Visit Rainier Blog

Tucked in a cirque high above the Mather Memorial Parkway are a pair of sparkling subalpine lakes beloved by hikers of all ages and abilities. Hike to the Crystal Lakes in early season for a dazzling floral show.

Hike this trail for solitude. Its breathtaking close-up views of the mountain and the Paradise Glacier are enticing too. There’s also a sparkling tarn along the way, and a slew of waterfalls to keep you mesmerized as well.

The old-growth forest along the way is magnificent and Lake George makes for a nice lunch spot; or if you’re inclined to spend the evening—a great camping spot. And the views? Breathtaking to the point that you just may need a little resuscitation!

Most folks know Crystal Mountain as a topnotch ski resort. But ambitious hikers can enjoy this long broad multi-summited mountain, too. Follow an adventurous trail through forests, meadows, and across ski slopes to a ridgeline traverse of the lofty mountain.

Most folks know Crystal Mountain as a topnotch ski resort. But ambitious hikers can enjoy this long broad multi-summited mountain, too. Follow an adventurous trail through forests, meadows, and across ski slopes to a ridgeline traverse of the lofty mountain.

Cascade Huckleberries are deep blue and are found in sub-alpine coniferous woods and alpine meadows at elevations between 2,000-6,000 feet. They are extremely flavorful due to high concentrations of esters and ketones, and are usually ripe in August.

Hike to one of the four remaining fire lookouts in Mount Rainier National Park. Perched on an open 7,181-foot knoll on rocky Mount Fremont, this historic structure is the highest of the park’s lookouts.

Hike to two little subalpine lakes tucked within the craggy and spired Tatoosh Range. One sits at the edge of a shelf offering breathtaking views of Mount Rainier—the other lies in a talus-strewn cirque beneath the highest point in the Tatoosh Range.

This fairly easy hike to two beautiful lakes in the heart of the William O Douglas Wilderness is perfect for adventurers young and old alike. Set on a pumiced plateau pockmarked with hundreds of small lakes and adorned with ancient cinder cone volcanoes, the Twin Lakes also make for a great basecamp for further explorations.

Head out on an easy two-mile stretch of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) relishing in sweeping views and dazzling wildflowers. Then take a break at a pretty little subalpine lake in a basin flush with meadows and wildlife. Soak your feet, go for a dip or take a nap.

Brightly-colored, camera-friendly outfit? Check! Broken in trail shoes? Check! Moleskin to cover potential hot spots/blisters forming from said trail shoes? Check! Airplane bottles containing strong spirits should the hike go sideways and I’m lef...

This is a great family-friendly hike from Mount Rainier National Park’s largest lake to one of its four remaining historic fire lookouts. En route wander through old growth hemlock groves and beneath steep rock walls of columnar basalt.

Long before Crystal Mountain was a top notch ski resort, it was part of bustling mining area known as the Summit Mining District. Before lifts and ski trails traversed this high broad mountain bordering Mount Rainier National Park; pack trails and narrow gauge roads crisscrossed the mountain, valley below, and neighboring peaks, ridges and basins.

It’s a long hike to Shoe Lake, but not overly difficult. Follow the well-graded Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) through cool forest and along an open craggy ridge to this pretty little lake tucked in an open alpine meadow.

Hike a short but down-to-business trail to a gap high in the craggy Tatoosh Range. Then enjoy the finest view of Paradise to be had from anywhere in the park.

Roam through miles of some of the largest and oldest trees in Mount Rainier National Park to a placid lake and a stunning waterfall.

Roam through miles of some of the largest and oldest trees in Mount Rainier National Park to a placid lake and a stunning waterfall.

It’s a mere .7 mile hike along Big Creek through groves of big trees to this pretty lake tucked in a cirque beneath the serrated Sawtooth Ridge. The easiest hike in this jagged cluster of peaks just south of Mount Rainier National Park;

Hike a section of the round-the-mountain Wonderland Trail to a deep forested valley reverberating with crashing waterfalls. En route make an exciting crossing of the snow and ice fueled Nisqually River.

Expedia.com has picked some cozy accommodations for your next escape to west-central Washington.

Hike a section of the round-the-mountain Wonderland Trail to a deep forested valley reverberating with crashing waterfalls. En route make an exciting crossing of the snow and ice fueled Nisqually River.

Careening over a series of ledges before plunging 40 feet into a deep blue pool, Silver Falls is a dramatic sight. And it’s easily accessible. A very short trail leads to it from SR 123. But the best way to experience...