Skyline Trail
For those who are in the mood for a challenge, the Skyline Trail in Rainier will not disappoint. Starting in the town of Paradise, the trail leads to Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier. You are almost surrounded by Mount Rainier as you walk through the trail. Once you reach the trail’s top, there is a small viewing area. You can reapply your sunscreen if you feel the need.
The trail is relatively easy to navigate and has well-marked signage. There are toilets in the visitor center and at Panorama Point. It is a steep trail and there are some rocks scattered throughout, but it is well maintained. Be prepared for the fact that the trail is not completely paved and you may encounter snow in July and August.
After the ascent, you can take a break at Panorama Point for a view of the valley below. The trail is 1.7 miles long and takes about an hour. During the day, it is more crowded as you pass the popular Paradise parking area. However, if you are not looking for a challenging hike, there is also a loop where you can hike in either direction.
If you haven’t climbed Mount Rainier before, the Skyline Trail is the best way to see the mountain up close. You will be surrounded by beautiful wildflowers and amazing views of the Cascade Mountain range. On a clear day, you can see Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood.
Silver Falls
If you’re planning a trip to Mount Rainier National Park, don’t miss the opportunity to see Silver Falls. This waterfall, located on the Ohanapecosh River, plunges 95 feet into a narrow canyon. To reach Silver Falls, you can take a loop track with an elevation gain of 350 metres.
The trail is not too long and leads to a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by moss-covered rocks. The best time to visit Silver Falls is between May and September. You can even see some wildlife here! A 1.1-mile hike is all it takes to reach the falls.
Silver Falls is an accessible waterfall in Mount Rainier National Park, with multiple views of the cascade. There are a few different viewpoints where you can admire the waterfall, which is located on the rocky Ohanapecosh River. You can access the waterfall by foot, or by car. The trail is easy to follow and follows the Ohanapecosh River, making it easy to access and see the waterfall. During springtime, the water thunders down and creates a mist over the trail.
Silver Falls is a popular destination for hikers, so you can’t miss the opportunity to experience it. The trail is short and easy to navigate, and is suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It also provides breathtaking views of Silver Falls. The loop trail is a great choice for families with children. It’s less than 4 miles long and has a moderate elevation gain, making it perfect for families and groups.
Christine Falls
For a great waterfall experience, make sure to visit Christine Falls, located in Mt. Rainier National Park. This waterfall features a 69-foot drop. It is situated off the main road in the park and requires a short walk. Once you reach the bottom, you can view the upper tier of the waterfall from a stone bridge.
The upper falls are visible from the road and can quickly gather a crowd. You can also view the lower falls, which are just across the highway. To get a better view of the lower falls, you’ll need to follow a steep stone staircase that leads to the lower falls. The bridge that spans the creek also frames the waterfall.
There are several hiking trails at Christine Falls. The Skyline Trail is a popular one. Though the trail is steep, it is mostly paved and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The trail is 5.4 miles round trip and has about 1,700 feet of elevation gain. It’s an unforgettable hike and one of the things to do in Rainier.
Located on the south side of Mount Rainier, Christine Falls is accessible and offers a scenic overlook. There are parking areas on either side of the bridge, with the closest ones located on the east side. Follow the short trail that will lead you to a magical viewpoint at the base of the waterfall.
Pinnacle Peak
Pinnacle Peak, also known as Mount Peak, is a 1,801-foot forest-covered summit in the Cascade Range. It’s situated about 25 miles northwest of Mount Rainier in the North Cascades National Park. This is an excellent place for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
This hike is just over two miles round-trip, and has a moderate amount of elevation gain. The trail begins near Reflection Lakes and takes hikers through traditional pacific northwest forest before ending in an open alpine boulder field and switchbacks. The hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Rainier, Mount Adams, and Mount St. Helens. Aside from the trail, you can also hike off-trail to Pinnacle Peak.
While there is no official name for the peak, it was first called Mount Pete, for Pete Chorak, a pioneering Enumclaw settler who named it. However, it became mispronounced as “Peak” and attracted followers. The peak’s summit has a former fire lookout that is now a park trailhead. In addition, a trail named Cal Magnusson Trail is named after a long-time Cascade mountaineer. Cal Magnusson was a trail manager for REI for 25 years and was a great friend to mountaineers.
The hike to Pinnacle Peak takes about 1.5 hours. The scenery on this short hike is spectacular, and it’s relatively quiet compared to other hikes in the Paradise area.
Grove of the Patriarchs
The Grove of the Patriarchs is a beautiful 1.5-mile-roundtrip loop through a grove of ancient trees. The trees, known as “patriarchs,” are over three and four stories tall. Visitors can take a picnic lunch and take in the beautiful scenery as they stroll.
This unique grove is made up of massive trees, like Douglas fir, cedar, and hemlock. It’s a short, easy hike, perfect for the whole family. There are trees as tall as 200 feet, and many of them are over 50 feet in circumference.
The Grove of the Patriarchs is one of the most popular hikes in Mount Rainier National Park. It starts at a suspension bridge, crosses the Ohanapecosh River, and then begins to loop around an island. Once you reach the island, you’ll follow a path through the forest to a boardwalk. You’ll be surrounded by Douglas fir, Western hemlock, and red cedar trees. There are plenty of signs along the way to help you navigate the trail safely.
You can access the Grove of the Patriarchs from the parking lot at Stevens Canyon Entrance. It’s an out-and-back trail that is about a mile and a half in length. There are sections where you can cross the river, and a bridge that’s wobbly is one of the most exciting parts of the hike.
Reflection Lakes
Reflection Lakes in Rainier are a great spot to view wildflowers during their blooming season. You can get there by following the Mazama Ridge Loop trail, which begins at the east entrance of the park. The trailhead is two miles from Paradise Road East.
The reflections on the lakes are clearer during the summer months when the sun reflects less on the water. In winter, the lakes are covered with snow. If you visit during this season, you should bring plenty of warm clothes and plan to visit the area multiple times. This way, you can get the best photos of the lake’s reflections.
Reflection Lakes is a scenic location for viewing Mount Rainier. A road leads to the lake, but hiking is preferred. You can also access the lake via a trail off Stevens Canyons Road. Reflection Lakes is best viewed during clear evenings. Astrophotography enthusiasts will enjoy the reflections of stars in the water.
Reflection Lakes is an easy-access destination in Mount Rainier National Park. You’ll find it just a few miles from the Paradise turnoff on Stevens Canyon Rd. The area is a favorite with photographers. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain peaks and is perfect for sunrise and sunset photography.
