Mount Rainier National Park

Paradise

Subalpine wildflower meadows spread across the slopes of Paradise, sitting at about 5,400 feet on the peak's south side. Hikers can pick routes that run from gentle to demanding, and many climb through flower-filled country toward open views of the volcano and the Tatoosh Range. The Skyline Trail leads through the meadows to viewpoints, while the Nisqually Vista Trail is a short loop with views of the Nisqually Glacier that works well for strollers. Paradise Inn, a historic inn, stands near the upper parking area, and the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center is also here with educational exhibits. Reflection Lakes, three miles east of Paradise along Stevens Canyon Road, sometimes show the peak in their still water. Stay on the marked paths, because the meadows are easily damaged.

Sunrise

Sitting at 6,400 feet, Sunrise is as high as a car can go, and the road ends at a lodge and visitor center with exhibits and rangers. Mount Rainier fills the view, with Emmons Glacier spreading across its northeast face. From Sunrise Point, the view wraps nearly all the way around to other Cascade volcanoes, Mount Adams among them. Wildflowers crowd the meadows. The Burroughs Mountain Trail passes Shadow Lake on its way to a plateau, the Mount Fremont Lookout Trail crosses open meadows and rocky ground before reaching a historic lookout, and the Sourdough Ridge Trail climbs from the parking area. A 2-mile round trip leads to Emmons Vista and Silver Forest. Hiking is the main activity, and stargazing from the parking lot or Sunrise Point is another option after dark.

Longmire

A former homestead, lodging and mineral springs resort, this area was once park headquarters, and its historic buildings now form a national historic district. The Longmire Museum sits in the original headquarters building and shares the park's natural and geological history along with stories of its early days. The National Park Inn is the only lodging in the park open all year. Trail of the Shadows is a 0.7-mile loop that passes a wetland, a replica homestead cabin and bubbling mineral springs, with viewpoints at its start. Twin Firs Loop is a short trail through old-growth forest. From the parking area by the Longmire Community Building and the historic Suspension Bridge, you can look across the Nisqually River to the mountain. Trails here range from easy walks to strenuous hikes, and in winter the same routes suit snowshoeing.

Ohanapecosh

Old-growth forest defines this southeast corner, where Douglas-firs, western red cedars, and western hemlocks rise over the trails. The east side runs drier and sunnier than the west, a relief when fog covers other areas. A short loop trail winds beneath big old trees to the Ohanapecosh Hot Springs and past traces of an early resort. The Box Canyon Loop Trail runs along the lip of a gorge, crosses a wooden footbridge, and passes bedrock scored by glaciers that once filled the canyon. The Silver Falls Trail leads to a waterfall on the Ohanapecosh River, a clear stream that holds rainbow, brook, and cutthroat trout for fly anglers. The Visitor Center and campground are located here. The name comes from a Taidnapam (Upper Cowlitz) habitation site on the river and is understood to mean standing at the edge.

Carbon River

The northwest corner of the park receives heavy rainfall, so its climate and plant communities resemble a temperate rainforest. The valley holds the only true inland rain forest in the park, since rain forests seldom grow far from the coast. The Carbon River Trail follows a former road for about five miles, mostly wide and flat and open to walkers, hikers, and cyclists. Mountain bikers can ride it as far as Ipsut Creek Campground, and hikers can continue on foot. Carbon Glacier has shaped the surrounding landscape. A short loop, the Carbon River Rainforest Trail, runs about 0.3 miles on old boardwalk, though some sections are broken. The Carbon River Ranger Station offers park information, wilderness camping, and climbing permits.

Mowich Lake

Set in a glacial basin, this is the largest and deepest lake in the park, ringed by fragile wildflower meadows. Visitors can picnic and take in the views, fish, or paddle the water by canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board, since the lake is open to non-motorized boating. The road in is unpaved after its first three miles and can be rough. A primitive campground with eight tent sites lies close to the lake and has no running water. Other trails reach Spray Park, with its waterfall, meadows, and views of Mowich Glacier, while the Tolmie Peak Trail climbs to Eunice Lake and meadows with views of Tolmie Peak.