In just a few short weeks, the hills and valleys of Mount Rainier National Park will begin to explode in colorful bursts as spring ushers in stunning wildflowers that will speckle the landscape as far as your eyes can see.
If you’re planning a visit and want to know where to go to get the full effect of springtime in the PNW, you’ve come to the right place! With this ultimate guide to the wildflowers of Mount Rainier, we’ll tell you all about the different flowers you’ll see, where the best views are, answer some FAQs, and even provide interesting foraging facts should you choose to wander off the beaten path.
Planning your wildflower visit to Mount Rainier begins with booking your vacation rental. At TMC Vacations, we’ve got exceptional Packwood, Washington accommodations perfect for any group. Choose from cozy cabins that put you minutes away from the Stevens Canyon Park entrance when you browse our full inventory and book directly with us today!
Top Wildflower Species to See at Mount Rainier Park
Mount Rainier National Park is massive, spanning more than two hundred thousand acres. With so much space, it makes sense that there would be different climates. From dense old-growth forests to subalpine areas, the ecosystem dictates the types of wildflower species you’ll find. Exploring different areas of the park is the best way to see the largest variety – and there’s quite a large number of species. Let’s check them out.
The Wildflowers of Mount Rainier
Blue / Purple Wildflowers
- Alpine Aster
- Bird’s-Beak Lousewort
- Broadleaf Lupine
- Cascade Aster
- Cusick’s Speedwell
- Harebell
- Jeffrey’s Shooting Star
- Mountain Bog Gentian
- Rockslide Larkspur
- Showy Jacob’s Ladder
- Small-flowered Penstemon
- Spreading Phlox
- Subalpine Daisy
Red / Pink Wildflowers
- Cascade Huckleberry
- Cliff Penstemon
- Elephanthead
- Lewis’ Monkeyflower
- Magenta Paintbrush
- Pink Mountain Heather
- Rosy Spirea
- Scarlet Paintbrush
- Western Columbine
White Flowers
- American Bistort
- Avalanche Lily
- Beargrass
- Coiled-Beak Lousewort
- Gray’s Lovage
- Marsh Marigold
- Partridge Foot
- Pasqueflower
- Pearly Everlasting
- Sitka Mountain Ash
- Sitka Valerian
- Tolmie’s Saxifrage
- White Mountain Heather
Yellow / Orange Wildflowers
- Arrowleaf Groundsel
- Bracted Lousewort
- Broadleaf Arnica
- Fan-Leaf Cinquefoil
- Glacier Lily
- Mountain Monkeyflower
- Tiger Lily
- Smooth Mountain Dandelion
- Subalpine Buttercup
Best Wildflower Trails in Mount Rainier National Park
Reflection Lakes
You can choose to take the scenic route from Paradise along the Lakes Trail, or if you aren’t up for a long trek, the trailhead from Stevens Canyon Highway is just off the parking area and offers incredible views of the Mountain, water, and gorgeous blooms.
Sheep Lake
Traveling with children? This easy hike delivers views of beautiful water plus fields full of Indian Paintbrush, Western Pasqueflower, Valerian varieties, False Hellebore, and more.
Berkley Park from Sunrise
Head to the Sunrise Visitor Center, making sure to stop at the Sunrise Point Overlook before you get started – what a view! At the visitor’s center, grab a map and set out toward Sourdough Ridge. Follow signs past Frozen Lake and keep your eyes peeled for Golden Glacier Lilys and White Avalanche – especially if the snow has just melted.
Mowich Lake to Tolme Peak
Spot more than 60 varieties of Mount Rainier’s wildflowers along the shore of Mowich Lake when you head out on this scenic trail that leads through forests, past streams, and all the way to the top of Tolmie Peak.
Mount Rainier Wildflower FAQs
Just after the snow melts, you’ll start to see avalanche lilies and yellow skunk cabbage poke their heads out. But it’s late spring and early summer when you’ll experience peak bloom for all the varieties of Mount Rainier’s wildflowers.
Yes! While you should always reference a trusted source before eating anything you forage, there are several varieties of edible flowers in Mount Rainier National Park. From the huckleberries to Lupine varieties, Columbine, Penstemon, Valerian, and more – there are so many delicious flowers. You can add these to salads, use the greens in stews, make teas, and even medicines with the flowers you find.
Wild mushrooms, blueberries, and huckleberries are the most popular foraged items you’ll find in the park. Bring a foraging guide and a basket, and always remember to leave some for the next visitor.
Planning Your Visit to Mount Rainier National Park
As you plan your wildflower viewing trip to Mount Rainier, be sure to map out your trails before you arrive so you know the best routes and times to visit. Don’t forget the camera! You can also bring a scrapbook so you can press different varieties of flowers – a unique way to commemorate your visit to the PNW.
For the best lighting, aim for midday when you’ll have the most sun or golden hour at twilight for dreamy images.
Book Your Spring Wildflower Getaway Today
Featured Property: Elk Cabin
Now is the perfect time to start preparing for your wildflower visit to Mount Rainier. As you choose your dates and make your plans, don’t forget to choose a vacation rental that puts you near the park for easy access.
At TMC Vacation Rentals, we have an excellent selection of properties in Packwood, Washington, just minutes from the park. Plus, when you book your stay directly with us, you can cut out the middleman and avoid the third-party fees that come with booking through Airbnb or Vrbo. Experience the difference a local team can make for your vacation when you browse our Packwood vacation rentals and book directly today!
Discover the perfect two-day itinerary for Mount Rainier National Park and find more Packwood activities and attractions for your vacation.