Mount Rainier, Washington

Looking for the best hiking in Mount Rainier? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Mount Rainier. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Hiking Spots in and near Mount Rainier

  • North Bend, Washington

    Keekwulee Falls via Denny Creek Trail

    5.0
    3.93 mi / 1089 ft gain
    Located in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, the hike to Keekwulee Falls via the Denny Creek Trail is a classic Washington adventure. Just off I-90 near Snoqualmie Pass, this popular trail offers lush forest scenery, cascading waterfalls, and a beloved natural water slide. It’s a great ...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Kaleetan Peak

    9 mi / 2200 ft gain
    Initial note: because this is an alpine scramble, do your research before tackling this adventure, including learning the correct route and the current conditions (such as any early- or late-season snow). From the Denny Creek Trailhead, take the Denny Creek trail just over 4 miles to Melakwa Lak...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Melakwa Lakes via Denny Creek Trail

    4.6
    8.84 mi / 2615 ft gain
    This hike has it all: old-growth forests, rivers, waterfalls, alpine lakes, views, peaks, and so on. The hike starts from near Denny Creek Campground in between the separate I-90 viaducts. Almost immediately, you will cross over a walk bridge over Denny Creek's waterfalls, and then eventually und...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Twin Falls

    3.9
    2.51 mi / 778 ft gain
    For a portion of this 3-mile hike, you'll trek next to the South Fork Snoqualmie River, so take in the peaceful sound of the river running. Along the trail runs a river, where massive boulders create wading pools of icy water for warm summer days. At 1.5 miles, you'll reach a viewpoint bridge, wh...
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  • Ronald, Washington

    Hex Mountain Trail

    7.36 mi / 2710 ft gain
    Hex Mountain is a steep but rewarding out and back hike/snowshoe with 360 views from the peak. On a clear day you can see Mount Rainier, the Teanaways, the Stuart range, and many other surrounding peaks. Low avalanche risk makes this an enjoyable winter destination for snowshoers and backcountry ...
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  • Skamania County, Washington

    Hike to Norway Pass

    4.4 mi / 860 ft gain
    Just 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...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Lodge Lake via PCT

    3.5
    3.79 mi / 932 ft gain
    As you begin your hike up to Lodge Lake you will pass through a small forest. After about .5 miles you will come out into the open. Simply follow the path under the chairlifts as you cut across the mountain. In the summer when there is no snow on the ground you can see lots of wildflowers. If you...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Kendall Peak

    5.0
    9.17 mi / 2677 ft gain
    Kendall Peak is an easily accessible summit hike just off of Exit 52 of I-90 that offers spectacular 360-degree views of the entire Snoqualmie range. You’ll start out in the PCT parking lot where you’ll need a NW Forest Pass to park, or pay the daily fee. A permanent bathroom and backcountry acce...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Gravel Lake

    14.25 mi / 2792 ft gain
    Starting at the Snoqualmie Pass PCT trailhead, you start hiking through an old growth forest. This hike has a nice gradual incline with views starting near a talus field. Late June, early July wildflowers are growing like crazy along the trail. This field offers a up close view of Mt. Rainier alo...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Climb Mount Thomson

    16 mi / 4500 ft gain
    The West Ridge of Thomson is rated 5.6 and is 4-5 pitches depending on how you break it up. The East Ridge is some spicy 4th class and although people do scramble it, it is recommend to use a rope on the descent. The Approach Starting at the PCT trail-head you have two options.  You can take the ...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Scramble Guye Peak

    4.5 mi / 2200 ft gain
    There are quite a few ways up Guye Peak ranging from a simple walk up to multiple pitches of technical rock climbing.  Both of the routes described here start from the PCT parking lot north of exit 52 of I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass.  Some of the scrambling described would be treacherous in wet or sno...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Franklin Falls Winter Route

    5.0
    3.04 mi / 354 ft gain
    ​Depending on the year, these gorgeous 70-foot falls may freeze come winter and transform the trail into a winter wonderland. It's the perfect introduction for anyone who wants to try snowshoeing! Depending on the road conditions and where you parked, the hike will be somewhere between 5-6 miles...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Mailbox Peak Old Trail

    4.4
    4.96 mi / 3898 ft gain
    Note this adventure covers the old route. For the updated route, check out Hike Mailbox Peak New Trail. Take exit 34 from I-90. Head north on 468th Ave SE until the intersection with the SE Middle Fork Road. Turn right onto the Middle Fork Road. Follow SE Middle Fork Road 2.2 miles to the stop ...
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  • North Bend, Washington

    Mailbox Peak New Trail

    4.2
    10.53 mi / 4127 ft gain
    *Disclaimer this article is in regards to the newly built trail.* For the old trail, head to Hike Mailbox Peak.  Just off of exit 34, Mailbox Peak offers a birds-eye view of the surrounding area. This hike begins at a mere 800 ft. above sea level and by the time you are done you are nearly touch...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Thorp Mountain Lookout via Knox Creek Trail

    4.34 mi / 1677 ft gain
    This 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...
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  • Snoqualmie Pass, Washington

    Lila Lakes via Rachel Lakes Trail

    4.5
    9.47 mi / 3012 ft gain
    Getting 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...
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