A Combined 1½-Day Itinerary from Our 2021 and 2022 Visits

Visit 1 – September 10, 2021

Drive from Seattle

A scenic drive from Seattle brought us to Mount Rainier National Park, with the mountain dominating the skyline as we approached.

Henry Jackson Visitor Center / Paradise

Our first stop was Paradise, known for its meadows and mountain views. The visitor center offered helpful exhibits, trail information, and a perfect orientation to the park.

Myrtle Falls Trail (0.9 miles)

This short, easy walk led us through colorful meadows to a stunning viewpoint overlooking Myrtle Falls.

Narada Falls

A brief stop at Narada Falls allowed us to witness this powerful cascade. The overlook offered a close view of one of the park’s most photographed waterfalls.

Christine Falls

At Christine Falls, the stone bridge framing the waterfall created a classic postcard scene. Its easy access made it a quick yet rewarding stop on our drive.

Trail of the Shadows (0.7 miles)

This loop trail near Longmire took us through quiet forest & bubbling springs. It was a peaceful way to end the day trip.

Visit 2 – August 3, 2022

Drive from Seattle

Once again, we made the drive from Seattle—this time heading to the Sunrise side of the park for a different perspective of Mount Rainier.

Sunrise Lookout

Sunrise provided spectacular views of Rainier’s eastern slopes and surrounding peaks. The lookout area offered clear morning views and a close-up view of the mountain.

Sunrise Nature Trail (1.5 miles)

This loop trail climbed through meadows offering panoramic views, making it one of the best short hikes in the Sunrise area.

Tipsoo Lake Trail (0.7 miles)

We ended the day with a scenic walk around Tipsoo Lake, known for its mirror-like reflections of Mount Rainier. The wildflowers, calm water, and mountain backdrop created a picture-perfect setting.