5 Best Day Hikes In Mt Rainier National Park:
If you are visiting Mt Rainier National Park for the first time and want to get the most out of your visit, here are some great day hikes that should be on any first-time visitors list! These hikes are in no particular order, but they all have amazing views.
- The Skyline Trail
- Tolmie Peak
- Kautz Creek Trail
- Glacier Basin Trail
- Hike to Summerland
The Skyline Trail
Distance: ~6.2 miles
Total Elevation Gain: ~1,788ft
Type Of Hike: Loop Trail
Starting Location: Paradise
The Trail: Starting from the Paradise area, this amazing loop trail will get you up close in personal to the magnificent Nisqually and Paradise glaciers. When you reach Panorama Point, you will see why this trail is so aptly named!
Tolmie Peak
Distance: ~5.6 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 1,541ft
Type Of Hike: There and Back
The Trail: Starting at Mowich Lake this hike offers one of the most breathtaking views in the entire park. When you reach Tolmies Peak will get not only incredible views of Mt. Rainier but also Mt St Helens and Eunice Lake. If you want enjoy this view during a backpacking trip you can check out our Tolmie Peak Backpacking Itinerary.
Kautz Creek Trail
Distance: ~11.2 miles
Total Elevation Gain: 3,969ft
Type Of Trail: There and back
The Hike: This trailhead starts off of Nisqually Road Southwest of Longmire Visitor Center. Although this hike is strenous to start, after the difficult climb you will be rewarded with incredible views of the Mirrior Lakes and South Tahoma Glacier of Mt. Rainier.
Mount Freemont Lookout Trail
Distance: ~6.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,118ft
Type Of Trail: Out and Back
The Trail: Starting out in the Sunrise area this hike begins on the Sourdough Ridge Trail before you hit frozen lake where you will go north on the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail
Hike To Summerland from Fryingpan Creek
Distance: ~10.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,595
Type Of Trail: Out and back
The Trail: Starting at Fryingpan Creek, this nice day hike will get you incredible views of both Emmons and Fryingpan Glacier. If you hike a view miles farther, you will come across Panhandle Gap, the highest point on the Wonderland Trail!
