- The Adventure
Explore majestic views of Mount Rainier, subalpine meadows, cascading waterfalls, mighty glaciers and wildlife.
- Distance and Travel Time (from downtown Seattle): 107 miles (2h 23min)
- Trip Type: Day trip or Overnight trip
- Parking
Park in the park’s parking lot
- When to Go
Jun to Oct (the park is partially open in winter also, but may be a difficult trip with young kids. August is usually the best season to see abundance of wildflowers but its peak bloom varies each year.)
- Things to Do
Enjoy views of snow-capped mountains in summer, see waterfalls, stroll along trails, see wild flowers, explore nature, etc.
- Tips
1) Even when it’s sunny in Seattle, the Mt. Rainier area can be much different so be sure to check the park website and webcams for current conditions and also check the weather forecast for the Mt. Rainier area before departing.
2) The weather in the mountains change frequently so dress in layers to be prepared.
3) If your family is not used to spending long hours in the car, make it an overnight trip and spend a night near the park.
4) The trailhead is located at the northwest end of the lower parking lot. Although there are sign posts at junctions, be sure to carry a trail map (you can pick one up at the visitor center, ask for one at the park entrance or print it from home beforehand).
5) The Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls (1 mile, 100 ft elevation gain) and the Nisqually Vista Trail (1.2 miles, 200 ft elevation gain) are easy trails that are accessible with strollers. For those who want to walk up for even more breathtaking views, the moderate hike up to Glacier Vista (about 2.5 miles round trip, about 1,000 ft elevation gain) is worth the walk.
6) If the lower parking lot at Paradise is full, try to find a spot at the upper parking lot or picnic area.
7) Kid-safe bug repellent can be useful to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away.
8) Kids preschool age and up may enjoy participating in the Junior Ranger program to earn a Junior Ranger badge. Ask for a junior ranger activity book at the visitor center.
- Guidebook
Family Trip to National Park 01 – Mount Rainier National Park
- ISBN :
9780998985305(paper)
9780998985312(eBook)
- Language : English
- Publication Date : Feb 10 2017
- Page Count : 104 pages
- Get the Book
[Paperback] : $14.99
Barnes & Noble, Amazon
[eBook] : $7.99
Apple iBooks Store, Amazon
Trailhead at Lower Parking Lot
Trail Junctions(Keep Left)
Nisqually Vista Trail