Explore the Great PNW with Our Beginner Mt. Rainier Itinerary

Perhaps one of the most iconic landmarks in the Lower 48, Mount Rainier is the pinnacle of Pacific Northwest scenery. Shooting more than fourteen thousand feet into the air, this dormant volcano towers above the surrounding mountains, creating magnificent views that draw visitors from all over the world.

One of the most popular activities for folks visiting Packwood, Washington, is spending time in the Mount Rainier National Park. With miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, a wildlife park, waterfalls, and so much more, it’s an outdoor adventurer’s dream.

Whether you’re a skilled outdoorsman or looking for a leisurely day in nature, we’ve created the perfect tool to help you seize the day. Explore the great PNW with our beginner Mt. Rainier itinerary and discover two incredible days of adventure waiting just outside your door.

Getting Your Bearings as a Beginner at Mount Rainier

The Mount Rainier National Park makes up roughly 377 square miles, totaling more than 200,000 acres of protected land just southeast of Seattle. Centered in the park is the glacier-capped namesake mountain, the highest in the Cascade Range.

Four main areas of the park are easily accessed without the need for multi-day backpacking trips: Paradise, Sunrise, Ohanapecosh, and Mowich Lake.

If you’re staying in one of our TMC Vacation Rentals cabins, the Ohanapecosh area is closest. It’s also the best region for easy hikes the whole family can enjoy. With convenient entry from Stevens Canyon Road, you’ll find yourself nicely positioned for visits to the Paradise and Sunrise areas, too.

If you’re a first-timer, Paradise is a must. Here, you’ll see nearly every element that makes Mt Rainier Park special. From wildflower fields and waterfalls to wildlife and unobstructed views, it’s no wonder it’s the most popular area to visit.

Sunrise is where the hikers flock. Located on the east side of the park, you’ll find vast wilderness, the highest drivable point, and the biggest selection of long hikes. On the northwestern side of the park, down a long, bumpy road, you’ll access the Mowich Lake area. Because of the difficulty of the road, this area tends to see the fewest visitors. While there are some worthwhile hikes, you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to make the trek.

Which Entrance is Best for Mount Rainier?

Now that you can visualize the park’s layout, it’s time to plan your visit. There are several options for entering the park, and the best one depends on a couple of things: Your location and the season.

While Stevens Canyon Road is the closest to Packwood, it’s closed seasonally from October to May, meaning your fall visits will be routed through the year-round Nisqually Entrance, about an hour away. But if you’re coming down from Seattle, that’s the preferred entrance, so you’re all set! Visitors to the Mowich Lake area can enter year-round through the Carbon River entrance.

How Many Days in Mt. Rainier National Park Do I Need?

You can explore with as little as one day, but to really make the most of your visit, we recommend at least two. So, with that in mind, here’s the perfect 2-day beginner Mt. Rainier itinerary.

Note most of the park is inaccessible in winter, so the details listed below are seasonally dependent.

Day 1: Easy Hikes and Scenic Views Near Stevens Canyon Road

Start your day with a delicious breakfast in your cozy TMC Vacation Rentals cabin, or head into town for freshly baked pastries and a hot cup of joe at Mountain Goat Coffee. Once you’re officially fueled up, make your way to the Stevens Canyon Road entrance.

Know Before You Go:Timed entry reservations are needed to enter the park. Be sure you’ve secured the correct permissions so you can easily explore. You can purchase your reservations here.

First Stop: Reflection Lakes

Just a short drive from the entrance, you’ll find Reflection Lakes. Aptly named for the mirror-like reflections of Mount Rainier that glisten from the surface on calm days, it’s a stunning spot for photo opportunities.

Several easy trails are accessible near the lakes.

Lakes Trail – A three-mile loop that begins at either end of the parking lot and ascends a ridge to Faraway Rock, offering views of Louise Lake, Stevens Canyon, and the Tatoosh Range.
Pinnacle Peak Trail – Starting at the south end of the lakes, this 2.5-mile roundtrip hike offers views of Mount Rainier to the north and Mount Adams and Mount St. Helens to the south.
Wonderland Trail – In total, this trail is a 93-mile loop, but you can explore the area near the lakes as it extends toward Narada Falls and Stevens Canyon.

Parking Tip: The lot at Reflection Lakes is small and can fill up quickly, especially during the late morning. Arrive early to snag a spot.

Stop Two: Narada Falls

A few more miles into the park you’ll find Narada Falls, a gorgeous cascade down a rocky ledge surrounded by towering evergreens. The 0.2-mile hike is easy, but is often wet, so make sure you have appropriate footwear.

Lunch: Picnic at Paradise

After a couple of easy hikes, your breakfast will have worn off, making it the perfect time to head to the Paradise Visitor Center. Here, you can grab souvenir shirts or postcards, take advantage of the bathrooms, and enjoy a scenic picnic with views of Mount Rainier.

FAQ: What to do in Mount Rainier National Park?
Explore scenic drives, hike to beautiful waterfalls, and enjoy peaceful picnics in areas like Paradise, where views of Mount Rainier dominate the horizon.

Stop 3: Myrtle Falls

After lunch, take the easy Myrtle Falls Trail, located right at Paradise. This 0.8-mile round-trip hike provides incredible views of snowcapped Mount Rainier towering over the falls. The trail is wide and paved making it perfect for all levels of hikers.

Parking Tip: Paradise is the most popular destination in the park. That said, it’s best to either visit first thing in the morning or, if you’re following this itinerary, late afternoon is preferable when the crowds start to thin out.

Stop 4: Stevens Canyon Road Loop

This one isn’t really a “stop” unless you decide to pull over and marvel at the sights, which we highly encourage. Follow the road past Box Canyon, a dramatic 180-foot-deep gorge, and along the flowing fields of wildflowers. Whether you’re visiting in the middle of summer or as the leaves change in early fall, it’s a great way to see the brilliant beauty of the park with minimal effort.

Day 2: Sunrise Point and Tipsoo Lake

Depending on where you had breakfast yesterday, spice it up with something different today. Once you’re ready for the day, hop in the car and head to Sunrise!

Stop 1: Sunrise Point

Get ready for the most incredible panoramic views of the mountain and surrounding wilderness when you visit this popular stop. As the highest drivable point in the park, Sunrise Point offers breathtaking scenes of Mount Rainier as well as great views of a lava ridgeline and rolling hills. Keep your eyes peeled for mountain goats and other wildlife!

Popular Trails Near Sunrise Point

Palisades Lakes Trail – This 7-mile trail takes about 4-5 hours to complete. After a steep descent, you can take a short trek to Sunrise Lake or follow the main trail to Palisades Lake.
Sourdough Ridge Trail – For a shorter option, this 3-mile trail can be done in about an hour and a half. Enjoy views of subalpine meadows and, of course, Mount Rainier. You’ll also glimpse Mount Baker, Glacier Peak, and Mout Adams in the distance.

Parking Tip: Like Paradise, parking at Sunrise can fill up early, so aim to arrive before 9 a.m. for the best chance at finding a spot.

Stop 2: Tipsoo Lake

Pack a lunch and enjoy it at one of the picnic tables along Tipsoo Lake. This popular summer destination is located along the eastern ridge of the park and features several trails nearby that are great for hikers of all ages and experience levels. Peak wildflower bloom is typically in late July, and fall colors start to dot the trees by September, so no matter when you visit, you’re in for spectacular sights.

Hiking in Mount Rainier, especially in the Sunrise area, can be a little more challenging, but for the sake of this beginner itinerary, stretching your legs around Tipsoo Lake is best done on the Naches Peak Loop Trail. At just under 3.5 miles long, you’ll easily meander past native plants and be met with exceptional views of the mountain.

Afternoon Scenic Drive via Chinook Pass

End your day with a drive along Chinook Pass, one of the most scenic drives in all of Washington state. This 96-mile route features plenty of pull-offs where you can stop to take pictures or just enjoy your surroundings.

Top spots to visit along the drive include:

Enumclaw – The Gateway to Mt. Rainier National Park
Greenwater – A tiny town perfect for grabbing a bite and stretching your legs along the drive
Skookum Falls – A narrow 250-foot waterfall that really shows off in early spring thanks to snow runoff
Boulder Cave Recreational Area – Just over the Naches River bridge, a mile-long walk leads to a 400-foot-deep cave where you can take a tour or explore on your own. But bring a jacket. It’s around 50 degrees Fahrenheit in the cave.

Wrap up your two-day adventure with a soak in your Packwood vacation rental’s hot tub as you reflect on all the ground you covered in such a short time.

FAQ: Where to stay in Mount Rainier National Park?
TMC Vacation Rentals in Packwood is the perfect home base for your visit to Mount Rainier providing easy access to the park’s entrances and nearby attractions.

Book Your Visit to Mount Rainier Today!

At TMC Vacation Rentals, you’ll find beautiful mountain cabins centrally located to Mount Rainier National Park, as well as nearby restaurants, shops, and the White Pass Ski Area. With options perfect for group getaways or couples retreats, you’ll find something guaranteed to fit your needs and budget.

Take a look at our entire inventory of Packwood vacation rentals, and when you find your ideal spot, book it directly with us for the best rate on your stay. We can’t wait to welcome you to Packwood on your beginner Mt Rainier adventure!