Shuttle to trailhead: 2 hours

Hiking Mileage: 4-8 miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1700-3000 feet

Accommodations: Historic National Park Inn

This Mount Rainier hiking tour begins with pick up at your hotel in Olympia. From there we’ll shuttle to Mount Rainier for an amazing first day! Today we explore shimmering alpine lakes, abundant wildlflower blooms, and tumbling waterfalls on the shoulders of North America’s most famous volcano. Mount Rainier stands at 14,411 feet tall, and is the most heavily glaciated peak in the contiguous United States.

We will start our hike near scenic Narada Falls, before climbing gradually through gentle forests and abundant blueberry bushes. We’ll climb past the beautiful Reflection Lakes, aptly named for their stunning mirror image reflection of Mount Rainier, up to Faraway Rock with panoramic views of lakes and mountains below. After wrapping up our hike we’ll check in to our lodging at the historic National Park Inn, and then have time to stroll down the Wonderland Trail just outside the door, or to relax on the veranda with views of Mount Rainier. After a delicious dinner, we’ll enjoy the stars outside or take in a ranger talk at Longmire or Paradise.

Hiking Mileage: 6+ miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1,800+ feet

The second day’s hike takes us through the famous Paradise Meadows of Mount Rainier, a sub-alpine wonderland filled with vibrant flowers and delicate meadows. We’ll ascend the Skyline Trail towards Glacier Vista, where we’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Nisqually Glacier, and continue upward from there. Our goal is to reach the breathtaking Panorama Point and get as close to Camp Muir as possible, potentially even visiting the renowned mountaineering basecamp itself.

Along the way, we’ll keep an eye out for marmots, pikas, mountain goats, and more, all while soaking in the stunning views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscape. If the weather permits, we might also catch glimpses of Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Adams—three other prominent stratovolcanoes in the Cascade Range. The Paradise area is rich in human history, and we’ll have the opportunity to explore some of it as we visit the Paradise Lodge and the Visitor Center.

Hiking Mileage: 3.5+ miles

Elevation Gain/Loss: 1286+ feet

Shuttle to Olympia: 2.5 hours

On our final day, we’ll hike past a series of stunning waterfalls along a beautiful glacier fed creek, culminating at the magnificent Comet Falls, which boasts a dramatic 300-foot drop. Along this short but steep trail, we’ll be surrounded by delicate ferns, subalpine plants, and the refreshing spray of whitewater on polished rocks, leading us to one of Rainier’s hidden gems. If the group is feeling ambitious and time allows, we can continue upwards towards Van Trump Park, a secluded alpine meadow that offers one last awe-inspiring view of Mount Rainier. Somewhere along the trail, we’ll enjoy a final picnic lunch, keeping an eye out for any last wildlife sightings before heading back to the car. After a two-hour drive, we’ll arrive back at your hotel in Olympia, where we’ll say our goodbyes, reflecting on the unforgettable three days we’ve shared together!