The Best Day Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier has so many incredible day hikes, it hard to know which ones to do! Use this list to plan your must-do trails ahead of time so you’re ready to hit the ground running when you arrive. Below you’ll find the best day hikes in Mt Rainier National Park, starting from shortest to longest.

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Christine Falls

Distance: Short walk down hill

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 100ft

Christine Falls is just 4.5 miles east of Longmire, along the road to Paradise. There’s a pullout for parking just past the stone bridge. From there, it’s a quick walk down a short set of stairs to a scenic overlook. For a different perspective, you can also follow a steep path down for another beautiful view of this beautiful waterfall!

Narada Falls

Distance: 0.4 miles

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Elevation Gain: 200ft

This 168ft waterfall is one of my favorite waterfalls in Rainier! The best part, its just a short detour of the main road and won’t take you long to see! Parking for this trail is found 17 miles east of the Nisqually, just one mile before Paradise. This area has bathrooms and picnics tables, making it the perfect rest area.

The trail to the waterfall is a short one that starts after crossing the bridge. You’ll follow a steep, dirt trail down to the waterfall. At times the trail can be slippery so its best to wear hiking boots and bring hiking poles if you have them. There is a large viewing area at the base of the falls that allows you to take in the entire falls.

Myrtle Falls Trail

Distance: 1 mile

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 185ft

You can access the trailhead either behind Paradise Inn or next to the visitor center. The path to the waterfall is mostly flat and paved, making it an easy walk. The falls are just a short detour off the main Skyline Trail Loop, located down a steep incline near the end of the trail. If you’re up for more adventure, you can continue along the Skyline Trail for even more stunning views, or simply head back after visiting the falls.

Nisqually Vista Trail

Distance: 1.2 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 190ft

This easy trail is perfect for people who are short on time or are just looking for a more leisurely walk. The trail starts off in the Paradise area, behind the visitor’s center. The trail is paved and offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, the Nisqually Glacier, and the surrounding valleys. It’s a great option for a quick and scenic introduction to the Paradise area.

Carter Falls

Distance: 2.6 miles

Difficulty: moderate

Elevation Gain: 500 feet

This trail begins at the paved pullout 100 yards below Cougar Rock Campground. Follow signs to Carter Falls into the Nisqually River Gorge. After using the log bridge to cross the river, follow the trail through the forest, steadily gaining elevation. At 1.3 miles you’ll reach Carter Falls. If you continue walking for another 0.1 miles, you’ll be at Madcap Falls, which is a great area to enjoy your lunch. From here, retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Bench & Snow Lakes Trail

Distance: 2.4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 700ft

The trailhead is located east of Reflection Lakes along Stevens Canyon Road. The trail immediately starts gaining elevation before leveling out. You’ll reach Bench Lake after 0.75 miles from the trailhead. Continue another 0.5 mile to reach Snow Lake is further down the trail. 

Panorama Point

Distance: 3.8 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1300ft

If you’re not looking for quite as long of a trail, you can follow the Skyline trail to Panorama Point, then turn back around. This 3.8-mile out-and-back trail offers stunning panoramic views of Mount Rainier, the Tatoosh Range, and beyond. On a clear day, you might even be able to see Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and even Mount St. Helens! This trail is still tough and gains quite a bit of elevation, but it’s not as long and hard as Skyline trail.

Skyline Trail

Distance: 5.5 mile loop

Difficulty: Hard

Elevation Gain: 1700ft

This 5.5-mile loop trail is a great option for people who want to really experience the paradise area in one trail. It offers stunning views of Mount Rainier, wildflower meadows, and glaciers. The trail gains 1,700ft in elevation and is considered a moderate to hard trail. It is a beautiful trail, but be prepared that it isn’t an easy one. Checkout this article for a complete guide on what to expect on Skyline Trail.

What to Bring on Day Hikes in Mount Rainier

• Water- Make sure you pack plenty of water so you don’t run out on the trails! I prefer to carry a hydration bladder, they make it so much easier to stay hydrated on the trails without lugging around a massive water bottle. 
• Hiking Poles– on the way up, it helps distribute your weight, on the way down, they provide stability and reduces the impact on your knees.
• Hiking Boots–  If you enjoy hiking regularly, you should definitely invest in hiking boots or trail shoes. A good pair will offer you ankle support, protection from mud and streams and better tread for hiking all terrain. For trails that are mainly flat a good pair of tennis shoes will do but once you move into different trails and increasing elevation, hiking shoes are a must.
• Bear Spray– One thing I hope I never need to use, but always have on hand! When you’re heading to bear country you should definitely have it easily accessible.
• Snacks– depending on how long you plan to hike, you’ll need snacks to replenish your energy levels.