Hiking Guide
WTA's hiking guide is the most comprehensive database of hikes in Washington, and comprises content written by local hiking experts and user submitted information. All data is vetted by WTA staff. This resource is made possible by the donations of WTA members.
We respectfully acknowledge the lands we are visiting are the homelands of Indigenous tribes of the Pacific Northwest, some of whom have reserved rights on these lands. Tribes continue to rely on and share in the management of these lands today. Please tread gently and treat these places with respect.
Results List
38 HikesMyrtle Falls
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 0.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 185 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,600 feet
A good, short destination just outside of the main Paradise visitors area, Myrtle Falls is a beauty.
Narada Falls to Reflection Lakes
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,150 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,400 feet
Hiking the trail between the Narada Falls viewpoint and Reflection Lakes is pleasant enough. But you can extend the route into a loop featuring an unobstructed view of the Tatoosh Range from a rocky bluff, and an up-close experience of the awe-inspiring whitewater cascades of the Paradise River.
Pinnacle Saddle
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
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Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,920 feet
Imagine that you are looking through a telephoto lens at one of those iconic images of Mount Rainier taken from the south. Now zoom out to a wider view of the entire mountain, the thick forests below timberline, the enormous brown gash of the Nisqually River Valley, and beside it the verdant parkland that became known as Paradise. This is the view from the Pinnacle Saddle trail.
Naches Peak Loop
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
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Length
- 3.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 600 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,850 feet
This popular hike provides a range of alpine experiences in a short loop. Walk along a hillside above a small valley, pause at a viewpoint overlooking a lake, and stroll through grassy meadows with stunning views of Mount Rainier. In season enjoy an abundance of wildflowers or perhaps a handful of huckleberries.
Bench and Snow Lakes
Mount Rainier Area > SE - Cayuse Pass/Stevens Canyon
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Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 610 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,725 feet
Escape the crowds within Mount Rainier National Park without going on a lengthy adventure. Visit one or both of two alpine lakes, the second one just a bit more than a mile from the parking lot.
Moraine Trail
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 2.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,850 feet
Sometimes the crowds at Mount Rainier’s Paradise can be overwhelming. Hike the Moraine Trail to get off of asphalt paths and away from the throngs. The reward is a view down into the immense Nisqually River Valley from the very edge of its moraine.
Nisqually Vista Loop
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 1.1 miles, roundtrip
-
Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,400 feet
Follow the trails here to views of Mount Rainier's rocky Nisqually River valley and the much-receded Nisqually Glacier.
Golden Gate Loop
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,160 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,400 feet
Follow a loop trail that samples what Mount Rainier has to offer: a popular waterfall, vast expanses of wildflowers, numerous snowmelt streams, a historic monument to the mountain’s first climbers, and of course views of Mount Rainier itself.
High Lakes Loop
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 600 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,425 feet
Reflection Lakes are not just a popular photography stop. From the lakes you can hike to a stunning cliffside view of the lakes and the Tatoosh range. From there you have the option of returning the way you came, or hiking in a loop around the largest of the lakes.
Glacier Vista - Panorama Point
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,700 feet
Paradise is one of the most gorgeous (and, as a result, popular) parts of Washington. This short but steep trail offers tourists and locals alike one of the most stunning views for the least number of miles in Washington state, but that doesn't mean you won't sweat! Be prepared to climb more than 1000 feet in less than a mile at the outset of this trail .
Carter Falls
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 2.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 660 feet
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Highest Point
- 3,650 feet
Cougar Rock to Carter Falls is a moderate and readily accessible segment of the Wonderland Trail that packs stunning mountain vistas, river views, waterfalls, wildflowers, old growth, and edible berries into just 1.3 miles of family-friendly hiking in Mount Rainier National Park.
Silver Forest - Emmons Vista
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
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Length
- 2.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 325 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,400 feet
The Silver Forest Trail is a lesser-known and therefore less-crowded alternative at Mount Rainier’s Sunrise. Enjoy mountain, glacier and river valley views along a gentle trail that is mostly out of sight of the bustle of Sunrise.
Mud Mountain Dam - Rim Trail
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 4.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 80 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,300 feet
Located on the White River near Mount Rainier, the Mud Mountain Dam is both a flood control dam operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and a recreation facility. This gentle 2-mile trail will take you along the White River.
Golden Gate
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 3.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,000 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,400 feet
The Golden Gate trail provides a quick route to amazing panoramas of Mount Rainier and the craggy peaks of the Tatoosh Range. Pass through wildflower-studded alpine meadows, a clear sparkling stream, and up a steep, well-maintained trail. You can even make it a loop, if you want to explore the lush parkland at the foot of Washington's tallest mountain.
Noble Knob
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 5.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 950 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,011 feet
This hike up to a former lookout site provides spectacular views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape.
Edgar Rock
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 3.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
Rock spires across the Naches River from Highway 410 catch the eye of travelers from the roadway. For a closer look, consider a hike to the top of Edgar Rock by way of the Lost Creek Trail. This route proves popular early in the season as well as late in the year. The hike is not very long and features good views at the top.
Dalles Ridge
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 1.8 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,700 feet
Dalles Ridge is the primary way that hikers access the popular Noble Knob Trail and Ranger Creek. It provides hikers with a beautiful ridge walk after a steady climb from the trailhead.
Mount Beljica
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 3.0 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,056 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,469 feet
Trailhead Inaccessible by vehicle: Forest Road 59 is washed out
Mount Beljica is just outside the boundary of Mount Rainier National Park, so you can bring your dog and still experience a well-kept trail leading to astounding views of Washington's tallest mountain.
Knapsack Pass
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 2.9 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,200 feet
Mowich Lake Road is closed for the season
Knapsack Pass follows a no-longer-maintained hiking trail. It now requires GPS or map and compass skills to reach the pass, located near Mother Mountain.
Glacier View
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 950 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,450 feet
Trailhead Inaccessible by vehicle: Forest Road 59 is washed out
Climb a ridge to a rocky promontory nine miles due west of Tahoma’s summit and experience multi-volcano, jaw-dropping views under clear conditions. Glacier View’s short but moderately intense route is ideal for lovers of huckleberries, wildflowers, old growth forest, mushrooms, fauna, and lakes.
Fairfax Ghost Town
Mount Rainier Area > NW - Carbon River/Mowich
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Length
- 2.35 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 104 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,446 feet
Mowich Lake Road is closed for the season
Once a booming coal town, Fairfax Ghost Town is an adventure of exploration and discovery. Expect thick vegetation and undefined trails once you arrive at the town site, so pack a good sense of direction, plenty of time and a thirst for exploration is highly recommended.
Shadow Lake - Sunrise Camp Loop
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
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Length
- 3.7 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 200 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,386 feet
This sweet little loop leaves from the Sunrise Visitor Center at Mount Rainier and encompasses a lovely little lake, an unexpected campsite, and views of the mountain's eastern flanks and glaciers.
Deadwood Lakes
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 2.2 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 470 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,600 feet
This un-maintained trail can be accessed from the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail can be difficult to follow, so be sure to take appropriate precautions.
Twin Sisters Lakes
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 900 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,200 feet
A long dirt road provides access to the central trailhead for the William O. Douglas Wilderness Area. The popular, easy forest hike to the Twin Sisters Lakes is a prelude to miles of exploration possible on trails and cross-country through open forest, past meadows, ponds, and lakes.
Soda Springs
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 4.9 miles, one-way
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Elevation Gain
- 2,780 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,880 feet
This moderately difficult trail accesses the William O. Douglas wilderness area. Passing through dense timber near Flat Iron Lake, the way also hosts good campsites for visitors
Banshee Peak
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
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Highest Point
- 7,400 feet
Banshee Peak is an off-trail summit that requires advanced mountaineering skill to reach. It lies east of Mount Rainier.
Rampart Ridge Loop
Mount Rainier Area > SW - Longmire/Paradise
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Length
- 4.5 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,300 feet
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Highest Point
- 4,080 feet
This short loop out of Longmire makes for a great, quick way to get some elevation gain, some forest views, and a fantastic vista of Mount Rainier, all in less than five miles!
Kelly Butte
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 3.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,100 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,409 feet
This is a nice, short hike to a recently repaired fire lookout. Guidebooks do not include recent upgrades to the trail and road to the trailhead. The trail is no longer only accessible via a scramble, but trail that switchbacks through wildflowers and interesting rock walls which was constructed in 2007. The lookout itself has been repaired, making it a nice lunch stop.
Sheep Lake
Mount Rainier Area > Chinook Pass - Hwy 410
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Length
- 3.6 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 400 feet
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Highest Point
- 5,750 feet
Sheep Lake is a picturesque alpine lake guarded by jagged-edged ridges. It makes a good destination for children, especially if you let them swim, play in the meadows, or explore the small rock outcroppings. Sheep Lake is also a worthy destination for adults who want a pause from daily life to enjoy the outdoors. The campsites around the perimeter are ideal for base camping or for backpacking with children.
Forest Lake
Mount Rainier Area > NE - Sunrise/White River
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Length
- 4.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 1,250 feet
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Highest Point
- 6,920 feet
Forest lake is a small lake in the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier.