Did you know you can see a 1,000-year-old tree, an active glacier, and wildflower meadows all in one day without breaking a sweat? Mount Rainier National Park’s gentle trails make these wonders accessible to just about everyone, from toddlers to grandparents.
I’ve spent loads of time exploring Mount Rainier’s easier paths, and I’m always amazed at how much beauty you can soak in without climbing steep switchbacks. These beginner-friendly trails pack in the same stunning views and natural wonders as their more challenging counterparts – you just won’t need an ice axe to enjoy them.
If you’re planning to visit Mount Rainier National Park by yourself, make your planning easy and stress free with a detailed itinerary. I have 1-, 2- and 3-day itineraries for Mount Rainier National Park that include all the park highlights, give you choices based on your preferred activity level, and take all the stress out of planning your trip.
No time right now to read about my picks for the best easy hikes in Mount Rainier National Park? Pin It and save it for later:
🛏️TOP HOTEL PICK: Check availability now
🚘FIND THE CHEAPEST CAR RENTAL: Search Discover Cars for the best deals
✈️FIND THE CHEAPEST FLIGHTS: Search Skyscanner for the best deals
🧳GET TRAVEL INSURANCE: Get insured with Travelex before you go
📱TAKE AN AUDIO TOUR: Buy an audio tour now
Subscribe to daily national parks planning tips, travel inspiration and trip ideas and I’ll send you a free PDF of this Guide:
7 Must-Do Easy Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
Table of Contents
Introduction to Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier stands tall as Washington state’s crown jewel, pulling in visitors year-round with its snow-capped peak and wildflower-dotted meadows. Just 2 hours from Seattle, this national park offers something for everyone – from casual wanderers to seasoned mountain enthusiasts.
The park really shines from July through September when most trails open up and the weather’s at its best. During these months, you’ll get those picture-perfect views of glaciers, waterfalls, and alpine meadows bursting with color. Paradise, the park’s most popular area, lives up to its name with stunning mountain views right from the parking lot.
What makes Mount Rainier special is how it caters to different comfort levels. You don’t need to be a hardcore hiker to enjoy the park’s beauty. There are plenty of paved paths and gentle trails that still give you those wow-worthy mountain views.
1. The Nisqually Vista Trail
I hiked the Nisqually Vista Trail recently and let me tell you – it’s one of the best short hikes in Mt Rainier National Park. At just 1.2 miles round trip, this paved loop trail gives you those postcard-worthy views without breaking a sweat.
Starting from the Paradise parking area, you’ll follow a gentle path through gorgeous meadows that come alive with purple lupines and red paintbrush in July and August.
The trail is paved the whole way and mostly flat, making it great for beginners or anyone who wants to take it slow and soak in the scenery. Plenty of families with strollers enjoy this trail all the time.
The main attraction here is the up-close view of the Nisqually Glacier. You can see the massive ice field stretching down Mount Rainier’s face – it’s pretty incredible to think this glacier has been around for thousands of years! There are several viewing platforms along the way where you can stop and take photos or just catch your breath while looking at the mountain.
I love how this trail changes throughout the day. Morning light hits the glacier just right, but afternoon visits mean warmer temperatures and clearer skies. In summer, the wildflower displays are stunning, while fall brings beautiful golden colors to the meadows.
Remember that even though it’s an easy trail, you’re still at 5,400 feet elevation. The weather can change quickly, so pack a light jacket and water. The path can be snow-covered until late June or early July, but once it melts, it’s smooth walking all the way around.
2. Trail of the Shadows
The Trail of the Shadows at Longmire is hands-down one of the coolest easy hikes in Mt Rainier National Park. I love taking first-time visitors here because in just 0.7 miles, you get a little bit of everything that makes Rainier special.
Starting right across from the Longmire Museum, this flat loop trail takes you through an old-growth forest that feels like stepping back in time. The path winds past bubbling mineral springs that smell slightly of sulfur – these are the same springs that drew James Longmire to build the area’s first tourist resort in the 1800s.
What makes this trail extra special is how it shows off the park’s history. You’ll pass the Longmire Cabin, which is the oldest structure still standing in the park. The interpretive signs along the way tell stories about the early days of tourism at Mount Rainier, when people would come to “take the waters” at the springs.
The trail is available year-round, and it’s one of the few lower elevation trails that stays accessible even in winter. I’ve walked it in every season, and it’s always different – spring brings tiny wildflowers, summer has deep forest shade, fall shows off mushrooms, and winter offers peaceful snowy scenes.
If you’re traveling with kids or folks who aren’t up for anything too strenuous, this trail hits the sweet spot. It’s wheelchair and stroller-friendly for most of the loop, and there are plenty of benches if you need a rest. The whole thing takes about 30 minutes, but I’d give yourself an hour to really check out all the cool spots along the way.
3. Naches Peak Loop Trail
If you’re looking for jaw-dropping views without too much effort, the Naches Peak Loop Trail hits all the right notes. At 3.4 miles round trip, this moderate loop starts at Tipsoo Lake and takes you on a show-stopping tour around the mountain.
I always tell people to hike this trail clockwise – trust me on this one. Going this way saves the best Mount Rainier views for the second half of your walk. The path starts with a gentle climb through pine forests before opening up to wide-open meadows that put on an amazing color show in fall.
The trail really comes alive in late September when the huckleberry bushes turn bright red and orange. The mix of fall colors against the snow-capped peak of Rainier is something else.
You’ll gain about 600 feet in elevation as you go, but it’s spread out nicely along the trail. There are plenty of spots to stop and catch your breath while taking in views of not just Rainier, but also the valleys below and even Mount Adams on clear days.
Start early if you can – the parking lot at Tipsoo Lake fills up fast, especially during peak fall color season. And don’t forget to check the weather before you head out. The trail sits at 5,400 feet, so conditions can change quickly, even in summer.
4. Grove of the Patriarchs Trail
The Grove of the Patriarchs Trail might be short, but it packs a big punch. This 1.5-mile round-trip path takes you through some of the oldest and biggest trees in Mount Rainier National Park. Standing next to these 1,000-year-old Douglas firs really puts things in perspective.
The trail starts near the Stevens Canyon entrance and quickly leads you to a cool suspension bridge over the Ohanapecosh River. It’s a fun crossing that sways a bit – kids will love it!
Once you’re across, you’re in for a treat. The boardwalk winds through a forest island where massive Western red cedars and Douglas firs have been growing since before Columbus sailed to America.
What makes this hike extra special is how easy it is. The path is mostly flat, and the boardwalk keeps your feet dry while protecting the ancient tree roots. It’s perfect for families, older folks, or anyone who wants to see something amazing without working too hard.
The interpretive signs along the way tell you all about these giant trees – some are over 40 feet around! I like going early in the morning or late afternoon when the sunlight filters through the canopy. It’s quieter then, and you can really feel the age of this place.
Remember to bring your camera – the trees are so big you’ll need to get creative with your shots to fit them in the frame. And don’t skip the river views from the suspension bridge – they’re especially pretty in the morning light.
5. Bench and Snow Lakes Trail
The Bench and Snow Lakes Trail is one of those hidden gems that gives you two pretty lakes for the price of one easy stream trail. At just 2.5 miles round trip, this trail off Stevens Canyon Road packs a lot of beauty into a short walk.
One of the first things that will strike you is how peaceful it feels compared to the busier Paradise area. The path starts with a gentle downhill through the woods before opening up to Bench Lake. The reflections of Mount Rainier on the water’s surface on a calm, clear day are incredible!
After Bench Lake, the trail climbs a bit as you head toward Snow Lake. It’s not too steep, but you’ll definitely feel the elevation gain. Snow Lake sits in a little bowl surrounded by rocky slopes, and it’s a perfect spot for a snack break. The water is usually pretty chilly, but on hot summer days, you might see brave swimmers cooling off.
What I love about this trail is how different the two lakes are. Bench Lake is quiet and reflective, while Snow Lake feels more open and dramatic. The best time to visit is July through September when the trail is snow-free. Morning visits usually mean calmer water for those mirror-like reflections.
Pro tip: bring bug spray in summer – the lakes can get buggy. And don’t forget your camera – the mountain reflections in these lakes make for some of the best photos in the park.
6. Narada Falls Trail
Narada Falls Trail is a perfect pick if you’re new to hiking or just want a quick nature fix. The trail runs just 0.2 miles from the parking area to the waterfall viewpoint, making it one of the shortest trails in Mount Rainier National Park. You’ll only face about 100 feet of elevation change on this path.
The walk from your car to the falls overlook is straightforward and takes most people about 10-15 minutes round trip. While the path is partly paved, it does include some stairs and can get a bit slippery when wet – so watch your step! I’ve taken plenty of first-time hikers here, and they’ve all managed it just fine.
You can easily pair this with other beginner-friendly spots nearby, like Paradise or Reflection Lake, to make a full morning or afternoon of sightseeing.
The waterfall splits into two stunning sections as it drops down the rocky face. The upper tier plunges about 168 feet into a wide basin, while the lower section spreads out into a fan-like pattern as it tumbles another 20 feet down. The falls thunder down with impressive power during spring snowmelt, creating a misty spectacle that often forms rainbows on sunny days.
When winter rolls in, the falls take on a totally different look. Ice formations build up around the edges, and the reduced water flow creates delicate patterns in the frozen sections. Summer and fall bring a more moderate flow, letting you get a better view in fall of the layered volcanic rock behind the falls. The viewpoint puts you at eye level with the upper falls, giving you a perfect spot to snap photos or just take in the view.
One of the biggest draws of Narada Falls is how it packs such a dramatic view into such an accessible viewpoint nearby. From the viewpoint, you’ll see water crashing down through layers of black volcanic rock, often creating a refreshing mist that’s perfect on hot summer days. The observation platform gives you a safe, sturdy spot to take photos or just soak in the scenery.
Since the trail is so short and manageable, it’s perfect for families with kids or older folks who want to see something spectacular without a long hike. I’ve seen people of all ages enjoying this trail – from toddlers to grandparents.
After checking out Narada Falls, you’re just a short drive from other easy spots like Paradise and Reflection Lake. You could easily spend a morning hitting all three locations and still have time for lunch at Paradise Inn.
7. Skyline Trail to Myrtle Falls
The walk to Myrtle Falls via Skyline from Paradise is one of the easiest ways to get an amazing waterfall view at Mount Rainier. Starting at the Paradise parking lot, it’s just a half-mile round trip on a paved section of the Skyline Trail. The path has a slight uphill grade, gaining about 100 feet in elevation, but most people handle it without any trouble.
If you’re coming from out of town or aren’t used to hiking, this is a perfect starter trail. The path is well-maintained and usually clear of snow by late June. I’ve walked this trail with folks of all ages, from small kids to grandparents, and they’ve all managed just fine. You can take your time – most people spend about 20-30 minutes on the round trip, including time for photos at the falls.
Just remember that even though it’s a short walk, you’re still at 5,400 feet elevation, so take it slow if you need to.
Myrtle Falls drops 72 feet through a narrow rock channel, creating a picturesque scene with Mount Rainier towering in the background. During summer, the meadows around the falls burst with colorful wildflowers – purple lupines, red paintbrush, and yellow avalanche lilies dot the landscape.
The viewing platform gives you a perfect spot to see the falls framed by the mountain. In the morning, the light hits just right for photos, and you might catch some rainbows in the mist. The water flow changes throughout the year – it’s strongest during spring snowmelt and gentler by late summer.
The falls are especially pretty during wildflower season at Rainier in July and August. Time your visit for early morning or evening to dodge the crowds and get better lighting for photos. I’ve found that sunrise visits are particularly special – the morning light on the mountain and falls creates amazing photo opportunities.
Subscribe to daily national parks planning tips, travel inspiration and trip ideas and I’ll send you a free PDF of this Guide:
7 Must-Do Easy Hikes in Mount Rainier National Park
Final Thoughts on Best Easy Day Hikes: Mount Rainier National Park
These easy trails show off the best of Mount Rainier without making you work too hard for the views. From paved paths at Paradise to wooden boardwalks through ancient forests, each trail offers something unique while keeping things manageable for hikers of all levels.
Remember that even these gentle trails sit at high elevation, so take it slow and bring plenty of water. The best part? These hikes prove you don’t need to be a mountaineer to experience Mount Rainier’s magic – just a pair of comfortable shoes and a sense of wonder.
Travel Insurance for Mt Rainier National Park Hiking
You should definitely have travel insurance when you hike the Mt Rainier National Park trails. Good travel insurance will cover you for trip cancellation, theft or damage if your property when traveling, medical help if you have an accident while on the Mt Rainier hiking trails or medical repatriation if you need to get medi-vaced out.
➡️ A great insurance option is Travelex. It has coverage for all you’ll need. You can compare Travel Insurance plans here or get a quote right now:
Enjoy these easy Mount Rainier hikes!
➡️ Read more Mount Rainier hikes
More Planning Resources for Mount Rainier National Park
⭐ Mount Rainier National Park Guide
⭐ Mount Rainier National Park Itineraries
⭐ 20 Best Mount Rainier Hikes
⭐ Planning a Trip to Mount Rainier National Park: 7 Mistakes to Avoid
⭐ How many days in Mount Rainier National Park do you need?
⭐ 10 Tips For Visiting Mount Rainier National Park
⭐ The Skyline Trail Guide
⭐ How To Get to Mount Rainier National Park
⭐ All the Airports Near Mount Rainier National Park
⭐ The Closest Airport To Mount Rainier National Park
⭐ Best Time To Visit Mount Rainier National Park
⭐ Visiting Mount Rainier National Park: What To Expect Throughout the Year
⭐ 10 Fun Facts About Mount Rainier National Park
Do you have any other favorite easy hikes in Mt Rainier National Park? I’d love to hear about it. 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).
If you liked this article, Pin It to your Mount Rainier National Park board!
💡 Are you just starting to think about taking a national parks trip? Get Inspiration
‼️ Are you looking for helpful tips for visiting US national parks? Read articles that share useful tips on a range of national-park related issues
💻 Are you starting to plan a trip to Mount Rainier National Park? Read my Guide to Mount Rainier National Park
📋 Do you want a ready-made super detailed plan for your trip to Mount Rainier? Get a detailed 1 – 3-day Mt Rainier National Park Itinerary
💲 Are you ready to book your trip? Use these Planning and Booking Resources
📖 Do you want to read a book about US national parks? Check out my Recommended Reading Lists
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, Time Business News, Savoteur, Best Trip, and Wired.
I’m a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.