Tumwater Falls, Brewery Park

The iconic multi-tiered landmark along the Deschutes River is just minutes out of the state capital of Olympia in the 15-acre park donated by the well-known Olympia Brewing Company. A narrow gorge separates the upper and lower falls. This place is especially popular on summer afternoons.  

This is a maintained green space that also includes 1.5 miles of hiking trails. You can enjoy high vantage points of the cascading water from a number of different scenic footbridges here. The best time to visit if you’re a fan of wildlife such as fish is from September through October when the salmon are making their way up the river’s specially constructed fish ladder.

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There are over 200 parks in the impressive Washington State Parks System.  (Who knew?)  They all feature an exceptional array of environment, scenery, and various recreational opportunities.  

So whether you’re looking to go hit the beach, cool your heels in a cabin, go camping or hiking, engage in water sports, or simply have an outdoor birthday party, Washington has the park for you.  So buy your Discover Pass and enjoy yourself!  These are the 13 top state parks in Washington.

1.  Beacon Rock State Park

Beautiful Beacon Rock State Park is situated in the popular Columbia River Gorge.  This park spans 4,458 acres.  The main attraction is its namesake, the massive 848-foot-tall Beacon Rock.

You can hike the switchback trail to the top of the rock and take in the great view.  You can also hike to one of the numerous waterfalls found in the gorge.  Veteran visitors suggest making the trek to Multnomah Falls.  You can also go cycling, horseback riding, and rock climbing.  You can visit nearby Portland as well.

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Cape Disappointment State Park

This park in Ilwaco is ironically named.  It is reportedly anything but disappointing.  Here you’ll have your choice of cabins, campsites, or yurts.

There’s also a boat launch and great hiking trails.  This place is more than an exceptional assortment of outdoor adventures, it also has some history to it.  Here you can explore two different historic lighthouses situated high on the bluffs overlooking a portion of the infamous “Graveyard of the Pacific” named thusly because of the many shipwrecks that happened there.  Stay in the historic homes there too.

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Dash Point State Park

Located in Federal Way, Dash Point State Park is just off I-5, not far from Tacoma and Seattle.  Here you can go biking, boating, camping, and hiking.  What makes it a top contender though is the shoreline here.

When the tide is out you’ll find an expansive area great for strolling and tide-pooling too.  If you want to visit other parks near Tacoma and Seattle, consider Lake Sammamish State Park located in Issaquah, Saltwater State Park south of Seattle, and Tolmie and Millersylvania state parks near the city of Olympia.

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Deception Pass State Park

This is the state’s “most visited state park.”  Found on WA-20 in Oak Harbor Deception Pass, those in the know say it’s “Stunningly gorgeous” and “has it all.”  This park covers an area of 3,854 acres.

It features a camping and a marine park, 33,900 feet of freshwater shoreline, 77,000 feet of saltwater shoreline, and a trio of lakes.  There is also a popular high bridge that offers visitors incredible views.  There’s a lot to do here including beachcombing, camping, and hiking.  You can also fish or swim in Cranberry Lake, hike, do some whale watching from the park’s many bluffs, or stay in a cabin that can only be reached by non-motorized boats.

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Fort Casey State Park

If you’re a history buff, then head for Coupeville where you’ll find famous Fort Casey State Park.  Here you can explore the military installation known as Fort Casey.  Erected in the 1800s, this fort was built for defensive purposes and was used for military training until some time in the 1940s.

See the two rare disappearing guns, the mounted guns, and a battery too.  Don’t miss visiting the old Admiralty Head lighthouse either.  Not into history?  You can go camping, boating, fishing, and hiking here too.

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Gingko Petrified Forest State Park

This state park on Ginkgo Avenue in Vantage also has a lot to offer travelers.  There’s a lot more than the petrified wood to see.  The property extends over 7,124 acres.  

Here you can see a special interpretive center that features unique outdoor exhibits of petrified wood.  There’s also the popular Trees of Stone Interpretive Trail that includes “20 petrified logs in their original” environment.

But this place is more than exhibits.  Another highlight is the 27,000-foot shoreline on Wanapum Lake.  Here you can enjoy boating, fishing, or swimming.  Spend the night in the neighboring Wanapum Recreation Area.

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Lake Wenatchee State Park

For some real “Northwest goodness,” experienced travelers suggest this  Lake Wenatchee State Park in Leavenworth.  Lake Wenatchee is an attractive five-mile-long alpine lake.  The park offers a number of different outdoor activities, including boating on the lake and even guided horseback tours of the park. 

This particular park is even a great palace to visit in the winter.  You can not only try snow camping here but you can also try snowshoeing across the many miles of local trails.

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Larrabee State Park

If you’d like to check out the state’s first state park, you’ll find it close to Bellingham on beautiful, scenic Chuckanut Drive along Puget Sound.  Here you will find coves, two freshwater lakes, tidelands, and even a small beach where you might spot resting sea pups as well.  Outdoor activity offerings include boating, camping, diving, fishing, hiking, and more.  You can also check out tide pools and even harvest shellfish along the 8,100 feet of rugged shoreline here.  

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Lime Kiln Point State Park

This park can be found on West Side Road in Friday Harbor.  While many people think you have to climb aboard a boat to watch whales, the truth is you can do it from land as well.  Indeed, this is one of the best places in the entire state from which to watch whales if you’re prone to getting seasick.

While it is a comparatively small day-use park, it offers exceptional opportunities to see gray whales, humpback whales, minke whales, orcas, and even porpoises.  The best time to visit is between the months of May and September.  You can also see the exhibits, take a hike, or tour the local lighthouse.

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Moran State Park

You’ll find this park on Olga Road on peaceful Orcas Island.  This is a great place for watersports because there are five different lakes here.  There are also a good 38 miles of biking trails and hiking trails.  

Check out the stunning view of the San Juan Islands.  This park is also great for camping too because there are several campgrounds here.  Sleep by the water should set up camp in the Southend campground.  If you’re into swimming head for the Northend campground.

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Palouse Falls State Park

Appropriately enough, this particular park is on Palouse Falls Road in LaCrosse.  Palouse Falls is special because it is one of the only waterfalls not destroyed by huge Ice Age floods that cut a path through the US over 13,000 years ago.  The water crashes down over pretty, picturesque canyon walls, making this place a favorite of photographers and painters alike.  There are multiple campsites here in this 94-acre state park.  Thus, you can see the falls from three different viewpoints.

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Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park

Head for Coulee City.  for it is there you will find yet another remnant from the Ice Age floods.  The Sun Lakes-Dry Falls, however, is only home to a former waterfall.  This one was once four times as big as famous Niagara Falls.  Here tourists can go boating, fishing, and even hiking through this ancient landscape.

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Wallace Falls State Park

Last but not least, there is Wallace Falls State Park on Wallace Lake Road in Gold Bar.  This park encompasses 1,380 acres ensconced in the Cascades.  This park features verdant forests, sparkling lakes, and, of course, waterfalls.

This is a wonderful place for hiking too.  There are 12 miles of exceptional hiking trails.  Naturally, the must-see attraction here is the 265-foot, triple-tiered Wallace Falls.  If you’re into backpacking, be sure to get a permit from the park staff so you can take advantage of the more challenging backcountry hiking opportunities offered here as well.   

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