Meet one of Washington’s biggest icons: Mount Rainier. Towering over the Pacific Northwest, this snow-capped giant (also known as Tacoma) is the highest peak in the Cascade Range and the tallest volcano in mainland America. Heavily glaciated and snow-covered year-round, Rainier feeds five major rivers and gives life to roaring waterfalls, alpine lakes, and lush forests. Summer (May–October): Seattle → Mount Rainier National Park → Longmire Museum → Christine Falls → Narada Falls → Paradise Visitor Center → Reflection Lakes → Seattle Winter (November–April): Seattle → Mount Rainier National Park → Longmire Museum → Wonderland Trail → Seattle

Welcome to glacier country! Encircled by the legendary Wonderland Trail, Mount Rainier National Park is home to massive glaciers like Emmons and Carbon, the largest by volume in the contiguous U.S. With over 1.8 million visitors annually, this park blends epic scenery with rich geology where thousands attempt to summit Rainier every year approximately 50% making it to the summit. Also, Mt. Rainier in WA is the tallest volcano of Mainland America, the 5th tallest mountain in the entire US territory. The mountain top is covered by snow all year round. When the snow melts, water flows down in large volume, creating beautiful waterfalls and vast lakes while also irrigating the forest lands while also irrigating the forest land.

(Summer: 20 mins and Winter: 60 mins) Located at 2,700 feet on the mountain’s south side, Longmire Museum sits in the historic Longmire district. Once a ranger station, it now showcases exhibits on the park’s geology, wildlife, early explorers, and Native American history. Small but mighty, it’s the perfect intro to Rainier’s story—quick, informative, and worth the stop.

A postcard-perfect waterfall framed by a charming stone bridge, Christine Falls is one of the park’s most photographed spots. Easily viewed right off the road, it’s a quick stop with big visual payoff. (Subject to weather and road conditions.)

(Summer Only – 40 mins) One of the most impressive waterfalls you can drive to, Narada Falls plunges dramatically over hardened lava rock just steps from the road. Fed by the Paradise River, this thundering cascade is loud, powerful, and very much a fan favorite!

(Summer Only – 120 mins) Named when early visitors literally gasped “Oh, what a paradise!”, this area delivers sweeping mountain views and vibrant wildflower meadows in summer. Home to the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center, Paradise is also the park’s main winter-use area, averaging over 53 feet of snowfall annually!

Summer (May to October) These small alpine lakes live up to their name. On calm days, Reflection Lakes mirror Mount Rainier perfectly, creating one of the most iconic views in the park. Blink and miss it—but if conditions are right, it’s pure magic.

The legendary Wonderland Trail is a 93-mile loop circling Mount Rainier and one of the most coveted backpacking routes in the U.S. While full hikes require rare permits, winter visitors can enjoy a scenic portion of this iconic trail and soak in the snowy serenity of Rainier up close.