Paradise

Name: Paradise
Rating: 3.1

Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise

46.7862, -121.7354 Map & Directions

Length: 25.0 miles of trails
Highest Point: 10,080 feet

Signature flowers at Paradise. Photo by Dr. J. Full-size image

Dogs not allowed
Good for kids
Lakes
Mountain views
Waterfalls
Wildflowers/Meadows
Wildlife

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

National Park Pass

Saved to My Backpack

Paradise provides a gateway to Washington's most iconic mountain, trails to get your heart pumping or just stretch your legs, and in winter, fantastic snowshoe and skiing opportunities for people of all ages. Continue reading

Rating

3.11 out of 5

(9 votes) Log in to rate

130 trip reports for this trail

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Hiking Paradise

Year-round, the area around the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center is wonderful for families with beginning hikers or little ones still being carried. Paved trails and generous, wide stone steps make navigating the area easy, and a sweet little bridge just west of the Visitors Center makes a great destination for a short hike.

In winter, it's also a great place for snow play, whether you just want to build a snowman or get a day trip on snowshoes under your belt.

Check out this selection of trails that depart from the Paradise area on Mount Rainier:

These winter trails are also great options at Paradise:

Always prepare properly for each hike — know the gear you'll need before leaving the parking lot, and bring the Ten Essentials with you.

Hike Description Written by
Anna Roth, WTA Correspondent

Paradise

Map & Directions

Trailhead

Co-ordinates: 46.7862, -121.7354 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

National Park Pass

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

Enter the west (Nisqually) entrance to Mount Rainier National Park, 13.5 miles east of Elbe on State Route 706. Drive 17 miles to the lower parking lot at Paradise. Park here for visits longer than 2 hours. Walk 300 yards to the Visitor Center, the upper parking lot and the stone staircase that begins this hike.

There is room for about 200 vehicles in each of the parking lots, plus more parking beyond the upper lot on the one-way exit road. The Visitor Center has restrooms, food, water, information and much more.