Seeking Wildflowers on Mt. Rainier’s Paradise Trails

There is no doubt that Mount Rainier is one of Washington’s most iconic must-see attractions. Mount Rainier National Park welcomes thousands of visitors year-round. Most of its visitors coming during the summer when five of the developed areas in the park are open. Paradise is among these five developed areas. Paradise is worth visiting during summer for a chance not only to see Mount Rainier up close and personal, but also the beautiful wildflower meadows that compliment the landscape. 

Panorama Point Mt Rainier

Planning Your Visit

Mount Rainier National Park is located about 2-3 hours from Seattle, Tacoma and Portland. Before heading out, it is always important to check for road conditions or important alerts . The weather on the mountain can change rapidly. As with all national parks, there are entrance fees associated with your visit unless you are an annual pass holder. It is also important to note that pets and bicycles are prohibited on all park trails.

Paradise Trail Mt Rainier Woman hiking on trail

Paradise Area Trails

There are many trails in the Paradise area ranging from easy to moderate and strenuous. Panorama Point is a must-do and will bring you up close and personal with Mount Rainier and the Nisqually Glacier. It is labeled as strenuous, however, the average hiker should be able to conquer Panorama Point via the Alta Vista and Skyline Trail. Alternatively, Glacier Vista will also give you a beautiful view should you decide not to go all the way to Panorama Point.

Before you head up, grab a map at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center. Speak with a ranger if you have questions about the park or trails. The Panorama Point trailhead begins right outside the visitor center above the stairs with a quote from John Muir. The route to Panorama Point is about 5.5 miles roundtrip with a 1,700-foot elevation gain. The trails and junctions are well marked, so rest assured there will be signage along the way as the map can be intimidating. 

From the moment you set foot on any of the trails in the Paradise area, you will be awestruck by the beautiful alpine meadows before you. They will continue to show off their beauty the entire route. Deer, chipmunks and marmots are also likely to cross your path. Add that with views from Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood and the Tatoosh Range. If your’re lucky to hike on a clear day you’ve got a recipe for a postcard-perfect experience and views you will never forget. 

Julie Sojot

Julie is a PNW transplant from the Island of Oahu. She is a wife, mother and adventurist who loves to travel with her family always in tow. Follow along with more of her adventures on Instagram: @jascollective

4 Comments

  1. Tamara Caulkins on August 3, 2020 at 4:41 pm

    Here’s a guide for identifying wildflowers on Mount Rainier: https://www.nps.gov/mora/learn/nature/wildflowers.htm

  2. […] destination for those looking to escape to the mountains and relax in a cozy, charming cabin. From summer wildflower hikes at Mount Rainier to hitting the winter slopes at White Pass Ski Area, this authentic small mountain […]

  3. […] Washington has a unique abundance of wild foods that grow across the entire state. From the coast to the eastern plains, these rugged lands offer an unparalleled diversity of landscapes and ecosystems. Many of the forest foods of Washington are nutrient-dense, packed with vitamins and contain medicinal properties. Whether you’re looking for wild foods to enhance your diet or boost your immune system, there are edible plants all around the state for everyone to enjoy. While there are ample foraging opportunities year-round in Washington, spring is the ideal time to start venturing out in search of edible herbs and wildflowers.  […]

  4. […] the most spectacular views of the Enchantment peaks and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, not to mention Mount Rainier dominating to the south. This August saw a brief outbreak of wildfire after an overnight lightning […]

Leave a Comment





This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.