MOUNT RAINER NATIONAL PARK
MOUNT RAINER NATIONAL PARK
MOUNT RAINER TRIP FOR THE FAMILY
Welcome to Mount Rainier National Park, a majestic wilderness where families can immerse themselves in the beauty of towering peaks, pristine alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls. With its diverse landscapes and abundant wildlife, Mount Rainier offers families a unique opportunity to connect with nature and embark on unforgettable adventures together. Here are eight points of interest to see in Mount Rainier National Park:
Paradise: Begin your journey at Paradise, the park’s most popular visitor center and starting point for many adventures. Take a scenic drive along the Paradise Valley Road, stopping at overlooks to admire panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding landscapes.
Skyline Trail: Hike the Skyline Trail for breathtaking views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding alpine meadows. Marvel at colorful wildflowers, spot wildlife such as marmots and deer, and enjoy the crisp mountain air as you explore this scenic trail.
Narada Falls: Discover Narada Falls, one of the park’s most stunning waterfalls. Take a short walk from the parking area to reach the base of the falls, where you can feel the cool mist on your face as the water cascades down from above.
Grove of the Patriarchs: Explore the Grove of the Patriarchs, a tranquil old-growth forest located in the park’s southeastern corner. Follow the easy loop trail through towering Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and ancient hemlock trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old.
Sunrise: Visit Sunrise, the highest point in the park accessible by car. Take a scenic drive along the Sunrise Road, stopping at viewpoints to admire panoramic vistas of Mount Rainier, Emmons Glacier, and the surrounding valleys.
Emmons Vista Overlook: Stop at Emmons Vista Overlook for stunning views of the Emmons Glacier, the largest glacier in the contiguous United States. Marvel at the icy blue hues of the glacier as it flows down from the summit of Mount Rainier.
Silver Falls: Hike to Silver Falls, a picturesque waterfall located along the Ohanapecosh River. Follow the short trail through lush forests and moss-covered rocks to reach the base of the falls, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings.
Junior Ranger Program: Engage the whole family in Mount Rainier’s Junior Ranger Program, where kids can learn about geology, ecology, and wilderness conservation through fun and interactive activities. Upon completion, they’ll receive a badge and a sense of pride in protecting this special place.
With its stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, and opportunities for adventure and exploration, Mount Rainier National Park offers families a chance to connect with nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. Pack your sense of adventure, hiking boots, and camera, and prepare for an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Cascade Range.
OUR MOUNT RAINER STORY
To visit the parks in the Pacific Northwest of America we flew to Portland, Oregon. Our plan was to see seven new parks and we drove over 4500 miles to accomplish this task. We stayed in a hotel near the park. It was summer, but there was plenty of snow on the ground. That was picture-perfect and agreeable for the boys….