Mount Rainier (aka Tahoma) is one of those mountains that looks unreal from a distance… and then somehow gets even more ridiculous once you’re on the trails.
I’ve hiked a good spread around the park, and these are the day hikes I’d send a friend to first: big views, proper “wow” moments, and a mix of easier days and “my calves have opinions” days.
Quick note before we start: Road access at Rainier is famously seasonal, and a few areas can be affected by closures. I’ll flag anything important as we go.
Ready? Let’s roll.
The 7 Best Mt Rainier Hikes To Walk
Let’s start my list of the best Mount Rainer hikes with the most popular trail: The Skyline Trail.
1. Skyline Trail (Paradise)
- Length: 5.5 miles / 8.9 km (loop)
- Duration: ~4.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (with a few spicy climbs)
- Best known for: Wildflowers, glaciers, and ridiculous close-up Rainier views
This is the Rainier classic for a reason. If I only had one hike to sell you on the park, it’d be this one.
Paradise is basically an amphitheatre of alpine drama. Think: meadows, marmots, ice, and that looming white giant making you feel tiny (in a good way).
Here’s my very specific “learned the hard way” tip: even in summer, you can hit lingering snowfields and brutal glare on bright days.
That’s why I take snow glasses on my hike. Squinting for 4.5 hours is not a vibe, and the reflected light can be savage.
If you pace it, snack often, and stop shamelessly for photos, Skyline feels like a whole highlight reel in one loop.
2. Burroughs Mountain (Sunrise)
- Length: 7 miles / 11.3 km (out-and-back to Second Burroughs)
- Duration: ~3–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best known for: Up-close glacier views and a “walk on Mars” kind of landscape
Sunrise is the highest road-access point in the park, which means you start high and get a big payoff fast.
Burroughs is a choose-your-own-adventure: go to First Burroughs for a shorter day, or push on to Second for the full spectacle.
The vibe out here is more open and rugged than Paradise. It has wide views, rocky ridgelines, and a constant sense you’re walking directly into Rainier’s personal space.
Just keep an eye on conditions: This area is seasonal, and snow can hang around longer than you’d expect. You can learn more about it in this handy Mount Rainier guide.
3. Mount Fremont Lookout (Sunrise)
- Length: 5.6 miles / 9.0 km (out-and-back)
- Duration: ~3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best known for: Fire lookout views and mountain goat spotting
If you like hikes that feel “high-alpine” without being an all-day suffer-fest, Fremont is a gem.
The trail rolls along ridges and open slopes, and the lookout itself is a proper payoff. It’s a classic wooden structure perched above the world.
This is also one of my favourite “golden hour” trails. Yes, you’ll probably find it is one of the best hikes in America. No exaggeration.
If you can time it for late afternoon on a clear day, the light on Rainier is borderline unfair.
And yes, keep your eyes peeled for goats! They’ve absolutely claimed this area as their own.
Next, the Summerland Trail.
4. Summerland Trail (Fryingpan Creek)
- Length: 8.4 miles / 13.5 km (out-and-back)
- Duration: ~4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best known for: Wildflower meadows and glacier-fed scenery
Summerland is one of those hikes that feels like it was designed by someone who wanted hikers to be maximally delighted.
You start in the forest, then break out into meadows that (in peak season) look like the ground is trying to show off.
It’s also a brilliant “big day” without needing technical skills. All you need is just steady walking, plenty of water, and a willingness to stop every five minutes to stare at mountains.
I’d go earlier in the day if you can; the trail is popular for a reason. If you love this trail, and I know you will, then also check out these best hikes in Washington.
5. Naches Peak Loop (Tipsoo Lake / Chinook Pass)
- Length: 3.5 miles / 5.6 km (loop)
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best known for: Huge Rainier views for minimal effort
This is my “I want maximum views with minimum drama” pick, especially if you’re road-tripping or want a gentler day after a bigger hike.
The Naches Peak loop is short, scenic, and famously photogenic, with great Rainier viewpoints and classic subalpine meadow vibes.
One practical note: This corridor is seasonal, and conditions can change quickly. Always keep an eye on official guidance for the trail.
Still, as an introduction to Rainier scenery, it’s an absolute steal. Ready to move on? Let’s tackle hike number 6 on my list of Mt Rainier hikes.
6. Comet Falls (Longmire)
- Length: 3.8 miles / 6.1 km (out-and-back)
- Duration: ~3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best known for: A thunderous waterfall and lush forest trail
When Rainier decides to be moody (clouds, drizzle, dramatic mist), I lean into it and go for waterfalls.
Comet Falls is one of the best bang-for-buck options: relatively short, properly loud, and the kind of place where the spray makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a fantasy scene.
The climb is steady, and the payoff is immediate when you reach the falls viewpoint. Expect to linger here.
It’s also a good shoulder-season choice compared to the higher-elevation routes.
7. Pinnacle Peak (Reflection Lakes)
- Length: 2.5 miles / 4.0 km (out-and-back)
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate (short, steep, and spicy)
- Best known for: Big views in a short burst, plus Tatoosh Range vibes
Pinnacle Peak is what I call a “pocket rocket” hike: short mileage, fast gain, and a view that makes you forget you were complaining 12 minutes earlier.
You start near Reflection Lakes, then grind up through the forest and open sections into proper mountain scenery.
This is a brilliant option if you’re limited on time (or daylight), or if you want a sunset mission with a satisfying summit-feel.
Just take it slow on the steeper bits, especially if the trail’s wet.
A Quick Access Heads-Up (So You Don’t Get Blindsided)
Always keep an eye on the road conditions.
As of the National Park Service road status update (December 11, 2025), SR 165 Carbon River/Fairfax Bridge is closed, which means no public access to Carbon River or Mowich Lake (the northwest corner of the park).
If you had dreams of Tolmie Peak or Spray Park, double-check access before you commit.
And if you’re backpacking, grab some decent backpacking insurance for your trip.
But wait, what do I pack for a Rainier day hike? Here’s what I take on a hike.
What I Pack for Rainier Day Hikes
My minimalist “don’t-regret-it-later” list for hiking around Mt. Rainier:
- Layers (Rainier does what it wants)
- Waterproof shell
- Enough water + snacks you actually want to eat
- Sun protection (yes, even when it’s cold)
- A basic first-aid/blister kit
- Offline map (signal can be patchy)
- And, if there’s snow about: eye protection you trust (hello, glare)
My Final Thoughts
And there you have it: the 7 best Mt Rainier hikes to try today. From thundering waterfalls to blooming blossoms, you’ll never get bored hiking here. What do you think? Did I miss a special trail? Let me know in the comments below.
