Mount Rainier

National Park Inn Review (2025): Pros, Cons & Why I’d Return

National Park Inn Review (2025): Pros, Cons & Why I’d Return

If you’ve read mixed National Park Inn reviews and don’t know whether to book—same.  I usually stay in Ashford or Packwood to visit Rainier, but I booked a room at the inn and our experience was excellent. Dining options are limited, and the rooms don’t have refrigerators or microwaves, but that’s the tradeoff for experiencing…

Can You See Mt Rainier in One Day? (Itinerary & Best Stops)

Can You See Mt Rainier in One Day? (Itinerary & Best Stops)

Looking for things to do at Mount Rainier in one day? I planned a mid-July day trip to the park’s Paradise area to share my favorite place with my family. After exploring, most headed home, but my mom and I stayed the night in Ashford. The next morning, we drove nearly two hours to reach…

Skyline Loop Trail Guide: 10 Reasons It’s WA’s Best Day Hike

Skyline Loop Trail Guide: 10 Reasons It’s WA’s Best Day Hike

Planning to hike the Skyline Loop Trail at Mount Rainier National Park? I’ve hiked this trail in spring, summer, and fall, and its panoramic mountain views make it Washington’s best day hike—and my personal favorite. I’ll never forget my first glimpse of the Tatoosh Mountains across the meadows. That was the moment I fell in…

10 Tips to Avoid Crowds at Mount Rainier in Peak Season

10 Tips to Avoid Crowds at Mount Rainier in Peak Season

Wondering how to avoid crowds at Mount Rainier National Park? In this article, I share my top ten tips for managing crowds at Mount Rainier, especially during the park’s busiest season from July through August. Along with timing strategies, you’ll discover lesser-known trails and experiences that offer beauty without the bustle. I wake up early,…

Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier: A Seasonal Guide (2025)

Best Time to Visit Mount Rainier: A Seasonal Guide (2025)

Wondering the best time to go to Mount Rainier? My greatest ambition every summer is to catch wildflowers at peak bloom – a worthwhile pursuit to see the “most extravagantly beautiful of all the alpine gardens,” according to famed naturalist John Muir.  While the time to enjoy subalpine trails is relatively short (July – October),…