I visited 3 of Mt Rainier Park’s 5 regions, Longmire, Paradise, and Ohana Pecash. Notable stops included Christine Falls, Ricksecker Point Loop Drive, Nerada Falls, Paradise Inn, and the Grove of Patriarchs and I have included a map to seamlessly drive stop to stop. I’d recommend planning for a 6 to 10 hour day, depending on how long you want to spend at each stop and the hikes you’d like to embark on. The waterfalls, scenic views, and giant trees are incredible. There is no cell service until you get to a lodge, so write down the directions. Another important note, even in September it was extremely cold and snowing, so bring lots of layers!
Christine Falls
We began our trip through the Nisqually entrance in Ashford.
Just 20 minutes past the entrance you will stumble upon your first stop, Christine Falls. You can view it from the road or go over the bridge and down a short trail down to the viewing point. Christine Falls is a glacial waterfall which is what gives the water that perfectly blue tint.
Ricksecker Point Loop Drive
There are no hikes at Ricksecker Point Loop drive but there are incredibly scenic views such as this view into the valley, and, if you’re lucky, a picturesque view of the top of Mt Rainier.
It is typically only open during Summer months, so it is worth asking a ranger if it is open before you go.
Nerada Falls
Next is Nerada Falls, it is in the Longmire Region, very close to Paradise. You can follow a short trail (careful, it is a bit muddy) down to Nerada Falls. This horsetail waterfall was my favorite one at Mt Rainier because I loved how it beautifully cascaded down the jagged rocks.
Paradise Inn and Myrtle Falls
Paradise Inn reminded me of Hogwarts, does anyone else see it?
Paradise Inn is located at the top of Mt Rainier along with a Visitor center. The Inn is only open during Summer months, but the visitor center is open year round. The visitor center contains a museum, cafe, and gift shop!
This the best stop along this drive to stop for hiking and you will want to alott the majority of your time here.
I took the Scenic Trail to Myrtle Falls, it was a short, moderate trail and it leads to a few other trails as well.
The Pinnacle Peak Trail takes you to the top of Mt Rainier, and although it is not long, it is steep and difficult. The higher you go the colder it gets (even in September). Prepare to keep yourself warm as my throat and lungs were burning after this hike which led to pneumonia.
If I had more time up here I would have loved to take the Lakes Trail to Reflection Lake.
This is a picture of a small Black Bear that roamed into the parking lot. Beware of Bears.
Grove of the Patriarchs
As you descend down to the mountain I would definitely recommend stopping at the Grove of Patriarchs in the Ohanapecash Region. The hike is about 1.5 so it takes a little bit of time but is fairly easy.
To get to the sequoias you walk over a suspension bridge that passes over the Ohanapecash River. This bridge was a beautiful experience in itself, especially in the Fall as the trees were changing colors.
Although not as great as those at Sequoia National Park, a walk through any forest of giant trees is enthralling. The trees have a gorgeous rough, red bark that I love to admire.
Mt Rainier is very expansive park that I only just began to explore. You could easily spend a week here by planning at least a day hiking in each region, which I hope to come back and do one day.
Mt Rainer TRIP FAQ
Where to Eat:
There is a small cafe when you reach the top of Paradise. But I would recommend bringing a sack lunch and snacks!
Travel:
I took a tour through Customized Tours and Charters, which picks you up from your hotel or airbnb in Seattle, and can easily be booked through Viator.
I flew with Delta which has been my favorite airline so far. They were decently priced and were not as strict with luggage policies as Frontier or Spirit. I used Google Flights to find the cheapest days to fly.
