Looking to stretch you legs near the most majestic mountain in Washington state. Take a look at our list of the 12 best day hikes near Mount Rainier. Most of these hikes really shine from mid July through September once the snow has melted off the alpine meadows.
#1 Best Day Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: Skyline Loop Trail
This is a 5.5 mile hike which is the main trail out of the paradise parking lot and subsequently is one of the busiest in the park. It is a gorgeous trail that we would recommend to any new visitors to Mount Rainier and is often one of our first recommendations. It is typically not snow free until mid too late July and wildflowers are most common in late July to early August. In winter and spring it is also possible to snowshoe in this area. It is definitely worth the crowds when the mountain is visible. Accessible all year but only snow free from late July through September.
#2 Best Day Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: Burroughs Mountain
This 9 mile hike which provides the most in your face views of Mount Rainier. It can be done in 5-6 miles if you cut your trip short at Second Burroughs. This leaves from the main parking lot in Sunrise and is easy to access. Typically accessible from mid too late July to September.
#3 Best Day Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: Tatoosh Lookout
This is a strenuous 10 mile hike located off Skate Creek Road outside Mount Rainier National Park. This hike is difficult but gives great views of Mount Rainier from a distance and the wildflower meadows can be stunning in late summer. Typically accessible from mid July through September. This hike is dog friendly.
#4 Best Day Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: Summit Lake
One of our favorite short loop hikes. This 6.1 mile hikes makes for a great backpacking trip for newcomers but make sure you arrive early to get a spot. The views from the ridge above Summit Lake are stunning and you can always swim on hotter summer days. The road to the lake is horrendous and one of the worst in the state so make sure you have a four wheel drive and are familiar with forest road etiquette for narrow sections. Typically accessible from mid July through September.
#5 Best Day Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: Spray Park
A steep but rewarding 8 mile hike to beautiful meadows and commanding views of Mount Rainier. You can make it a longer trip by heading up to Observation Point. Often less busy than trails leaving from Sunrise or Paradise. Typically accessible from Mid July through September.
#6 Best Day Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: Grand Park
This is an 8 mile round trip to one of our favorite meadows in Mount Rainier. This hike starts outside the national park and crosses over the boundary before entering Grand Park. The unique size of this meadow makes Mount Rainier look enormous in the background. It tends to be snow free slightly earlier in July than some of the higher elevation hikes. It is not uncommon to see black bears in the meadow edges during early morning and evening times. Typically accessible from early July through September.
#7 Best Day Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: Naches Loop
This is a shorter day hike that packs a lot of views into the 3.2 mile loop and is one of our favorite photography spots for wildflowers in the summer. This trail is typically accessible from mid July through September.
#8 Best Day Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: Comet Falls and Van Trump Park
This is a steep hike but you get to see one of the best waterfalls in the park and then can continue on for great views of Mount Rainier from Van Trump Park. As many hikers stop at Comet Falls the meadows of Van Trump Park often don't have the crowds of the Paradise Region. Accessible from early July (Comet Falls) through September.
#9 Best Day Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: High Rock
This is a short but steep hike located outside Mount Rainier that provides outstanding views of the mountain on clear days. It can get busy on weekends and for sunset. It is dog friendly and typically available from early July to Late September.
#10 Best Day Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: Summerland
This is a hike though quite a bit of forest until you eventually emerge at the very pleasant Summerland meadows. The views are very good of Mount Rainier but in our opinion not quite as nice as some of the other meadow hikes on this list. This trail really shines if you push on past summerland towards to more barren panhandle gap which can turn into a 12 mile daytrip (or longer if the views keep you going). Accessible early July through September.
#11 Best Day Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: Bench and Snow Lakes
This is one of our favorite lake trails in Mount Rainier. Snow lake is really the gem of this hike and is quite impressive. Unlike most hikes on this list Mount Rainier views are not the main feature on this hike. It is only 2.6 miles but does have a few steep sections. Accessible from mid July through September.
#12 Best DAy Hike near Mount Rainier National Park: Grove of the Patriarchs
A very short loop and a fun walk through an old growth forest featuring some of the largest trees in Mount Rainier National Park. It is a very easy walk and only 1.5 miles in length. It is located near the Ohanapecosh Entrance. Accessible early June through October.
