4 awesome hikes in Mt Rainier National Park

If you have never visited Mt. Rainier National Park (Washington) then you are truly missing something special. Obviously the focal point of the park is its volcanic peak for which it is named, Mt. Rainier. Mt. Rainier towers over the surrounding landscape at a staggering 14,410 feet, making it the second highest peak in the lower 48 states. Only Mt. Whitney (14505) in California is taller.

Mt. Rainier’s snowy peak can be seen from the City of Seattle some 86 miles away. Even from that distance the views are breathtaking but nothing compares to actually being there. This was the first time that I spent any significant time in the area. After visiting it has become one of my favorite national parks.

Mt. Rainier National Park is huge and mostly unaccessible by car. In reality there are only 2 major roads with in the park. One traverses the extreme southern edge and the other up extreme eastern edges. The only exception is the Sunrise Road that leads to the Sunrise Visitor Center deep into the interior. So with that in mind lets look at 4 awesome hikes that can get you deeper into the park and broaden your experience.

Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail

The Burroughs Mountain Loop Trail is a 9.4 mile heavily traveled trail that begins at the Sunrise Visitor Center. The trail is rated as strenuous by the National Park but I would rate it more on the moderate side.

As you make the loop you will summit 3 peaks known as the Burroughs Peaks. If you would like to shorten the hike just eliminate 1 or 2 of the peaks. However with each peak the hiker is placed closer to Mt. Rainier providing unique view. For the curious hiker it will be hard to stop even if you make it to 3rd Burrough.

Although there is not much plant life in the alpine tundra there is wildlife. On my hike I came across Mountains Goats, Yellow-bellied Marmots and several different birds so keep a keen eye.

Once reaching 1st Burrough Mountain the sight of Mt. Rainier is stunning. However do not stop there and continue at least to 2nd Burroughs Mountain. You might not think the view will change much but trust me it is worth every single step.

Due to heavy snow and lack of equipment, I ended my hike at 2nd Burrough Mountain but I can only anticipate how stunning the view would have been at 3rd Burrough Mountain.

Once you have absorbed all the grandeur of the mountain you can either return the way you came or finish the loop by via the Shady Lake Trail (this is where I saw the goats). The Shady Lake trail is steep and will descend into Sunrise Camp and the Vistor Center. Mt. Rainier will be behind you so don’t forget to stop and look over your shoulder as these are some of the best views of this magnificent volcano. Once back at the Visitor Center stop in and reward yourself with the best deal in the Park (fudgecicle) or a cold beverage of your choice.

This is an awesome hike for anyone seeking to lose track of time viewing Mt. Rainier and the sub-alpine and alpine tundra ecosystems.

Upper Palisaides Lake Trail

The trailhead for Upper Palisades Lake trail is located at Sunrise Point. At Sunrise Point there is a large parking area with restrooms and awesome view of Mt. Rainer and on a clear day Mt. Adams. Before setting out on your hike be sure to walk the edges of the parking area as this offers great view and photo opportunities. In addition this will be the only time on the hike that you will see Mt. Rainier.

The hike to Upper Palisades Lake is a 7 mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 1800 feet. It is rated strenuous and it is estimated to take 5 hours to complete. From the trailhead the path will lead you to Sunrise Point before sharply descending to the valley below. Once in the valley you will pass through a patch work of flower filled meadows, dense forests and subalpine lakes, such as Sunrise and Clover Lakes. It is easy to stop at any of these areas and lose track of time enjoying the views.

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At the 2 mile mark is the trail junction to Hidden Lake. This is roughly one mile side-trail leading to beautiful lake tucked away “hidden” between 2 peaks.

The trail is steep but well worth the effort as you cross streams and gain elevation. As you gain in elevation you will be treated creek crossings laced with wildflowers and awesome views of the valley below. If you have come this far, I would highly recommend adding this detour to your hike.

From the Hidden Lake Junction it is a fairly easy walk through a large mountain meadow before reaching Upper Palisades Lake. Keep an eye out as you cross this meadow as wildlife such as deer and bear abound. Once reaching Upper Palisades lake there is a trail around most of the lake with various points to take a cold dip or check out the back country campsites. There is also an unmarked trail that leads to Brown Peak which can provide a view of Mt. Rainier.

This is a great hike with a lot of diversity. I was fortunate to see 2 bears on my hike. One was a long way off and hard see but the other was within 75 yards which was the highlight of this a great trail.

Comet Falls Trail

If waterfalls are your thing then here is a hike for you. Located between the Longmire Museum and the Paradise Visitor Center is the trailhead to Comet Falls. This trailhead can be easily missed as the parking lot is small and located at the end (traveling east) of a series of switchbacks.

Comet Falls Trail is a 3.8 mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 1250 feet. From the parking lot the trail starts out as a smooth wide trail flanked by trees both young and old. In 0.3 miles you will cross stout bridge over Van Trump Creek. From the center of the bridge look downstream to catch a glimpse of the roadway below Christine Falls.

The trail from this point starts a significant climb, but remains within earshot of the Van Trump Creek. Don’t be afraid to explore a few of the small/short trials that lead to the edge of the creek. These rabbit trails provide great views of the cascades and if lucky a glimpse of the Water Dipper. As the trail climbs to Comet Falls you will encounter many small and larger waterfalls. Most of these are unnamed but are still beautiful.

As you near Comet Falls there is a significant double tiered waterfall to your right. Although an awesome falls don’t be fooled, this is not Comet falls.

Instead after crossing the bridge and walking another 200 feet the first look at Comet Falls and its impressive 301 foot plunge come into view. It is spectacular!!

Eventually the trail leads to the base of the falls, where you can stand and quickly become drenched by the mist. If you are brave take a dip in the pool. If you have extra energy to burn then continue up the mountain and reach Mildred Point which I am told provides a great view of Mt. Rainier. Due to large areas of deep snow and hiking alone I opted to save Mildred Point for my next trip.

I give this hike 5 stars and one not to be missed if visiting Mt. Rainier National Park especially if you love rushing streams, waterfalls and losing track of time in the outdoors.

Green Lake Trail

If you are looking to get off the beaten path and get away from park crowds then take then check out Green Lake. This hike is tucked away in the northwest corner of the park. Access is through the Carbon River entrance and it is remote to say the least.

Once at the entrance, the road is closed due to a wash out by the Carbon River. This will require you to park outside the park entrance and make a short hike. Once in the park follow the park road for about 3.6 miles to the Green Lake Trailhead.

The park road is very popular for biking due to its hard surface and relatively level accent. Do not let a “road walk” discourage you as the area is still unique as you are engulfed in huge Hemlocks, Firs and Spruce trees. On the ground there is a mystical covering of giant ferns and moss covered logs. It is very enchanting.

At the trailhead you will begin the accent to one of Mt. Rainier most serene mountain lakes. Unlike the park road, which is nearly level, this trail is a fairly strenuous climb. The trail is wide and well worn as it works its way through the giant Hemlock and Douglas Fir forest. If Sasquatch is real then this is where we should expect to seem him/her hanging out.

At the halfway point there is a side trail to Ranger Falls. Ranger Falls is a large and thunderous waterfall with a great observation area. It is well worth the extra steps and should not to be missed.

After visiting the falls the trail will continue to climb with a series of switchbacks until it finally plateaus.

Once over the bridge it is a short walk to the edge of lake and you will immediately understand why it is named Green Lake. The water is crystal clear and has a beautiful green hue. The water is deep and if you venture out on one of the huge logs along the edge you can gaze deep into its mysterious waters.

The lake itself is located in a bowl shaped area and surrounded on three sides by forest however it does provide a partial view of Tolmie Peak to the south.

This is a great hike for the various ecosystems you will experience. It is a bit long but you lose track of time as you walk among the giants and relax by the water. Bring your bikes, a picnic and spend a day exploring this less know corner of the park.

Conclusion

Mt. Rainier National Park is huge and awesome. The above hikes mentioned are only 4 of the hundreds of hiking trails in the park. On my three week visit I only scratched the surface and as I look at the park map there are seems to be an endless number of hikes leading deep into the interior. Of course if you are interested in a challenge and/or bucket list experience than you can summit Mt. Rainier itself or hike the famed Wonderland Trail (WT) which encircles Mt Rainier on its 93 mile trek.

Whether for a day, week or longer Mt. Rainier’s natural beauty will mesmerize you and cause you to want to see more. Do not pass up a chance to visit, you will lose complete track of time!