Mount Rainier National Park has some of the best hiking and outdoor adventure spots in the country! You cannot beat the parks mountain views, alpine meadows, crystal blue lakes, and more. This guide will help you plan the perfect 72 hours in Mount Rainier National Park!
thetravelingdans
Mount Rainier National Park
Silver Falls is a short 2.5 mile trail that takes you to this beautiful waterfall! The trail is fairly flat making it very child and family friendly.
Tipsoo Lake is right near the parking area but if you have time, we recommend hiking Tipsoo and Dewey Lake Loop to see multiple alpine lakes and outstanding views of Mount Rainier. This loop is around 6 miles long.
The best place to eat in Packwood! We recommend grabbing a beer, ordering some nachos, and sitting in the sun! There is an ice cream truck onsite as well for a sweet treat.
This is a great hotel to stay at in town and is an hour and a half from Paradise, your destination for the next day.
If you dont have a car or are unable to complete this whole trip - we recommend booking a guided tour! This one leaves from Seattle so you do not have to worry about transport to and from the park.
This hike is today’s main event! At 6 miles, this loop is the best hike in the park. You will want to take your time soaking in all the views. We recommend doing this hike clockwise for the best views!
If you have mobility restrictions or are unable to hike 6 miles, Myrtle Falls is a short and paved .8 round trip walk from Paradise that is worth seeing!
There are not many dining options in the park besides this one - we typically pack our food but this place is an option if you are in need of food.
There are campgrounds in the park but the only real lodging option is Paradise Inn! Staying here allows you to be right in the heart of the park and right outside your door are tons of trails to explore.
Before you head home, drive to the Sunrise area of Mount Rainier for one more stunning hike! Fremont Lookout is a 6 mile trail with 1,100 feet of elevation gain. This hike is known for its incredible cloud inversions and sunsets.
Nearby, Crystal Mountain has a scenic gondola that provides epic views of Rainier and the surrounding area. Tickets at the time of writing this are around $40 per adult.