We’re continuing our posts on national parks by next highlighting Mount Rainier, and by once again featuring a post written by a guest of ours.
Mount Rainier is the final of the three national parks in WA state. It’s the largest volcano in the Cascade Volcanic Arc. It also has the largest glaciers in the lower 48.
There’s lots of great hiking and camping in and around the park. One of the most popular hikes is located in Paradise and called the Skyline Loop Trail. It is 5.5 miles round trip with the highest point at 6800 ft. If you hike in the summer you’ll see glaciers, waterfalls, snow, green meadows, and wildflowers all in one hike. My favorite view on the trail is Panorama Point where you’ll even see Oregon’s Mount Hood.
If you want something less heavily trafficked, Mt Fremont Fire Lookout (5.7 miles) and Pinnacle Peak (2.5 miles) are two good hikes with great views of Mt. Rainier and surrounding ranges. Both are rated as moderate.
Finally, I would make sure to stop at Grove of the Patriarchs. It’s an easy, 1.5 mile loop trail through an ancient forest with giant trees. Some of the trees are 1,000+ years old!
Thanks again to our guest contributor! If you want to see more of her photos from her explorations in the PNW, find her on Instagram @pnw.hiking.trails
