Mount Rainier National Park Day Trip: A Non-Hiker’s Guide

This article is for people planning a visit to Mount Rainier and seeking alternative activities beyond hiking, skiing, or adventure sports. If you are one of them (us), continue reading to uncover more information and helpful tips to make the most of your day in Mount Rainier National Park.

Washington State has three stunning national parks, the Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, and Mount Rainier National Park. All three parks are close to Seattle, making a great day trip destination. 

However, in this blog post, I’ll share my journey to Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle and the things we did on our way and in the park. If you’re visiting Seattle in the summer, keep one of the three (or all three) national parks in your itinerary. Also, here’s a cinematic video of our journey to Mount Rainier National Park that will give you a good glimpse of the park and its top spots!

Ideal time to visit

The best time to plan a visit to Mount Rainier is during the summer and fall seasons. The wildflowers are in full bloom, and the hiking trails are more accessible. 

We visited the park in the first week of July. The visitor center and the surrounding areas still had heavy snow cover, but it didn’t hinder our experience since we didn’t plan to hike.

However, if you want to hike, I recommend visiting between August and September when the weather conditions are optimal for such activities. Regardless of the season, the park offers breathtaking views and exciting outdoor activities to make your trip memorable.

How to reach Mount Rainier?

The park is not connected via public transit, leaving the car the only option to reach. You can rent a car from Avis (our preferred car company) or Zip Car for a day and drive to Mount Rainier. The drive is moderately comfortable, especially for new drivers, and very scenic. 

Here’s an essential tip before your trip. Start as early as possible, as you will encounter a long queue during peak season, especially after 9 AM. Also, don’t forget to take breaks and enjoy the scenery on the way to the top. Here are some incredible spots that you wouldn’t want to miss. 

Activities for Non-Hikers

If hiking or other adventure activities isn’t your cup of tea, worry not! The park has something for everyone. Here’s what you can do. 

Explore the scenic spots

For those on a day trip, the ideal way to experience the park’s beauty is to take a scenic drive and explore the breathtaking sights. Depending on your starting point, the best entry point to the park may vary. 

Paradise is the closest entry point for people driving from Seattle and around, while those driving from East Washington may enter via Sunrise. Regardless of your entry point, both routes offer a stunning view of the mountain and the surrounding landscapes.

Here’s a link to our route map from downtown Seattle with all the spots we covered during our trip to the national park. 

Narada Falls 

Narada Falls is a stunning waterfall near the Paradise entrance that is a must-visit. The fall is named after a Hindu mythological figure, Narada, known for his divine music. 

The waterfall cascades majestically over 168 feet, creating a thundering sound and misty spray that captures the essence of Narada’s divine music. The waterfall is a 0.1-mile hike from the parking and has the best flow during summer.

Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center

The Visitor Center at Paradise is the closest point to get a nice view of Mount Rainier and its glaciers. I highly recommend carrying a binocular to see the volcanic peak up and close. 

Named after the late U.S. Senator Henry M. Jackson, the center features interactive exhibits, videos, and displays to provide information about the park’s geology, wildlife, and history. 

The visitor center also offers ranger-led talks and guided walking tours that you can check on their website. The visitor center is open all year round and is a must-visit place. While you’re here, don’t miss the short film at the theater and the getting a national park stamp from the souvenir shop.

If you have time and motivation, we highly recommend taking a short hike on the Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls for an immersive nature and wildlife experience.

Reflection Lake

Reflection Lake is a pristine water body just a few miles south of the visitor center. Its crystal-clear waters create a mirror-like reflection of the volcanic peak, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the national park. 

Lush forests, wildflower meadows (summer only), and snow-capped peaks surround the lake, making Reflection Lake an incredible spot for picnics and nature walks due to its easy accessibility.

The lake remains partially frozen until the mid of July. However, you can still get a breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier’s reflection in the clear water. Don’t forget to look out for the wild animals and birds visiting the lake for food and water. However, keep a distance and avoid feeding them.

Sunbeam Creek

Sunbeam Creek is my favorite picnic place in Mount Rainier because of the view and calming atmosphere. You can see the snow-capped peaks, the reflection lake, and a beautiful stream originating from one of the glaciers. 

The creek is home to several aquatic species, including Pacific Northwest natives, trout, and salmon. The surrounding forest is home to wildlife, including deer, elk, and birds, making it one of the best places for nature photographers and wildlifers. 

Nature activities

The park offers several nature activities, from nature walks to birding to fishing. For day trippers, the best way to do nature activities would be to find the right spot and camp out for the day. It’ll be ideal to find a quiet place with less footfall. 

Therefore, I recommend parking your car near the Snow Lake Trail and walking a few miles to find the right spot. Don’t forget to wear sunscreen, a hat/ cap, and sunglasses. Take a camping chair/ mat to sit comfortably and binoculars to keep an eye on the animals and birds. 

Pro Tip: Avoid carrying food with a strong odor that might attract animals, especially bears, and critters, and maintain a safe distance while watching wildlife. Here are some wildlife-watching dos and don’ts.

Birding

Birding is one of my favorite activities that I recommend doing here as you’ll be in the lap of mother nature. Find a spot near the water, sit idle for the next few hours, and observe the nature around you. You can spot several residents and migratory birds, like the American dipper, varied thrush, northern pygmy owl, and bald eagle. 

Download the e-bird app to pick your location and identify bird sounds and names. The Nisqually Vista Trail is one of the best trails for birders and offers a stunning view of the Nisqually Glacier and surrounding landscapes. Moreover, you can check out the events like guided bird walks and ranger-led talks on birding and conservation programs on the official website. 

Do check out my ultimate birding checklist before heading for your trip. 

Fishing

If you’re looking for a new hobby or something unique to do at the national park, go fishing! The park has several streams and lakes abundant with aquatic species like trout and salmon, making it a great place to fish. 

To ensure the well-being of the wildlife species, we highly recommend practicing catch and release when fishing in Mt. Rainier. To do so ethically, use a landing net to avoid injuring the fish and keep them in the water while removing the hook. Handle the fish gently and use appropriate tools like de-hooking tools, forceps, or long-nosed pliers when releasing them.

Nature Walks

If you don’t want to do any of the above activities, take a walk in the wilderness and enjoy the pristine flora and fauna. It’s absolutely refreshing and therapeutic.

Mt. Rainier National Park offers several things to do beyond hiking, making it an incredible destination for everyone, from kids to adults. 

Stargazing

Stargazing is a unique and a great nature activity that we highly recommend at Mt. Rainier. However, this requires you to stay overnight as driving back late night could be challenging. It’s a fun activity for all age groups and an absolute delight to watch the milky way. You can also checkout the Night Sky program offered by the National Park Services for an immersive experience.

On the way back

Your adventure in Mt. Rainier doesn’t have to end yet! On your way back to Seattle, there are many incredible things to see and do. Here are a few activities that we highly recommend.

Rainier Cherries

If you’re visiting the park during summer, don’t miss trying the Rainier cherries. They’re a local specialty that you won’t find anywhere else! With their thin skin, thick creamy-yellow flesh, and sweet flavor, these cherries are a treat for the taste buds. Not only do they taste great, but they’re also packed with nutrients like vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. So be sure to stop in Ashford to pick up some Rainier cherries from the local vendors.

Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining Co.

On your way back, you’ll definitely be looking for places to eat. Although there are a few restaurants near the Henry M. Jackson Memorial visitor center, I wouldn’t recommend them because the food is expensive and doesn’t taste that great. 

Instead, head to the Mt. Rainier Railroad Dining Co. for a unique dining experience. This restaurant is inside a historic train car that once transported passengers through the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the scenic views of the countryside and the Cascades. 

The menu offers classic American dishes like burgers, sandwiches, salads, and regional specials like PNW salmon. The restaurant is open from May through October and is a fun place to be, especially with kids. 

Alder Dam Viewpoint

Alder Dam is one of the tallest arch dams in the USA, built on the Nisqually River. This 330 feet tall dam is accessible via Alder Lake state park, leading to Alder Lake. This reservoir is popular for fishing, boating, and other recreational activities, making this place worth a visit. 

You can spend half a day here or take a short detour and visit the Alder Dam viewpoint. The view of the stunning blue lake surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped peaks is breathtaking, especially during the fall season. Hence, we recommend adding this to your list. 

Guided Tour Recommendation

If you don’t drive book a guided tour instead, and enjoy the views while sipping coffee in the back seat. There are several tour companies that offer private or group day trips from Seattle, here are two that we recommend.

• Mt. Rainier Day Trip from Seattle – 10 to 12 hours (approx.) & pickup available from selected hotels

• Best of Mount Rainier National Park from Seattle: All-Inclusive Small-Group Tour – 10 hours 30 mins (approx.) & pickup available from selected hotels

Activities for Hikers

If you’re planning to hike at Mount Rainier, there are plenty of trails to choose from, ranging from short day hikes to multi-day treks. Late summer and early fall are the best seasons to visit for hiking, as the mountain will be covered with wildflowers, and the trails will be free of snow. Here are some easy hikes best for beginners. 

• Myrtle Falls Viewpoint via Skyline Trail – 0.8mi, 25 min (one-way), 150 ft elevation gain, out & back, closest parking (visitor center)
• Nisqually Vista Trail – 1.1mi, 30 min (one-way), 180 ft elevation gain, loop, closest parking (visitor center)
• Sunrise Lake Trail – 1.5mi, 51 mins (one-way), 400 ft elevation gain, loop, closest parking (sunrise point lookout)
• Bench and Snow Lake Trail – 2.2mi, 1 hour 6 min (one-way), 446 ft elevation gain, out & back, closest parking (Bench lake parking)

Best place to stay

If you plan an overnight stay in the national park, you can book one of the lodges or campsites next to the visitor center. Cougar Rock Campground and Paradise Inn lodge are two of the closest stay options available near Paradise. However, these get booked early, leaving Ashford the next best option.

We stayed at Alexander’s Lodge, a rustic-style lodge in Ashford, just a few miles from the visitor center. They offer cabins and individual rooms, both well-maintained and equipped with modern amenities. It also has a restaurant serving delicious food and a lounge to relax and unwind after a day of exploring the park. It’s a great place to stay, enjoy nature and ditch the crowd.

Final thoughts

Mount Rainier is a beautiful active volcanic peak and the highest mountain in Washington State. It is home to various glaciers, alpine meadows, pristine lakes, waterfalls, and wildlife. Mt. Rainier is one of the most popular destinations in Washington State, visited by thousands of people annually. It is not just for hikers but also for those who appreciate nature and its wonders. Keep scrolling to see some interesting species of insects and common birds I spotted in Mt. Rainier and drop me a message if you have any questions regarding your trip.

Happy exploring! 🙂