Mount Rainier was incredible!
I arrived in the park at 10am and went to the White River Ranger Station to grab a map. After that, I started making my way on Sunrise Road to get a picture of the National Park Sign.
Don't forget to stop at the ranger station for a park map and to get your park passport stamps.
The Iconic picture! For every State Park and National Park, I always take a picture with the park sign, just something I started doing in the beginning of my travels. This was much bigger than the regular sign, but it was so beautifully made. This is located right after the White River Entrance Station on Sunrise Road.
Mount Rainier Look Out
Going South on SR410, there is a look-out point of Mount Rainier. I stumbled across this view on accident because I took a wrong turn, and It was the best wrong turn I had ever taken. This was also the first glimpse I got of Mount Rainier, and it was truly amazing.
Ohanapecosh River
The next stop was the Ohanapecosh River. It was a little chilly down by the water and yes, the water was freezing cold as well. This was an amazing place to be at, and it was beyond peaceful. The water swiftly moved through the rocks down stream and the tall mossy trees swayed with the cold breeze. There are many trains along the river to hike and camping is also available. This place is on my camping list next.
Know Before You Go
When to visit — The best time to visit for sightseeing in Mount Rainier National Park is spring through fall. However, to avoid the busy tourist season, September and October are the best.
What to Bring — Like I mentioned before, this is a huge park, so bring snacks, water, and a good playlist for the car. There is limited cell service, so be sure to download your music and maps beforehand.
Weather — Temperatures can drop to the 50s and 60s in September, so be prepared. In the Winter, the park can receive heavy snow.
Wildlife — Wildlife within the park are very active. You might run across Mountain Goat, Roosevelt Elk, Black Bears, Bobcats, Cascade Red Fox, and Mountain Lions.
Park Fee — The Park Fee is $30 per vehicle.
Gas Stations — There are no gas stations in the park, so be sure to fill up beforehand. Greenwater General Store is located right outside the park on 410 and there is Ashford Valley on 706 near the Longmire Wilderness Information Center.
Camping - There are plenty of places to camp in the park. Check out the link below for the campgrounds.
Cougar Falls
I almost missed this spot, so be sure to keep a look-out.
Reflection Lake
I absolutely loved this spot. There wasn't much of a breeze when I visited, so the lake was still, which made for perfect pictures of Mount Rainier.
This is a busy stop, so be prepared to find a parking spot on the side of the road.
Narada Falls
Height: 176 feet | Form: Horsetail
This was a short little hike down a staircase to get to the view point. From the Nisqually Entrance to the park, follow the road 14 miles to a signed viewpoint and parking lot. At 176 feet high, the falls have two distinct features: the top tier, and tallest at 159 feet is a horsetail fall, so described because it has multiple channels down the rock face.
Christine Falls
Height: 69 feet | Form: Tiered Plunges
From the Nisqually entrance of the park, drive 10.7 miles, just past the Comet Falls trailhead, to a small parking area. A short set of stairs leads to the falls overlook. The bridge was built in 1927–1928 by contractor J.D. Tobin of Portland, Oregon, who built the Narada Falls Bridge at the same time.
Somewhere on a mountain
As I made my way up the very windy mountain, I came across this view and decided to take it in. For all the tunnel lovers, there are a few cool tunnels within the park. Box Canyon Tunnel, and Stevens Canyon Tunnel.
Paradise
This was my favorite place in the whole park. Paradise is famous for its glorious views and wildflower meadows. When James Longmire's daughter-in-law, Martha, first saw this site, she exclaimed, "Oh, what a paradise!" However, in the winter, Paradise receives on average 643 inches of snow a year.
While you are here, you have to stop by the cafeteria for a bit to eat. I ordered the garden fresh veggie wrap and a grabbed dark chocolate trail mix for the road. I am normally not a huge fan of trail mix, but this trail mix - I would travel all the way back here just to buy it in bulk. (I will be working on a home-made recipe soon)
The Henry M Jackson Memorial Visitor Center at Paradise offers general information, exhibits, the park film, guided ranger programs, a book/gift store, and cafeteria.
For all the History lovers, here is more info about Paradise Inn.
Best Trails
Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls (1 mi) - Paved and wheelchair accessible with assistance.
Deadhorse Creek Trail & Morraine Trail (2.5 mi) - Glacier and wildflower views.
Skyline Trail (5.5 mi) - This loop trail is the essential Paradise area trail, climbing from the main visitor area up through subalpine meadows.
Ruby Falls
Height: 52 Feet | Form: Tiered Plunges
Another quick stop with beautiful views. One wonders if this waterfall was named for a lady, as several waterfalls inside the park have been named for ladies. Ruby Falls is located where the original Longmire-Paradise road crossed the Paradise River (just below the falls). Parking is limited near this waterfall.
Sunrise
The last stop of the day was Sunrise, one of my favorite places in Mount Rainier. Sunrise is the highest point that can be reached by vehicle, with an elevation of 6,400 feet. Sunrise Point offers nearly 360-degree views of the surrounding valleys, Mount Rainier, and other volcanoes in the Cascade Range such as Mount Adams.
The Sunrise Road usually opens in late June or early July and closes in late September to early October.
Hiking Trails
Tipsoo Lake (0.5 mi/0.8 km)
Easy walk around this picturesque subalpine lake surrounded by gorgeous wildflower meadows. Dogs are not allowed on trails.
Crystal Lakes Trail (6.3 mi/10.1 km)
Located 4.5 miles (7.2 km) north of Cayuse Pass. Spectacular meadows highlight this trail in midsummer.
Palisades Lake Trail (7 mi/11.3 km)
A series of beautiful subalpine lakes are found along this trail. There are no views of Mount Rainier.
Sunrise Nature Trail (1.5 mi/2.4 km)
From the upper end of the Sunrise picnic area, follow this self-guided loop tour through subalpine meadows for breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the Cascades.
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