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
-
Carbonado, Washington
Hike the Upper Foothills Trail along the Carbon River
10 mi / 30 ft gainThe 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...Read more -
Randle, Washington
Hike to High Rock Lookout
5.03.2 mi / 1365 ft gainHigh 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 follows...Read more -
Ashford, Washington
Snowshoe or Ski to Mt. Tahoma High Hut
5.04.5 mi / 2400 ft gainMake 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...Read more -
Packwood, Washington
Hike and Fish the Tatoosh Lakes
7 miLocated 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 ...Read more -
Randle, Washington
Hike to Packwood Lake
9.2 mi / 1535 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Enumclaw, Washington
Hike to Greenwater Lakes
4.5 mi / 900 ft gainFollowing 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...Read more -
Enumclaw, Washington
Backpack Noble Knob via Greenwater Trail
16.9 mi / 3920 ft gainFrom 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...Read more -
Enumclaw, Washington
Hike to Kelly Butte
3.4 mi / 1100 ft gainAfter 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 drivi...Read more -
Eatonville, Washington
Hike to Little Mashel Falls
4.75.3 mi / 646 ft gainIf 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...Read more -
Randle, Washington
Goat Lake-Jordan Basin Loop
5.012.58 mi / 2703 ft gainThis 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...Read more -
Randle, Washington
Summit Old Snowy Mountain
5.017 mi / 3800 ft gainThe hike begins just outside of Packwood, Wa at the Berry Patch Trailhead Trail #96, sitting pretty at about 4200ft. The Goat Lake/Jordan Basin loop trail starts here, leading to Old Snowy. The magical Goat Rocks Wilderness area is just southeast of Mt. Rainier. It also lies right in the crosshai...Read more -
Randle, Washington
Hike to Elk Pass via "the Knife"
18.2 mi / 4000 ft gainThis is a rather long out and back, however, it can also be done as a backpack, which would give you more time to explore the Goat Rocks Wilderness, which is highlighted in other Adventures. For your trip to Elk Pass, begin your trek in the Snowgrass Flats parking lot. A Northwest Forest Pass is ...Read more -
33317 Southeast Green River Gorge Road, Washington
Explore the Green River Gorge
3.5The Franklin Ghost Town trailhead is just a large muddy lot, surrounded by no trespassing signs. When you pull in you will see signs for a $5 day use fee, just fill out the form and drop it in the box. There are two trails that leave the lot, one heads down to the river and is probably a mile rou...Read more -
Black Diamond, Washington
Hike Franklin Ghost Town
Visited here in August and the water was possibly the coldest I've ever swam in. A great half-day trip as the hikes are easy and the spots are quick to get to. The falls are located just to side of the road with a couple of different places to park. There's a $5 or $10 entrance/parking fee. A gre...Read more -
Yakima, Washington
Surprise Lake via South Fork Tieton Trail
13 mi / 1549 ft gainGetting There Take Road 1000 to start your hike at Conrad Meadows, which is also where you will park your car, be sure to leave your Northwest Forest Pass properly displayed on the dash of your car before you leave. Surprise Lake trailhead is one of the very few trailheads that starts out on th...Read more -
Randle, Washington
Hike to Goat Lake, Goat Rocks Wilderness
3.710.5 mi / 1400 ft gainThe trip to Goat Lake starts at the Walupt Lake campground parking lot. You will start on the Walupt Lake Trail (#101) and a short distance from the campground, take Trail #98 (Nannie Ridge) as it branches off and climbs steeply northeast onto an open, scenic ridge top.Continue on to Sheep Lake, ...Read more