Naches, Washington

Driving along Paradise Road on the south side of Mount Rainier, provides a couple of opportunities to view gorgeous waterfalls with a short hike. From the West, the first stop is Christine Falls. There is parking on either side side of the bridge, but the east side is closest to the trail. Desce...

Located on Paradise Road along the south side of Mount Rainier, the Comet Falls Trail follows Van Trump Creek up to the magnificent Comet Falls. The hike is 3.8 miles round trip with 1250' of elevation gain.The trail starts off at 3650' and soon crosses over a bridge above Christine Falls. It qui...

This hike starts off with a bang! The first thing you do is walk out into a rocky riverbed and get an amazing view of Mt. Rainier. From there, you'll cross a long log bridge to get over the river and head into the woods. After 1.1 miles, you'll come across Carter Falls, and about 100 feet down t...

Starting at the Longmire Trailhead, cross the road and begin snowshoeing counter-clockwise on the Trail of Shadows.  This first 0.5 miles begins the hike as a nice warm up where you can make sure your snowshoes are adjusted properly and stop from time to time to learn some facts from the interpre...

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...

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 trai...

Entering the Park from the Southwest Entrance, bear left when you approach the forking Westside Rd. This road has been closed a few miles in due to massive rockfall. When you reach the road closure, just park along the side of the road. In Spring and Summer, you should be able to see plenty of ot...

Catching a beautiful sunset has never been so easy. This lookout tower is accessible by vehicle. The road is fairly smooth too. No car would have any trouble getting up to the top.  The last gate before the lookout tower/peak is about a mile down. The gate does close at 8pm but is ran by voluntee...

The trailhead to Spray Park begins at the Mowich Lake Campground (4,929 ft). You'll begin descending quickly for the first 0.1 miles until you reach the Wonderland Trail junction. Head left and make your way up a steady climb for the next 1.7 miles. The first stop you'll come across is Eagle Clif...

Starting out from the beautiful Mowich Lake (4,929 ft), this hike takes you through some of Mt. Rainier Nation Park's best scenery. Thanks to the 13 miles of dirt roads it takes to even get to the trailhead, this hike is also rarely crowded. At 6.5 miles roundtrip to Eunice Lake, this is a grea...

No need to for an entire day hike to enjoy wonderful reflections, crystal clear water, and beautiful scenery a few hundred feet from the parking lot!  Park at the Mowich Lake Campground parking lot and follow signs for the Wonderland trail. You will begin your hike on the south side of the lake ...

Mount Rainier is spectacular to look at, but sometimes the best views aren't from on its slopes, but just a little ways away. Tucked in the seldom-visited northwest corner of Mount Rainier National Park, the Tolmie Peak fire lookout frames the mountain's rugged slopes with a pristine alpine lake ...

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...

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 follows...

Summit Lake, nestled in a small basin just north of Mt. Rainier National Park in the Clearwater Wilderness, has everything a hiker could want in a day-hike or easy overnight backpack. The views, the well-maintained trail, and a perfect distance make this hike a must-do for anybody in the Pacific ...

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...