Mount Rainier was one of the United States' first national parks, and the diverse natural scenery lying within its hundreds of thousands of acres undoubtedly deserves our fiercest protection. Washington state's gem contains iconic Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano stretching over 14,000 feet towards the heavens. While there is a trail that reaches the summit, the ascent can be dangerous and requires both prior training and special tools.
Luckily, there's an abundance of trails that are more accessible for visitors to enjoy spectacular views of the parks' most notable features. These easy hikes in Mount Rainier National Park maximize beauty while minimizing physical demands.
10 Box Canyon Trail
- Distance: 0.3-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 19 feet
The Box Canyon Trail is right off the main road and a perfect warmup for visitors to Mount Rainier. The short trail has virtually no elevation gain but includes several dramatic views. Tall trees rise in every direction, and there is a field of gorgeous moss-covered boulders. A small footbridge crosses the steep, glacier-carved Box Canyon, where hikers will enjoy an aerial view of the water rushing through.
9 Grove Of The Patriarchs Nature Trail
- Distance: 1.1 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 52 feet
The Grove of the Patriarchs trail is an easy way to get acclimated to the park's beauty. This short hike can take several hours, depending on how long a person takes to admire the countless beautiful sights along the way. Coniferous forests filled with ancient Douglas Firs create a magical atmosphere. Hikers will cross a suspension bridge over the rushing Ohanapescosh River, spot colorful mushrooms sprouting all over the place, and walk across boardwalks that seamlessly blend in with the natural surroundings.
8 Nisqually Vista Trail
- Distance: 1.1-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 180 feet
The Nisqually Vista Trail is ideal for all ages and skill levels. Not only will hikers enjoy a magical view of Mount Rainier, but they will also walk through Paradise Valley, which comes alive with colorful wildflowers in the summer and stunning foliage during the fall. It's also not uncommon to see deer mamas springing through the forest with their fawns. The entire trail is paved, making it as easy on the feet as it is on the eyes.
7 Narada Falls
- Distance: 0.3 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 72 feet
This short little hike is less than half a mile but delivers some incredible views. It's a popular waypoint for parkgoers, so hit the trail early to enjoy a more intimate adventure. Hikers descend a doable 72-foot drop to Narada Falls from the parking lot, where they'll observe a waterfall that's somehow as gentle as it is powerful. Surrounded by lush forest and often shrouded in mist, the trail also includes a castle-like stone structure, making it a top spot to feel like you're walking through the pages of a fantasy novel.
6 Trail Of The Shadows
- Distance: 0.7-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 39 feet
For hikers who don't mind learning a thing or two during their trek, informative placards about the area's history dot the Trail of the Shadows. The primarily flat loop covers lots of ground, taking guests through dense forest and serene streams colored by wildflowers. The trail also features a replica of an early homesteading cabin and rock pools surrounding hot springs. Take the route counterclockwise for the best experience.
5 Dead Horse Creek Trail
- Distance: 2.2 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 725 feet
Don't let the name alarm you. There will be no dead horses on the hike. The heavily-trafficked, paved trail offers stunning views of Mount Rainier with a foreground of lush meadows. Hikers will hear the soothing sound of bubbling streams and possibly sight some marmots, chipmunks, and mountain goats on their journey. With a bit of an elevation gain, the trail is on the harder side of easy but still manageable for most visitors, and the rewarding views will inspire them to move forward.
4 Sunrise Lake Trail
- Distance: 1.5-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 400 feet
It would be correct to assume that the Sunrise Lake Trail is a great spot to catch the sunrise, but it's ideal for various skill levels at any time of day. The trail leads through the forest and ends with a picturesque view of the eponymous lake. Clear blue waters reflect the surrounding pines and clear sky to create a landscape Bob Ross wouldn't be able to resist painting.
3 Carbon River Rain Forest Nature Trail
- Distance: 0.3-mile loop
- Elevation Gain: 65 feet
Flora lovers will fall in love with the Carbon River Rainforest Nature Trail. Unfortunately, this side of Mount Rainier is less popular than other areas due to its lack of mountain views, but guests to the quieter side can explore a temperate rainforest bursting with endless shades of green. Ferns blanket the forest floor, and bits of sunlight penetrate the dense canopy to create a magical, prehistoric ambiance. While the trail is less maintained than others, it only adds to the wild feel.
2 Silver Forest Trail
- Distance: 1.9-mile out and back
- Elevation Gain: 200 feet
This popular trail features two incredible viewpoints of Mount Rainier right at the beginning, and those who continue their hike will reap the rewards of pressing on. Crowds thin out, and the iconic mountain remains visible from the narrow path for most of the journey. Meadows decorated in seemingly endless wildflowers will compel parkgoers to frolic and possibly even burst into song.
1 Carter Falls Trail
- Distance: 2.6 miles out and back
- Elevation Gain: 557 feet
his easy hike has it all. It starts with dense, old-growth forests and opens to a log bridge crossing over a rocky river with unobstructed views of Mount Rainier in the background. Hikers will follow the river to reach the falls, blessed by a nice view complemented by the towering trees. Visitors can add the Madcap Falls Trail to lengthen their adventure without added difficulty.