Mount Rainier National Park Itinerary
Let’s just state the obvious upfront: Rainier is a really, really big mountain.
It’s a stratovolcano towering in the sky. It was called “Taquoma” in Twulshootseed by indigenous Coast Salish peoples. Taquoma means “the mother of all waters.”
Significantly, it’s known colloquially by residents in the Greater Seattle Area as simply “the mountain.” As in, “the mountain is out today” (i.e. not obscured by typical PNW gray skies). It’s that commanding of a presence on the landscape.
Mount Rainier is a bucket list place. Luckily, you don’t have to be a seasoned mountaineer to enjoy the bounty of this cherished peak. Here’s how to best enjoy your time at Rainier.
Staying in Lynnwood
Pro tip: stay north of Seattle. You can lodge for a fraction of Seattle prices and still access Mount Rainier. Lynnwood is your best bet.
Hilton Garden Inn – This luxurious hotel with all the amenities is located just off Interstate 5, making for a quick hop when you want to get on the road.
Embassy Suites – Lodging close to the Alderwood Mall makes it easy if you want to swoop up gear at REI.
AirBnB options are also readily available for reservation if you’re not the keycard and continental breakfast type.
Coffee to go + traffic considerations
Before heading anywhere be sure to fuel up at Caffe Ladro. This place serves up a solid PNW coffee in a retro café setting. Ladro’s atmosphere is perfect for hunching over a morning cup to warm up or for grabbing a latte to go. You may want to do the to go option so you can get on the road – there’s a full day of mountainous exploration ahead.
The quickest way to get to Mount Rainier is to drive south past Seattle, via Interstate 5. If traffic proves too troublesome, there are other routes to take, most notably I-405. Check your traffic map to see what travel times look like and navigate accordingly.
Mount Rainier recreation is embedded into the very DNA of Pacific Northwesterners. This is where The Mountaineers came to build the Wonderland Trail.
When you visit Mount Rainier, please remember to tread lightly so that others may enjoy this park for years to come. This mountainous region has been inhabited by indigenous peoples for over 9,000 years. You’re not the first visitor and you won’t be the last either.
Mount Rainier National Park by the numbers – this sprawling park measures in at 240,000 acres. Founded in 1899 (the fifth national park to be established), the eponymous mountain is the most glaciated peak in the contiguous U.S. 280 species of wildlife.
Top 3 trails
The Wonderland Trail – built in 1915, this 85-mile loop is definitely not a day hike. Still, segments of the trail make for a lovely jaunt. This is the classic Mount Rainier hike. Fun fact – only 200 to 250 folks will hike the entire length of the trail each year.
Sunrise Center, Sunrise Peak – if you’re not into hiking (hey, that’s cool), you can drive to Sunrise Peak. Sunrise Center is the highest vehicle-accessible peak in the park at 6,000 feet. Enjoy a 360-degree view of the park with a big emphasis on wildflower meadows.
West Side Loop – this 115-mile loop tales about three hours to drive. It’s usually open by May, pending melted snow. The three-hour tour may take a bit longer as there are plenty of interesting landmarks to stop off at, not to mention natural photo ops aplenty.
Dinner in Lynnwood
When you get back to Lynnwood you’re going to want to eat. Check out our extensive Lynnwood dining guide to get the best options for dining in Seattle NorthCountry.
Fly Seattle Paine Field International Airport
Caring for Our National Parks and Forests: How Visitors Can Help
Responsible recreation is at the core of Snohomish County’s mission and encourages you to learn more about taking care of our National Parks and reminds you to secure reservations where required.
Our national parks, forests, and public lands are some of the most beautiful places to explore — but they need our help. With staffing and resources limited in many areas, visitors can play an important role in keeping these special places clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Whether you’re planning a weekend hike or a longer adventure, here are a few simple ways you can make a positive impact.
