Mount Rainier National Park, Washington

Looking for the best hiking 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 Hiking Spots in and near Mount Rainier National Park

  • Packwood, Washington

    Canyoneering Olallie Creek, Mt. Rainier

    2.5 mi / 700 ft gain
    Disclaimer: Canyoneering is a dangerous and technical activity. Don’t enter any canyon without the skills to match it, or the knowledge to navigate it. Be sure to check the flow of Olallie creek to ensure that it's safe. In an area where canyoneering isn’t hugely popular, here lies a canyon that ...
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  • Packwood, Washington

    Grove of the Patriarchs

    3.0
    1.26 mi / 208.66 ft gain
    This trail is an easy trail to hike to the end and back. With very little to no elevation gain, some comfy shoes is all you need. There is a great opportunity near the start of the trail to walk down onto the beach and get right next to the river. Shortly after that there is a suspension bridge t...
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  • Ashford, Washington

    Kautz Creek to Indian Henry's Hunting Ground

    10.81 mi / 3648 ft gain
    Named after the Native American who lived here prior to Mt. Rainier becoming a national park, So-To-Lick's was dubbed "Indian Henry" by the postman who unfortunately did not learn his name.  When heading out on this hike, keep an eye on the weather in Mt. Rainier National Park. If hiking this tr...
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  • Randle, Washington

    Silver Falls

    5.0
    2.89 mi / 600 ft gain
    This is a trail that could easily be done by your older family members but also could be a nice trail run or quick hike for you. The trail starts from Loop B in the Ohanapecosh Campground and after a quick section, you will be walking over the hot springs in the area. They ask that you stay off t...
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  • Enumclaw, Washington

    Norse Peak via Silver Creek

    7.77 mi / 2405 ft gain
    Start out in Crystal parking lot A. There is a small and steep trail that heads up the hill labeled as Silver Creek Trail. The trail follows a horse trail for the majority of the route and gets renamed Bullion Basin Trail shortly after you enter the woods, so when it doubt keep following the hoof...
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  • Enumclaw, Washington

    Sun Top Peak via Sun Top Sno-Park

    11.62 mi / 3028 ft gain
    From Tacoma, Wa. take Hwy 167 to Hwy 410 and follow that until you get to the Chinook Pass Hwy. Then from there follow this road and take the second Service Road on the right and follow this road until it dead ends. The trail starts on NF-7315. You have to walk this road until you reach the first...
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  • Carbonado, Washington

    Hike the Upper Foothills Trail along the Carbon River

    10 mi / 30 ft gain
    The upper Foothills Trail from the Fairfax Bridge to Manley Moore can be hiked starting from either end as an "out and back" hike or a "point to point" by shuttling with two vehicles.  Starting from the upper end of the trail you begin by walking under the Kolisch Rd. Bridge, which has the Manley...
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  • Randle, Washington

    High Rock Lookout

    5.0
    3.24 mi / 1345 ft gain
    High Rock Lookout is aptly named. Perched at 5,685' on a slab of rock, it has sweeping views of the valleys below, Cora Lake, and Mount Rainier. Although it is only a short 1.6 mile hike to the top, it is a steep one. You gain 1,365' to reach the lookout, but the reward is grand. The trail follo...
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  • Ashford, Washington

    Snowshoe or Ski to Mt. Tahoma High Hut

    5.0
    4.5 mi / 2400 ft gain
    Make the 3.2 - 4.5 mile hike up groomed trails to the Mt Tahoma High Hut (4750 feet) for the perfect winter getaway. Spend the day outside sledding, skiing, snowshoeing and playing in the snow with a spectacular view of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens. Afterwards go inside and en...
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  • Packwood, Washington

    Hike and Fish the Tatoosh Lakes

    7 mi
    Located just south of Mountain Rainier National Park, Tatoosh Lakes and Tatoosh Wilderness area are a great hiking destination to find scenic views, wildflowers, wildlife, and two beautiful alpine lakes.Tatoosh Trail #161 does not waste any time getting down to business as it ascends almost 3000 ...
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  • Randle, Washington

    Hike to Packwood Lake

    5.0
    9.2 mi / 1535 ft gain
    This is a relatively tame hike through the beautiful Gifford Pinchot National Forest, winding to the Goat Rocks Wilderness. With only 600 feet of elevation gain over 4.6 miles in, I would recommend it for hiking or trail running. Keep in mind this trail is open to horses and other stock so you ma...
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  • Enumclaw, Washington

    Hike to Greenwater Lakes

    4.5 mi / 900 ft gain
    Following along the Greenwater River, family friendly Greenwater lakes Trail #1176 which has minimal elevation gain, winds through a lush green mossy old growth forest.  Along the trail you will cross over several log bridges and pass a couple of beautiful waterfalls.  At just under two miles int...
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  • Enumclaw, Washington

    Noble Knob via Greenwater Trail

    17.04 mi / 3862 ft gain
    From Greenwater heading south: Pass the fire station to FR 70 on the left. Follow FR 70 for about nine miles to FR 7033. Take a right and follow the road to the trailhead. Northwest Forest Pass required. The trail is in good shape and mostly flat to Greenwater Lakes which is great for families a...
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  • Enumclaw, Washington

    Kelly Butte

    3.45 mi / 1060 ft gain
    After a rough drive to the trailhead you’ll have little time to catch your breath as the trail laces up the mountain side, but with Rainier to distract you, it won’t be long until you’re at the top with a view that is more than enough reward for your efforts. Pay very close attention to the driv...
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  • Eatonville, Washington

    Hike to Little Mashel Falls

    4.5
    5.3 mi / 646 ft gain
    If you have been trying to get behind a waterfall Eatonville Falls is the place to hike and get a great feeling out of it. Hiking to the waterfall would lead you to a railroad and pass it would lead to a river where you would follow it down to get to the waterfall. The hike itself is pretty sim...
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  • Randle, Washington

    Goat Lake-Jordan Basin Loop

    5.0
    12.58 mi / 2703 ft gain
    This is one of my favorite hikes for Washington State. Aside from the massive volcanoes hanging out down here, the southern region of the cascades is much more tame compared to areas further north. As I mentioned in my Old Snowy report, a jaw dropping side trip from the loop trail, the Goat Rocks...
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