When the view of Silver Falls opened up before me, its massive scale and the jagged volcanic slabs surrounding it took my breath away. But what made it a great stop on our early July trip wasn’t just the view, it was how perfectly it fit into our day. After a late start on a…
You drive up to Paradise in June expecting wildflower meadows… and instead, you’re staring at snowbanks. If you’re wondering whether Paradise trails at Mount Rainier will still have snow in June, the honest answer is: usually, yes. In most years, June is still too early for snow-free trails or peak wildflower meadows, even at the…
If you’re wondering whether visiting Mount Rainier in winter is worth dealing with icy roads and unpredictable weather, I get it. Winter requires more planning. There’s no way around it. You have to be ready to put chains on your tires, especially if you’re headed to Paradise. And having the right gear like waterproof layers…
If your time at Mount Rainier is limited, is Trail of the Shadows worth squeezing in, or should you spend it somewhere more iconic? There’s no quick answer to this because it depends on the season you’re visiting, what you want to prioritize, and how you’re building your day. When I plan Mount Rainier trips…
If you’re wondering whether Longmire is worth your time at Mount Rainier, I get it. I can’t tell you how many times I drove past Longmire on my way to Paradise without a second thought. The area’s rustic architecture and glacial stone exteriors were always visually compelling. But I had Paradise trails to hike, so…
My first time exploring Mount Rainier’s iconic Paradise meadows was at golden hour. Hiking down from Panorama Point, I was still stunned by the views of Mount Adams, Mount Hood, and Mount St Helens. That evening, I fell in love with the Mountain and its rolling subalpine landscape—creeks, wildflowers, glacier views, and wildlife all in…
Dreaming of seeing the wildflower meadows at Mount Rainier—but worried you’ll miss peak bloom or waste precious time on the road? Planning how many days to spend, which entrance to use, and where to focus your time can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never been. As a Washington local who explores the park in every…
The best places to stay near Mount Rainier save you hours of driving and give you more time at Paradise or Sunrise, the two most popular areas. I’ve stayed in six places in Ashford, three in Packwood, and at the National Park Inn inside the park. Staying at the inn meant skipping lines at the…
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…
Planning your first trip to Mount Rainier National Park and unsure which town makes the best home base? With visitor areas spread hours apart and no through-road across the park, it’s tough to know which towns save you the most time — and which to skip if all options are available. I stay in Ashford…