Mt. Rainer National Park Small-Group Day Trip from Seattle

Mount Rainier stands as an icon in the Washington landscape. Mount Rainier, also known as Tacoma, is the highest mountain of the Cascade Range of the Pacific Northwest, and the highest mountain in the state of Washington. Mount Rainier is an active volcano and has the most glaciated peak in the United States. It spawns five major rivers, and the top of the mountain is covered with snow all year round. When snow melts, water flows down in a large volume, and gives Rainier National Park the best waterfalls, vast lakes, and lush green forests.

Summer (May to Oct) itinerary:

Seattle → Mt. Rainier National Park → Longmire Museum (20 mins) → Christine Falls (10 mins) → Narada Falls (40 mins) → Paradise Visitor Center (120 mins) → Reflection Lake (10 mins) → Seattle

Winter (Nov to April) itinerary:

Seattle → Mt. Rainier National Park → Longmire Museum (60 mins) → Wonderland Trail (60 mins) → Seattle

Note：In the case of heavy snowfall during the winter season, the schedule of going uphill at Mount Rainier National Park may be halted. We will instead enjoy the breathtaking views at the foot of the mountain instead.

2nd growth forest, hot springs, hike, history (subject to change based on weather and road conditions).

National Park Sign

Take Picture with the sign of Mt Rainier National Park

scenic lake on the way to the Mountain

Winter (November to April) itinerary: Longmire Museum (60 mins)

Summer (May to October) itinerary: Longmire Museum (20 mins)

Located on the south side of Mount Rainier at 2,700 feet above sea level, Longmire Museum makes up part of the historic Longmire district. Once a ranger office, the building now houses historic exhibits about the park's natural and geological history, and animals. This small museum offers a good historical overview of the park, the Longmire family, and the Native Americans who once traveled through this area. You'll also find old photographs and displays of local plants and animals. It's worth a quick stop.

Winter (November to April) itinerary: Longmire Museum (60 mins)

Summer (May to October) itinerary: Longmire Museum (20 mins)

Located on the south side of Mount Rainier at 2,700 feet above sea level, Longmire Museum makes up part of the historic Longmire district. Once a ranger office, the building now houses historic exhibits about the park's natural and geological history, and animals. This small museum offers a good historical overview of the park, the Longmire family, and the Native Americans who once traveled through this area. You'll also find old photographs and displays of local plants and animals. It's worth a quick stop.

Summer (May to October) itinerary:

pretty waterfall framed by stone bridge popular spot right of road. (subject to change based on weather and road conditions).

Summer (May to October) itinerary:

At only 150 feet from the road to Paradise, Narada Falls is the largest waterfall accessible by car in the park, and one of the most impressive. Here the Paradise River plunges over the edge of a relatively recent flow of hard andesite lava that abuts much older rock.

Summer (May to October) itinerary:

small alpine lakes available only to see in non winter season. small lakes that when there is no breeze reflect the mountain like a mirror. (subject to change based on weather and road conditions).

Summer (May to October) itinerary: Paradise Visitor Center

Paradise is famous for its glorious views and wildflower meadows. When James Longmire's daughter-in-law, Martha, first saw this site, she exclaimed, "Oh, what a paradise!" The park's main visitor center, the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, is located in the upper parking area. Paradise is also the primary winter-use area in the park, receiving on average 643 inches (53.6 feet/16.3 meters) of snow a year.

Winter (November to April) itinerary:

Seattle → Mt. Rainier National Park → Longmire Museum (60 mins) → Wonderland Trail (60 mins) → Seattle

The Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile hiking trail that encircles Washington's most famous volcano. Each year, hikers vie for permits to embark on a backpacking trip on it, with only a handful scoring the permits to undertake this strenuous hike.