Mount Rainier National Park, Washington
Looking for the best backpacking in Mount Rainier National Park? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mount Rainier National Park. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.
Top Backpacking Spots in and near Mount Rainier National Park
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North Bend, Washington
Kaleetan Lake via Denny Creek Trail
19.31 mi / 6273 ft gainIf you want to visit multiple lakes, get a view of or tackle a peak at Kaleetan, Chair, and Bryant, campgrounds for overnight or weekend adventures, fish in the lakes, explore off the trail and natural waterslides and picnic area waterfalls, this is for you. Denny Creek Trail offers it all! Afte...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Lila Lakes via Rachel Lakes Trail
4.59.47 mi / 3012 ft gainGetting There From Seattle, drive Interstate 90 to Exit 62, Signed Kachess Lake/Stampede Pass. Turn left and head north over the interstate; you'll reach Kachess Lake Campground in five miles. Turn left where the pavements ends and drive four miles on Box Canyon Road (FS Road #4930) to the Rach...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Rampart Lakes
5.09.11 mi / 2556 ft gainThe Trail: With very little elevation gain, the first three miles of the trail are the easiest; the next mile up to Rachel Lake is great work out. After reaching Rachael Lake, look for the sign that says "trail" to find your way to Rampart Lakes. While there are many side trails that turn out ...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Hike Alta Mountain
4.012 mi / 3300 ft gainStart off at Trail #1313 to Rachel Lake. The first 2.5 miles is a flat, slow uphill hike till you get to a river crossing. From there, the next 1.3 miles will be a 1,000 foot elevation gain to Rachel Lake. Once you arrive, this is a good spot to rest, eat some snacks, and replenish your water sup...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Upper Wildcat Lake
1.014.43 mi / 4370 ft gainAlthough this hike is possible if you’re looking for an all-day training hike, it’s much more enjoyable if it’s an overnight backpacking trip. Head up the trail past Snow Lake toward Gem Lake. En route to Snow Lake will be a little crowded, but should lighten significantly as you continue hiking...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Thorp Mountain Lookout via Knox Creek Trail
4.34 mi / 1677 ft gainThis trail features beautiful wildflower meadows during the summer season and is relativity low trafficked. Bring your hammock for breathtaking views from the lookout and catch an incredible sunset. The summit has no established camping spots, so if staying overnight prepare to sleep on uneven gr...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Rachel Lake
4.47.4 mi / 2096 ft gainThis hike is 7.4 miles roundtrip, with 2100 feet of elevation gain. Once you're on the trail, it starts heading uphill to help get your heart rate up on the hike. As you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the trail starts to level out. You'll cross a few streams and hike through a fair amount of ...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Winter Camping at Snow Lake
7.2 mi / 1800 ft gainStarting at the Snow Lake Trail Head you climb up the boot pack or ski track of those before you (hopefully) from ~3120 ft. to ~4400 ft. at the ridge line where Snow Lake becomes visible. If there are no tracks, follow the South Fork Snoqualmie River NE and aim just east of the lowest point of t...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Gem Lake and Wright Mountain
4.710.62 mi / 3107 ft gainThe trail to Gem Lake lies along the same trail that passes by the incredibly popular Snow Lake. While the masses typically stop the first place they can along the shores of Snow Lake, fewer make the short trek from there up to Gem Lake. Park at the giant lots at the end of the road to Alpental (...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Winter Backpack Below Chair Peak
6 mi / 1500 ft gainHike or snowshoe to the ridge below Chair Peak and above Snow Lake and camp among numerous Snoqualmie Pass peaks.Drive to Snoqualmie Pass WA via I-90 and park at the Alpental parking lot (exit 52). Take the Snow Lake trail, which initially climbs 200 feet with wooden steps and eventually evens ou...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Gem Lake, WA
4.710.4 mi / 2923 ft gainThis hike shares the trailhead for Snow lake at the Alpental Ski area in Snoqualmie Pass. You'll start out with a great warm up, walking through dense green underbrush and a brief wooded area. Before too long the trail increases in inclination slightly and begins to offer up some small rocky sect...Read more -
North Bend, Washington
Snow Lake
4.76.24 mi / 1699 ft gainThis hike gets crowded fairly quickly so get there early. The parking lot is very large so parking is not really a problem. There are bathrooms at the very beginning of the trail so I highly suggest using them. However at the top there is also a designated restroom area. Starting at 2600 ft, thi...Read more -
Skamania County, Washington
Climb Mount Adams North Cleaver Route
5.017 mi / 7800 ft gainMt Adams is the second tallest volcano in the Cascades and is one of the easiest to climb. There are two main nontechnical routes up Mt Adams, the well-known and crowded route on the south face, and the lesser traveled north cleaver route. The north cleaver offers solitude, views of Rainier, high...Read more -
Skamania County, Washington
Hike to Norway Pass
4.4 mi / 860 ft gainJust 96 miles south of Seattle, and 50 miles northeast of Portland, Mt. St. Helens and its wild, rugged beauty awaits you.Starting at the Norway Pass Trailhead parking lot, walk a dusty and sometimes ashy trail through recovering forest, low brush, wildflowers and blown down, sun bleached logs. T...Read more -
Snoqualmie Pass, Washington
Spectacle Lake via Pete Lake Trail
5.018.91 mi / 3058 ft gainDepending on when you arrive at the Pete Lake Trailhead, expect to be traveling with company as it is one of the more popular locations on the eastside of Snoqualmie Pass. At an elevation of 2600 feet, the beginning route is a moderate 400 feet of elevation gain. Start on your way through the va...Read more -
Ronald, Washington
Spade and Venus Lakes
5.026.47 mi / 5728 ft gainNestled in a high rocky cirque near the upper reaches of Mt Daniel, Spade and Venus Lakes are two of the most remote lakes in the Alpine Lake Wilderness. But to experience this level of pure isolation, you'll need to earn it; the shortest hike in to the lakes is 14 miles, the majority of which i...Read more