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Continue ShoppingHistory and beauty mix on the mountains
Nestled in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, Mount Rainier National Park is one of the most stunningly beautiful places on Earth.
The park was established in 1899 as America's fourth national park and is home to more than 25 glaciers and snowfields, as well as old-growth forests and dozens of lakes. The highlight of the park is, of course, Mount Rainier itself.
The massive 14,410-foot peak is the tallest mountain in the Cascade Range and an active stratovolcano volcano. Thousands of people flow to the mountain every year to glimpse its stunning glaciers and attempt mountaineering to the summit.
However, even if you don't want to attempt to summit Mount Rainier, plenty of breathtaking hikes offer stunning views of the mountain and the surrounding area. Here are five of the best:
While most visitors to Mount Rainier expect cold winds, high elevation, and steep climbs up to glaciers — the Silver Falls Trail is a nice option for those looking for something a bit more mellow.
Lush green forests await you on your relaxing hike, and a stop near Silver Falls offers a gorgeous view of a postcard-esque waterfall. If you start to feel a bit hot on your hike, take a quick swim in the river where the waterfall flows. It's also the perfect place to sit and have a picnic lunch.
Total Distance: 2.92 miles
Elevation Gain: 518 feet
Difficulty: Easy - Hiking
Route Type: Loop
Other Info:
Ready to challenge yourself a bit more? Tolmie Peak trail is perfect for a mid-level hike that can test your endurance.
You'll be rewarded with some of the most incredible views of Mount Rainier — especially if you time your hike right and catch the sunset over the mountain.
The trail is also ideal for those looking to see some of the park's wildlife like deer and bears, who use the lake that the trail passes over as a water source.
Total Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 1541 feet
Difficulty: Moderate - Hiking
Route Type: Out & Loop
Other Info:
Whether it's fall colors or spring blooms, the Naches Peak Loop Trail is always popular with all hiking levels.
While the trail has some stairs and upgrown tree roots you need to be aware of, most of this hike is incredibly easy with a gradual uphill grade. The views of Mount Rainier are always considered a highlight, but many hikers absolutely fall in love with the wildflower meadow. Located near the lake at the start of the trail, this area is perfect for capturing that stunning photo.
Total Distance: 3.29 miles
Elevation Gain: 636 feet
Difficulty: Easy - Hiking
Route Type: Loop
Other Info:
Ready to kick that difficulty up a notch for you experienced hikers out there?
Skyline Trail Loop takes you to a delightful peak in Mount Rainier National Park, and doesn't require any technical climbing experience.
This trail offers some of the most incredible views of glaciers, waterfalls and mountain peaks — but a highlight of this trail is it is a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure. With tons of shortcuts and ways to either extend or reduce the amount of hiking time, you can tailor this hike to your specific fitness level.
Total Distance: 6.21 miles
Elevation Gain: 1788 feet
Difficulty: Moderate/Hard - Hiking (depending on if you choose to take shortcuts through other trails)
Route Type: Loop
Other Info:
If you are looking to get closer to the star of the park, Mount Rainier, without needing to mountaineer, Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail is a must-do hike.
This trail offers some of the most incredible views of Mount Rainier and extremely unique landscapes you won't see anywhere else in the park.
You’ll actually be up in the clouds on this trail. So be prepared for the weather to change quickly — you might even find yourself hiking in a dense fog.
Total Distance: 9.38 miles
Elevation Gain: 2562 feet
Difficulty: Hard - Hiking
Route Type: Loop
Other Info:
No matter your hiking level, Mount Rainier National Park has a trail for you. With so many incredible views, it's hard to pick only five hikes — but these are definitely some of the most breathtaking choices in the park.
So lace up those hiking boots, pack some snacks and water, and prepare for an adventure.
Happy trails!