Mt. Rainier Area Guide

Easy 0.7 mi loop at Longmire. Hot springs, old cabins, old-growth trees.

The signature Rainier hike — 5.5 mi loop with panoramic summit views from Paradise.

3.8 mi roundtrip to a 320-foot waterfall — one of the tallest in the park.

Easy 1.2 mi loop at Paradise with views of the Nisqually Glacier.

2.5 mi to two alpine lakes with Rainier views. Wildflowers July-August.

4.6 mi loop from Longmire with sweeping valley views and old-growth forest.

6.6 mi roundtrip to a fire lookout with 360-degree views of four volcanoes.

7.2 mi roundtrip, one of the best views of the Tatoosh Range. Strenuous.

The most photographed spot in the park. Arrive before wind picks up.

Stone arched bridge framing a tiered waterfall. Any season.

168-foot waterfall with a paved pullout. Rainbow on sunny mornings.

Waterfall + flower meadow + Rainier in one frame. 0.4 mi from Paradise.

Pullout on a one-way loop with sweeping valley and mountain views.

Wildflowers + Rainier in one frame. Peak bloom July-August. Seasonal road.

Best breakfast in Ashford. Huckleberry pancakes, big plates.

Timber lodge atmosphere, steaks, and the famous blackberry pie.

Espresso, pastries, and mountaineering history on the walls.

Burgers, local beer, laid-back post-hike vibe.

Legendary cash-only burger stand in Elbe. A local institution since 1981.

Historic Longmire inn dining. Breakfast and dinner, year-round.

1917 historic inn at Paradise. Lunch and dinner, mid-May through October.

$30/vehicle (7 days) or $80 annual pass. Buy online at recreation.gov.

First stop in the park. Museum, wilderness center, historic lodge.

The hub of Rainier. Trailheads, ranger programs, snowshoeing.

Basics, snacks, beer, wine, firewood.

Full grocery store. Better to stock up here for a full shop.

Closest gas station to the Ashford corridor.