Itinerary · 2 days · Washington
2 Days in Mount Rainier National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Mount Rainier National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jul–Sep. Closest major airport: Seattle–Tacoma (SEA), about 2 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Walk the Skyline Trail at Paradise. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Watch sunrise at Sunrise (6,400 ft, the highest point you can drive to).
- Evening: Hike to Tolmie Peak Lookout.
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: See the Grove of the Patriarchs.
- Afternoon: Catch reflections at Reflection Lakes.
Clouds hide the mountain on many days. Check the Paradise webcam before you drive up, and go on a weekday in August for the best mix of flowers and space.
When to go
The best time to visit Mount Rainier National Park is July–September.
Best time to visit Mount Rainier, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Mount Rainier National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: walk the skyline trail at paradise and watch sunrise at sunrise (6,400 ft, the highest point you can drive to) on day one, then see the grove of the patriarchs on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Mount Rainier itinerary?
Go in Jul–Sep, when the park is rated at its best. September offers the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Mount Rainier in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss see the grove of the patriarchs. Two days is the sweet spot.