Pierce County, Washington
Top Spots in and near Pierce County
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Randle, Washington
5.0
3.2 mi
/ 1365 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 follows...
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Ashford, Washington
Mt. Rainier rises over 14,410 feet and the views you get from the Paradise area on the South side of the mountain are unparalleled. Paradise is one of the few places in Mt. Rainier National Park that is open to visitors during the winter months for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and...
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Ashford, Washington
Mount Ruth presented a challenge as it was a very hot day to be exposed on a ridge for the entire day. The trek begins in White River Campground parking lot and travels along the White River until you exit at Glacier Basin. Crossing the creek you ascend up to the ridge that leads up and up and up...
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Ashford, Washington
It's always a good idea to check the weather, but when it comes to getting a peak at Mt. Rainier you might be better off just showing up and hoping for a miracle. To do this from Seattle, you'll have a 2 hour 20 minute drive down I-5 and WA-167. After a couple turns here and there (you can follow...
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Ashford, Washington
4.5
5.65 mi
/ 1722 ft gain
The trailhead to Skyline Trail is located at the north side of the upper parking lot near the Visitor Center and Paradise Inn. You'll see that it breaks off into many other small trails if you want, as well. However, this 5.5 mile hike alongside Nisqually Glacier is classified by the rangers at...
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Ashford, Washington
Head out to Myrtle Falls in the Paradise area of Mount Rainier National Park. This trail will take you to a beautiful 72-foot waterfall.
This .97-mile hike leads to 72-foot Myrtle Falls with snowy Mt. Rainier in the background. Follow the Skyline or Golden Gate trail and then cross the footbridg...
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Ashford, Washington
4.6
5.4 mi
/ 1700 ft gain
This 5.4 mile loop hike begins at the Paradise Visitors Center in Mount Rainier National Park. You just follow the skyline trail that begins from the steps with the John Muir quote on them. The hike goes up 1700 feet to its highest point at 7100 feet. From this high up you have some amazing views...
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Ashford, Washington
Nicely situated a couple hours south of Seattle and north of Portland, Mt. Rainier is easily accessible. Before leaving make sure to pack a set of snow chains, for the park requires chains for most vehicles throughout the winter. Head towards the Nisqually entrance to the park.
Upon entering the...
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Packwood, Washington
Free copies of the Paradise Area Trails can be picked up at the Longmire Wilderness Information Center or Paradise Visitor Center. There are also a number of signs along the trails to decide the route of your adventure.From the Narada Falls parking lot it is a quick 0.1 mile drop down to the view...
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Packwood, Washington
In 1899, Mount Rainier National Park became the 5th National Park to be established, and for good reason! With over 350 square miles of protected wilderness there's nothing you can't do within the boundary of the park, and in this case we're talking about snowshoeing.To many snowshoeing seems li...
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Packwood, Washington
Start this route at the Narada Falls Parking lot. This route starts by following Stevens Canyon Road until you arrive at Reflection Lakes after 1.5 miles. About halfway along the lakeshore a path breaks off to the right into the forest. This is a popular route so there is often a snowshoe path be...
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Packwood, Washington
Enter Mount Rainier National Park via the Nisqually Entrance outside of Ashford. Drive past Longmire and continue heading up towards Paradise. Parking for this trip can be found at Narada Falls.
From the Narada Falls parking lot you will head up to the closed for the winter portion of Stevens Ca...
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Ashford, Washington
4.8
90 mi
/ 22000 ft gain
Possibly one of the greatest loop hikes in the Lower 48, this trail sees a lot of use. You won't be alone out there, but opportunities for solitude are abundant with a little effort. The crowds show up for good reason - it's incredibly beautiful, relatively wild, and about as close to feeling l...
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Ashford, Washington
Pack your sunglasses because this is one snowy hike! Camp Muir is a perfect camping or extended day hike destination for anyone who wants to experience the enchantment of Mount Rainier without committing to the summit. Starting at the Paradise trailhead at almost 4700 feet up, a steep and extreme...
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Ashford, Washington
4.3
14.9 mi
/ 8993 ft gain
Mt. Rainier is a technical climb on all routes and is covered with glaciers all four seasons. It is not a mountain to learn mountaineering unless you hire a guide service who will help guide you up the mountain. With good weather and previous mountaineering experience, Mt. Rainier's Disappointmen...
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Ashford, Washington
This scenic destination begins at the Paradise parking lot. Head north from the parking area towards Myrtle falls. Make sure to stay left of the Paradise in and cross Edith creek over a footbridge near Myrtle falls. From here, head east towards Mazama ridge by crossing through upper Paradise Vall...
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