Hiking Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park is the most popular parkAs you continue up the Main road you will reach
in the state. It has fantastic areas to explore. TheLongmire(lodging, museum, Info Center and dining).
Mountain is a popular challenge for people wishing toThere is a short Trail of the Shadows as well as
scale the peak. The park also has 240 miles of trailsRampart Ridge trailhead(good trail). After Longmire
and is a super place to visit. Established in 1899.you drive on to Cougar Rock campground. Continue
235,625 acres (97% is designated Wilderness).higher up to Christine Falls and on up to Paradise.
Includes Mount Rainier (14,410'), an active volcanoParadise is the main visitors area with many short
encased in over 35 square miles of snow and ice.trails through meadows right at the base of the
The park contains outstanding examples of oldMountain.(Visitor center, lodging, dining)
growth forests and subalpine meadows.Past Paradise you will find the road continue through
Mount Rainier National Park offers excellentthe park towards Sunrise in the Northeast section of
opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and mountainthe park. Past forest, meadows, lakes, and streams.
climbing. Most roads are open from late May to earlyBox Canyon is a nice hike.
October--all provide stunning views and access to aYou pass Cougar Falls and head south around
variety of hiking trails and other sites.Backbone Ridge, then back north through the
Lots of campgrounds, great drives through the areaStevens Canyon Entrance. Grove of the Patriarchs
and plenty of places to stay the night. You can staytrail is a great hike through some old growth forest.
at the Lodges in the park or just outside in one ofHeading north the road goes past the Shriner Peak
the entrance towns.Lookout trailhead. Up to Cayuse pass and down to
It will be crowded on the weekends, so be prepared.the White River Entrance. White River has camping
Entering from the Southwest Nisqually entrance, it isand some good trails to explore. If you continue on
a great drive up to Paradise.to the Sunrise visitor center you will find some
You will pass Sunshine Point(camping,picnic) and thenoutstanding views and quite a few trails to sample.
Kautz Creek Trailhead. Very nice trail up towardsAt less then 2 hours drive from Seattle it makes a
Mount Ararat(6010') and Indian Henrys Huntingperfect getaway. With great hiking trails to explore.
Ground(Views are great).