Before we get to the reviews, let’s acknowledge something important:
Mount Rainier National Park has a reputation. A big one. The kind that comes with postcards, bucket lists, and very high expectations.
And high expectations, as it turns out, are fertile ground for one-star reviews.
This post is a collection of those moments — when visitors left Mount Rainier not quietly disappointed, but motivated enough to open Yelp or TripAdvisor and document their feelings for the rest of the internet.
I read through the lowest ratings and gathered the most striking, dramatic, and unintentionally funny reviews into one place.
Think of this as a side trail off the usual Mount Rainier narrative.
Less about scenery.
More about reactions.
If you love national parks, this will be entertaining.
If you’re planning a trip to Mount Rainier, it may make you more prepared.
And if you’ve ever wondered how even a park like this can earn a one-star review — keep reading.
Hilarious Bad Mount Rainier National Park Reviews
Worst National Park I have ever been to in my life… it was like a juicy piece of steak presented on a trash can lid.
Yelp
This is weird … but I don’t see any trash here.
What really irritates me, is spending 30 dollars to drive 30 min up a mountain. that’s a dollar a min, them old 1800 numbers are literally cheaper then that… and then they have almost everything closed. The dining area, the mountain exhibition, it was all closed except the gift shop, of course, so they can get a little MORE money out of you.
Yelp
Maybe try the trails and viewpoints …
(It) really is a one trick pony (That being Mt Rainier) this is more like a huge city park with a little Disney thrown in for all the children.
TripAdvisor
Mount Rainier is definitely a focal point, but the North Cascades are all around. And there are literally millions of wildflowers on the meadows in summer. And lakes. And historic fire towers. And waterfalls. And old growth forests …
There are tons of stairs to walk up and it feels almost endless but it is not steep which is good for beginner hikers.
TripAdvisor
We couldn’t see the mountain from Paradise Point due to heavy fog/clouds.
TripAdvisor
I feel their pain – the park is definitely more beautiful when the weather is clear and you can see the incredible views. But there are other things to see, too.
Firstly, can you even believe that you can stand right on a mountain but not be able to see it? Well, at Rainier you can! Even worse, there’s no tramway to the summit. Like, they expect us to walk up there or something? Wtf- no. Then there’s the situation with the bears. You’re not supposed to feed the bears (haha, yeah right), but we didn’t even see one.
Yelp
I’m hoping this is a joke, too.
Read more about this beautiful national park:
➡️ Guide to Mount Rainier National Park
➡️ 1-3-day Mount Rainier National Park Itineraries
What did you think of these reviews? Join my private Facebook group National Parks Collectors and comment and let me know (you can also pick up extra planning tips, share your photos and stories with other national park lovers and more).
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💻 Are you starting to plan a trip to Mount Rainier National Park? Read my Guide to Mount Rainier National Park
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About the Author
James Ian is a national park, camping and hiking expert.
He has dedicated his life to travel, visiting more than 80 countries, all 7 continents and most of the national parks in the United States. With over 35 years experience in the travel industry, James has worked on cruise ships, at resorts and hotels, and as a travel planner who’s helped hundreds of people plan successful trips to US national parks.
Based on his experience visiting our national parks multiple times, in-depth research and expertise as a travel planner, James has published detailed itineraries for many of the major national parks in the US. These itineraries, as well as in-depth park guides, and other resources will help you have your own incredible trip to US national parks without stress and hassle.
As a national park expert, James has contributed to many publications, including USA Today, Newsweek, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.